Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies with touches of vanilla, cherry, and almond make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. The unique blend of flavors and the thick cherry-almond icing elevate them to a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond creates a uniquely sweet and nutty taste that will delight your palate.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve tasty results.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just an everyday snack; these cookies fit any occasion.
• Generous Yield: With enough servings for 48 cookies, you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family.
• Customizable Icing: The cherry-almond icing adds a fun twist; feel free to adjust sweetness or flavor intensity to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and help you create the best cookies possible.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Speeds up the mixing process and ensures all ingredients are well incorporated for a smooth dough.
• Baking Sheets: Provides even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake more cookies in less time.

Ingredients

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are made from simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (for garnish)

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. 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.

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 mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Cherries

Gently fold in the dried minced maraschino cherries into the cookie dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Prepare Icing

While cookies cool:
1. In a bowl, combine melted butter with reserved cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Serving Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can elevate any gathering or celebration. Their delightful flavor and eye-catching appearance make them a perfect treat for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve these cookies.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, mixing with other varieties like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for a colorful display.

Dessert Bars

• Serve the cookies as part of a dessert bar at parties. Include toppings such as whipped cream or ice cream for added indulgence.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons. They make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.

Festive Centerpiece

• Create a cookie jar centerpiece filled with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. This adds charm to your table setting and invites guests to indulge.

Tea Time Treat

• Serve these cookies alongside a selection of teas. The cherry and almond flavors pair wonderfully with herbal and black teas.

Bake Sale Delights

• Offer these cookies at bake sales or fundraisers. Their unique flavor will attract buyers looking for something special.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Perfecting Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies involves attention to detail and a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth dough and ensures even baking.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly. This prevents dense cookies caused by excessive flour.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough holds its shape better and enhances flavors.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be just lightly golden around the edges but remain soft in the center.
• Experiment with extracts: Adjust the almond and cherry extracts based on your taste preferences for a more intense flavor profile.
• Store properly: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for longer periods.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad mixes seasonal fruits that complement the cherry flavor of the cookies beautifully.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a savory contrast that’s pleasing.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for an inviting dish that pairs well with sweet treats like these cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate alongside fresh fruits or pretzels, creating a fun dipping experience that goes well with cookie desserts.
5. Ice Cream Sundae: Serve scoops of vanilla or cherry ice cream topped with nuts and cherry syrup, creating a delicious combination that complements your cookies.
6. Coffee or Tea Service: Brewed coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the sugar cookies, making it an excellent beverage option alongside dessert.
7. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunch and saltiness that contrasts nicely with the sweet, soft texture of the cookies.
8. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or almond to provide variety without overwhelming sweetness!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure delicious results.

• Bold ingredient preparation: Not draining the maraschino cherries properly can lead to a soggy cookie dough. Squeeze them very dry before adding to the mix.
• Bold butter temperature: Using cold butter will affect the cookie’s texture. Always ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for a better dough consistency.
• Bold measurement accuracy: Eyeballing ingredients can result in poor texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities.
• Bold overmixing: Mixing too long after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft, puffy results.
• Bold ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Wrap cookies individually or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds; check for softness.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies softer?

To ensure softer cookies, be careful not to overbake. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly undercooked, allowing them to firm up as they cool.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and finely chop them, then drain any excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

How do I customize my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or using different extracts like vanilla or coconut for varied flavors.

What is the best way to decorate Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

For decoration, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top or sprinkling slivered almonds before baking for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and sweet cherry-almond flavor will impress everyone. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins or toppings!

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Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 48 cookies 1x

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Description

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that promises to melt in your mouth with every bite. These cookies combine the sweet flavors of maraschino cherries and almond extracts, creating a unique taste that is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. With their soft, puffy texture and thick cherry-almond icing, these cookies are not only easy to make but also generous in yield, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Prepare to impress everyone with this delicious recipe!

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Ingredients

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• 2 jars maraschino cherries (drained and minced)
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp cherry extract
• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup + 1–2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
• 4 – 5 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in almond and cherry extracts.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together. Gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
5. Gently fold in the minced cherries.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. While cooling, prepare icing by mixing melted butter with reserved cherry juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg