Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that balances sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors, look no further than this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a tender crumb with bursts of juicy maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract that dances on your taste buds. Perfectly soft yet with lightly golden edges, these cookies are a wonderful way to bring a bit of Amish-inspired comfort and charm into your kitchen. I absolutely adore how the combination creates a nostalgic feel, making every bite just as joyful as the last.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe starts with simple, readily available ingredients that each play a vital role. From the creamy blend of butter and oils to the bright pop of maraschino cherries, every item contributes to the cookie’s texture, flavor, and inviting appearance.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The cornerstone of richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: Adds moistness and helps create a soft yet sturdy texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For a sweet foundation with that classic cookie crunch.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Enhances the sweetness and contributes to a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• 2 large eggs: Act as a binder and help provide structure and lift.
• 1 tsp almond extract: Gives the cookies a warm, nutty fragrance and distinct flavor note.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the dough for a perfect rise and even texture.
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Balances the wet ingredients and creates the base of the dough.
• 1 tsp cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and improves texture, keeping cookies tender.
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained: Sweet, colorful bursts throughout each bite that make these cookies truly special.

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or leave them ungreased if you prefer. This little setup step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out with that perfect texture every time.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and dreamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving the cookies their wonderful lift and tenderness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Then, stir in the almond extract, allowing its sweet, nutty aroma to envelop the batter and promise the delicious depth of flavor to come.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and gives the dough consistency for uniform cookies.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and tender treats.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries

Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries so that each spoonful of dough gets that delightful surprise of sweet, fruity cherry throughout. This colorful addition also adds charm and a pop of flavor that sets these cookies apart.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in granulated sugar. This technique helps achieve that characteristic flat yet tender cookie with a subtly crunchy sugar topping.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers stay soft. This combination ensures those melt-in-your-mouth moments everyone adores.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, allowing them to firm up just a bit. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle your cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or add whole maraschino cherries on top before baking for visual appeal. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also pair wonderfully with the almond notes.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine when paired with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or milk, making them perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese platter for an inviting snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe on a vintage plate or tiered serving tray to evoke that cozy Amish kitchen vibe. You can also gift them in decorative tins or clear bags tied with a ribbon to share this delicious tradition with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer with parchment paper between batches to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and they’ll be just as wonderful as fresh.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm, pop a few in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a low oven at 300°F. This brings back that freshly baked softness and intensifies the lovely almond-cherry flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness than maraschino cherries, so it’s best to stick with maraschino for this recipe to maintain the right texture and sweet bursts throughout the cookies.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract, vanilla extract is a good substitute, though it will change the flavor profile. The almond extract is key for that signature taste in the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Do I have to use both vegetable oil and butter?

Yes, the combination of butter and vegetable oil gives these cookies a unique richness and tenderness that makes them so special. Butter brings flavor while oil keeps them soft longer.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be mindful of adjustments in texture and slightly altered baking times.

How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding color into the dough?

Make sure to drain the cherries very well and pat them dry with paper towels before folding them into the dough. This helps keep the dough’s beautiful pale color and prevents excessive spreading of cherry juice.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is like opening a box of warm memories and sharing a piece of a simple, comforting tradition. Every bite brings a lovely balance of soft texture, sweet cherries, and almond aroma that feels like a hug from the inside. So grab your ingredients, invite some loved ones over, and make these little wonders your new favorite cookie to bake and share!

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