Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! With delightful flavors of vanilla, cherry, and almond, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Their unique taste and attractive icing make them a standout addition to holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. You’ll find that this simple recipe is easy to follow and yields a generous batch, ensuring everyone gets to indulge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond extracts creates a deliciously unique taste.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or just because – these cookies fit any occasion!
• Great for Sharing: With 48 servings, you can easily share these delightful treats with friends and family.
• Visually Stunning: The thick cherry-almond icing and slivered almonds provide an eye-catching finish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in organizing ingredients during prep.
• Electric mixer: Ensures that butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are made with the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 2 – 12 oz. jars maraschino cherries (drained (reserve juice), minced, squeezed VERY dry)
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. almond extract
• 2 tsp. cherry extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cream of tartar

For the Icing

• 4 tbsp. butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup + 1-2 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. cherry extract
• 4 – 5 cups powdered sugar

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Servings: 48
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT80M
Categories: Cookies

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in both almond extract and cherry extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing until combined.

Step 4: Add Cherries

Fold in the minced maraschino cherries gently into the cookie dough.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Prepare Icing

While cookies cool:
1. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter with reserved cherry juice until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
3. Stir in almond extract and cherry extract.

Step 7: Ice the Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top as garnish.

Enjoy your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven or stored in an airtight container! Perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in many ways, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk brings out their sweetness and complements the almond flavor perfectly.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an inviting display.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages enhance the flavors of cherry and almond, making each bite even more satisfying.

Gift Them in Mason Jars

• Pack these cookies in mason jars with a decorative ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. It’s a sweet gesture that friends and family will appreciate.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve these cookies during festive occasions. Their vibrant color and delicious flavor make them a hit at holiday parties.

With Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, serve crumbled cookies over vanilla ice cream. The combination of textures is heavenly!

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a softer cookie texture.

• Sift the flour: Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, resulting in lighter cookies that have the ideal puffy texture.

• Don’t skip chilling: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading.

• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and flavor for up to a week.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add sprinkles or additional slivered almonds on top of the icing for extra flair and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

While these cookies are wonderful on their own, pairing them with some side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad enhances the sweetness of the cookies while providing freshness and balance.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with the sweet flavors, offering a delightful contrast.

3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the cookie’s texture.

4. Chocolate Fondue
   Serve melted chocolate for dipping fruits and cookie pieces; this creates an interactive dessert experience.

5. Nut Mix
   A mix of roasted nuts adds savory crunch that balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

6. Mini Cupcakes
   Light mini cupcakes can add variety to your dessert table without overpowering the star of the show—the cherry almond cookies.

7. Pudding Cups
   Individual pudding cups offer a creamy side that pairs nicely with cookie crunchiness; consider flavors like vanilla or chocolate.

8. Ice Cream Sandwiches
   Use your sugar cookies as sandwich bases filled with ice cream for a fun twist on traditional desserts!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using wet cherries: Always squeeze the maraschino cherries very dry before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can make your cookies too soggy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in dense cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be slightly golden around the edges but soft in the center. Remove them from the oven promptly.
• Ignoring flavor extracts: The balance of almond and cherry extracts is key. Measure carefully to avoid overpowering flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, we’ve got you covered. Here are some common inquiries.

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies from scratch?

To make these cookies from scratch, combine softened butter, oil, sugars, eggs, and extracts, then gradually mix in dry ingredients and cherries.

Can I substitute other nuts instead of slivered almonds?

Yes! Feel free to use chopped walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor or have allergies.

Are there variations of the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes for extra flavor!

How do I store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only soft and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different nuts or extracts. Try making these delightful treats for your next gathering or holiday celebration; they’re sure to impress everyone!