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Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies bring together the best of two worlds—soft, melt-in-your-mouth Amish sugar cookies infused with the sweet and tart essence of cherries and the nutty crunch of almonds. This recipe transforms the traditional sugar cookie into something truly special, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table.
These cookies are ideal for holidays, special occasions, or simply indulging in a sweet treat with a cup of tea. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out from ordinary sugar cookies. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later, they offer a satisfying balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and chewiness.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors
Unlike standard sugar cookies that lean heavily on sweetness, these cookies incorporate the delicate nuttiness of almonds and the juicy burst of maraschino cherries. The almond extract enhances the overall depth of flavor, creating a sophisticated yet comforting taste.
2. Soft Yet Slightly Crunchy
Amish sugar cookies are known for their soft, pillowy texture. Adding sliced almonds provides a slight crunch that makes every bite more exciting. The contrast between the softness of the cookie and the crispness of the almonds adds a wonderful complexity.
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3. Beautiful Presentation
The red cherries speckled throughout the cookies create a visually appealing treat, making them perfect for festive occasions. A light drizzle of glaze takes their appearance to the next level, adding a delicate sweetness and shine.
4. Easy to Make, Hard to Resist
These cookies require simple ingredients and an easy process, making them a great option for both experienced bakers and beginners. No special equipment or complicated techniques are needed—just mix, scoop, and bake!
Ingredients: The Magic Makers
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup (for a sweet and tender base)
- Butter – ½ cup (softened, for a rich and buttery texture)
- Egg – 1 large (to bind everything together)
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (for added depth of flavor)
- Almond Extract – ½ teaspoon (for a nutty aroma)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups (to form the dough base)
- Baking Powder – 1½ teaspoons (to help the cookies rise)
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon (to balance the sweetness)
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries – 1 cup (for a pop of fruity goodness)
- Sliced Almonds – ¼ cup (for a delightful crunch)
- Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tablespoons milk (for a sweet finish)
Directions: Bake Your Way to Happiness
- Preheat & Prep – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Flavorings – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Everything – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just combined. Fold in cherries and almonds.
- Shape & Space – Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection – Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden.
- Cool & Glaze – Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with glaze if desired.
- Enjoy! – Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Nutritional Info: A Sweet Treat with a Nutty Twist
(Per cookie, approximately)
- Calories: ~150
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
Tips for Making the Best Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Choose the Right Cherries
Maraschino cherries add both color and sweetness, but they contain a lot of moisture. To prevent excess liquid from affecting the dough, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter.
Enhancing the Almond Flavor
If you’re an almond lover, consider toasting the sliced almonds before folding them into the dough. This deepens their flavor and brings out their natural oils, making them even more aromatic.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
To achieve that perfect soft texture, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a denser cookie rather than a light, delicate one.
Spacing is Key
These cookies spread slightly while baking, so be sure to leave about two inches of space between them on the baking sheet. This ensures they bake evenly without merging together.
Glazing for Extra Sweetness
The optional glaze, made from powdered sugar and milk, adds a lovely sweetness that complements the tartness of the cherries. You can even swap out the milk for fresh lemon juice to introduce a subtle citrusy note.
Variations to Try
If you love the base recipe but want to experiment with new flavors, here are a few exciting variations:
1. Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies
Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich and indulgent twist. The combination of chocolate and cherries is always a winning pair.
2. Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies
For a tropical touch, mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut. This adds extra texture and a slight chewiness that pairs beautifully with almonds.
3. Lemon Cherry Almond Cookies
A tablespoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice can add a refreshing citrus balance to the sweetness of the cherries.
4. Maple Cherry Almond Cookies
Swap out ¼ cup of the sugar for pure maple syrup to infuse the cookies with a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
5. Raspberry Almond Cookies
Replace maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen raspberries for a more tart and fruity variation.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a warm drink: These cookies taste divine alongside coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
- Dress them up: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle extra glaze on top before serving.
- Create a dessert platter: Pair with shortbread, chocolate chip cookies, and almond biscotti for a variety of flavors and textures.
How to Store for Maximum Freshness
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Extend freshness up to two weeks by keeping them in the fridge.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Makes These Cookies “Amish” Sugar Cookies?
Amish sugar cookies are known for their soft, tender texture and slightly crumbly consistency. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, they are usually made with a mix of butter and oil, though this variation keeps things simple with just butter.
2. Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, but fresh cherries contain more moisture. Be sure to pit and chop them finely, then pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dough.
3. What’s the Best Way to Get Uniform Cookies?
A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate. If you don’t have one, use a tablespoon to portion out the dough.
4. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure, or add ½ teaspoon separately.
5. Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to:
- Warm butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted.
- Too much moisture from cherries: Pat them dry before adding them to the dough.
- Baking sheet preparation: Using parchment paper helps prevent excessive spreading.
6. Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
7. How Can I Make These Cookies Dairy-Free?
Substituting butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative works well. Just note that coconut oil may alter the flavor slightly.
8. Are These Cookies Too Sweet?
Despite the sugar and cherries, these cookies have a balanced sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup or use unsweetened cherries.
9. Can I Add Other Nuts?
Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios can replace almonds for a different nutty twist.
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10. What’s the Best Way to Decorate These Cookies?
Beyond the glaze, you can dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed almonds for an elegant touch.
Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Baking Again and Again
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful combination of classic sugar cookies with a fruity and nutty twist. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing them as a homemade gift, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless variations, this recipe is perfect for any level of baker. From their beautiful appearance to their irresistible flavor, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Try them today, and you might just discover your new favorite cookie!