As I sifted through my pantry, an unexpected bundle of maraschino cherries caught my eye, conjuring memories of warm holiday gatherings. Inspired by those cherished moments, I knew it was time to whip up a batch of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only easy to prepare but also guarantee to please a crowd with their soft, puffy texture and luscious cherry-almond icing. Perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy family celebrations, these treats will quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Are you ready to bring a little sweetness to your kitchen?

What Makes These Cookies Irresistible?

Softness and Flavor: The Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are the epitome of comfort, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by the delightful combination of cherry and almond.

Quick Preparation: You’ll appreciate how easy these cookies are to make, even for beginner bakers. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll have a batch ready in no time.

Festive Appeal: They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges, making you the star of any festive occasion. Imagine the smiles as you serve these tempting treats!

Versatility: Feel free to get creative! You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or experimenting with different extracts.

Crowd-Pleasing Delights: With their delightful icing and irresistible taste, these cookies will surely vanish quickly, leaving everyone craving more. They are as good as the delicious treats found in my other recipes, like my Cinnamon Sugar Air or a twist on classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. Dive into this festive baking fun!

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Maraschino Cherries – Adds moisture and sweet cherry flavor; ensure they are drained and minced dry to prevent excess moisture in the cookies.
• Butter – Provides richness and a soft texture; remember to use softened butter for easy mixing.
• Vegetable/Canola Oil – Helps achieve a puffy cookie texture; can be substituted with other neutral oils if desired.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; essential for a crisp edge that complements the softness.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness to the icing; key for achieving a smooth, decadent glaze.
• Eggs – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure of the cookies.
• Almond Extract – Enhances the almond flavor profile; vanilla can substitute if you’re looking for a different taste.
• Cherry Extract – Introduces a robust cherry flavor; if unavailable, use extra cherry juice instead.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base for the cookie structure; avoid substituting with whole wheat for the same texture.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and become soft; a crucial ingredient for puffiness.
• Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the cookie’s structure and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Slivered Almonds – A beautiful garnish that adds both texture and visual appeal to your cookies.

For the Icing
• Melted Butter – Acts as the base for the icing; provides a rich flavor that complements the cherry and almond.
• Cherry Juice – Boosts the cherry flavor in the icing; fresh or from the jar works beautifully.
• Almond Extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the icing; use vanilla for an alternative taste.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Begin by draining the maraschino cherries thoroughly and then mince them until they are very fine. To avoid excess moisture that could impact the cookie texture, place the minced cherries between paper towels and squeeze out any remaining liquid. Set aside the prepared cherries as you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies have a soft and tender texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and the prepared minced cherries to the sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is fully incorporated, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully. Take a moment to breathe in the lovely aroma; this is where the delightful cherry and almond scents come into play!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar until well blended. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon to fold it in gently. Be careful to mix just until combined, as overmixing can result in tougher cookies.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures that your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan—a little preparation goes a long way for easy cleanup later on!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a teaspoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough should be slightly mounded on top to create those lovely puffy cookies. You’ll be thrilled to see them rise beautifully as they bake!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for lightly browned edges while the centers remain soft and puffy. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together melted butter, cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract in a bowl. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the icing reaches a smooth and thick consistency, perfect for spreading. This luscious icing will enhance the flavors of the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Once the cookies have completely cooled, use a spatula to frost the tops generously with your cherry-almond icing. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the icing before it sets. Allow the icing to firm up for a few minutes before serving your beautifully adorned cookies to your delighted guests!

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and flavorful for easy snacking.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies (iced or plain) for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in airtight containers and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy that freshly baked taste, thaw frozen cookies overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. Additionally, the cookies can be baked and stored without icing in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw if frozen, frost with the cherry-almond icing, and serve—ensuring the cookies remain just as delicious and fresh! With these make-ahead options, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the festivities.

What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Elevate your cookie experience with these delightful pairings that will complement the sweet cherry and almond flavors beautifully.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: This rich dessert adds a refreshing contrast, allowing the flavors of the cookies to shine while balancing the sweetness.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider offers comforting flavors that blend harmoniously with the holiday essence of the cookies.
Nutty Charcuterie Board: Assemble a vibrant charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, and nuts for a delightful textural contrast to the softness of the cookies.
Homemade Hot Chocolate: This rich, velvety beverage, topped with whipped cream, creates a wonderfully indulgent pairing that’s perfect for cozy winter evenings.
Toasted Almonds: Serve these crunchy, toasted almonds on the side for an extra crunch that enhances the almond flavor profile of your cookies.
Cherry Compote: A dollop of tart cherry compote brings out the cherry flavor, while its slight tartness acts as a delightful counterbalance.
Classic Holiday Punch: A glass of aromatic holiday punch, with hints of cinnamon and citrus, provides a festive touch and complements the cookie’s sweetness perfectly.

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to make these cookies your own with exciting variations that will tickle your taste buds!

Vanilla Twist: Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a different but equally delightful flavor profile. This simple change creates a beautifully aromatic cookie.
Dried Cherry Delight: If maraschino cherries aren’t available, opt for dried cherries instead. They offer a chewier texture while still delivering that sweet cherry essence, perfect for anyone who adores fruit in their bakes.
Choco-Cherry Fusion: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for an irresistible chocolate-cherry combination. The chocolate perfectly complements the fruity flavors, bringing a delightful richness to each bite.
Nutty Boost: Introduce ground almonds or chopped walnuts into the cookie dough for added crunch and flavor. This twist will create a wonderful textural contrast that cookie lovers will appreciate.
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough to give your cookies a warm and spicy kick. These spices evoke cozy memories of holiday baking and are sure to be a hit!
Iced Variation: Try making an iced vanilla or eggnog flavor cookie by replacing the almond and cherry extracts in the icing with your favorites. The different icing will make an exciting addition to the taste experience.
Coconut Cream: For a tropical flair, incorporate shredded coconut into the dough. This will add a delicious chewiness and a hint of paradise to each cookie.

Experimenting with these variations and ingredients can lead to delightful surprises. So roll up those sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen! Happy baking!

Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Dry Your Cherries: Ensure maraschino cherries are very dry after mincing. Excess moisture can lead to cookies spreading too much and losing their puffy texture.
Perfect Puffs: Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft; they should be lightly golden around the edges. Trust your oven—it’s better to underbake slightly than have dry cookies!
Storage Wisdom: Enjoy your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies within the first 3 days for the best taste. Consider freezing them if not consumed right away; they freeze well for later enjoyment.
Icing Consistency: When making the icing, aim for a thick spreadable texture. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Custom Flavor: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Feel free to replace the almond extract with vanilla for a different twist or add chocolate chips for a fun variation.

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Choose firm maraschino cherries that are bright in color without any dark spots. Always check the jar for moisture; these cherries should not be overly soggy but should remain plump and juicy to enhance the cookie flavor.

What’s the best way to store my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their soft texture, ensure they are completely cool before placing them in the container. If you’re not planning to eat them within this timeframe, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks. Just wrap them well to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Very much! These cookies freeze wonderfully. To freeze, place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky, don’t fret! You can add a little more all-purpose flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency for easy handling. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Stick with the process, and your cookies will turn out fantastic!

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Great question! The Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies contain almond extract and slivered almonds, which are not safe for individuals with nut allergies. You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a nut-free version. Just remember to adjust your flavors accordingly to maintain that lovely sweetness!

How can I ensure my cookies remain puffy after baking?
To achieve puffy cookies, make sure you properly prepare your maraschino cherries by draining and squeezing out excess moisture. Additionally, avoid overbaking; take them out while they are lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. This will help keep them tender and puffy!