Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, with touches of vanilla, cherry, and almond, and a thick cherry-almond icing! These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a smash hit for the holidays. Perfect for parties or cozy family gatherings, these cookies are simple to make and sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of cherry and almond creates a delightful taste that is both unique and comforting.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up a batch effortlessly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Icing Options: The thick cherry-almond icing can be customized or omitted based on your preference.
• Makes Plenty: This recipe yields 48 cookies, making it ideal for sharing or saving for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything at hand makes the process quicker and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process for smoother dough.

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Ingredients

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

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cookies.

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 smooth.
2. Add in the eggs, almond extract, and cherry extract; mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
5. Fold in the minced cherries gently.

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop:
* Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
* Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 4: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
* Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
* Remove from oven and allow cooling on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine melted butter with reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled:
* Spread or drizzle icing over each cookie.
* Garnish with slivered almonds before icing sets.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat, there are various ways to serve and enjoy these tasty cookies.

With a Cup of Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite tea blend. The cherry and almond flavors complement herbal teas wonderfully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with an assortment of other sweets. This makes for an eye-catching display at parties and events.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve the cookies with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

In Gift Bags

• Package the cookies in decorative gift bags as a homemade gift. This is a thoughtful gesture for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

As Ice Cream Toppers

• Crumble the cookies over scoops of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of flavors will delight your taste buds.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that bakes evenly.

• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them too soft.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and helps achieve thicker, fluffier cookies.

• Don’t skip the icing: The cherry-almond icing adds flavor and visual appeal. Drizzle it generously over cooled cookies for best results.

• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay fresh longer this way.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Pairing sides with your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the cookie’s texture.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or cream cheese with crackers to contrast the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows allows guests to dip their favorites while enjoying cookies.
5. Nut Mix: A blend of nuts provides a savory crunch that pairs well with sweet treats like these cookies.
6. Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Warm beverages enhance the flavors of cherry and almond in each bite, making them even more enjoyable.
7. Mini Cupcakes: Lightly frosted mini cupcakes can add variety without overwhelming guests with too much sweetness.
8. Ice Cream Floats: Combining soda and ice cream creates a fun dessert drink that pairs nicely with baked goods like sugar cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until ingredients are combined to keep them soft and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. If time allows, chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Using warm butter: Softened butter should not be melted. It can change the cookie’s texture. Make sure it’s just soft enough to cream with sugar.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always preheat and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a lid on a pan over low heat and warm cookies for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies:

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies chewy?

To achieve chewy cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove from the oven when they are just set and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.

Can I substitute other extracts in these cookies?

Yes! While almond and cherry extracts give these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with vanilla or coconut extracts if desired.

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

Once cooled, drizzle thick cherry-almond icing over the top and sprinkle with slivered almonds for added texture and taste.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before adding them to your cookie dough.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them a favorite among family and friends. Feel free to customize them with different extracts or toppings! Try making this recipe today and treat yourself!