Description
Delight in these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, a soft and tender treat bursting with the sweet flavor of maraschino cherries and the subtle essence of almond extract. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies combine a classic sugar cookie base with a unique Amish-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased to prepare for baking.
- Cream Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the almond extract for flavorful aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavoring.
- Mix Dry and Wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cherries. Gently fold the drained, chopped maraschino cherries into the dough to ensure they are evenly dispersed throughout.
- Shape Cookies. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly, then flatten each slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for a sugared crust.
- Bake. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft for the perfect texture.
- Cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, allowing them to set and finish firming up.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming texture.
- Drain cherries well to prevent excess moisture which could affect cookie texture.
- Flattening cookies with a sugared glass adds a delicate crunchy sugar coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a stronger almond flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract if desired.
