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 gatherings or as a sweet treat to share, their unique flavor combination makes them stand out. The simplicity of these cookies ensures even novice bakers can create something delicious that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of cherry and almond extracts creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 48 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Versatile Icing Options: The thick cherry-almond icing adds an extra layer of flavor and can be adjusted for your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless while baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for consistent results in baking.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the almond extract and cherry extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Add Cherries

Gently fold in the minced maraschino cherries into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared sheets about two inches apart.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
4. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

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

Step 6: Ice the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for garnish if desired.

Enjoy your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven or share them with friends!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their unique flavor profile pairs well with a variety of beverages and snacks, making them a versatile treat.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies and enhances their flavor.

During Tea Time

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite herbal or black tea for a cozy afternoon break.

As Dessert with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

At Holiday Gatherings

• These cookies make a festive addition to any holiday platter, adding color and flavor to your celebrations.

Gift in Decorative Boxes

• Pack these cookies in decorative boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

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 softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature to create a smooth dough that bakes evenly.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for about 30 minutes helps prevent spreading, resulting in puffy cookies.

• Squeeze cherries dry: Thoroughly drain and mince your maraschino cherries before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

• Experiment with extracts: Adjust almond and cherry extracts according to your taste preference for a more pronounced flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances sweetness with natural acidity.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory balance, contrasting with the sweet flavors of the cookies.

4. Nut Mix
   A blend of almonds, cashews, and walnuts adds crunch and healthy fats that pair well with sweet treats.

5. Hot Chocolate
   Serve these cookies alongside rich hot chocolate for a comforting combination on chilly days.

6. Fruit Smoothie
   Blend up a fruit smoothie as a refreshing drink option that’s both nutritious and delicious next to your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be easy, but some common mistakes can affect their texture and flavor. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precision. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Don’t skip this step for a perfect cookie shape.
• Using unchilled butter: Softened butter is essential for proper mixing. Make sure it’s at room temperature but not melted.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An unheated oven can lead to unevenly baked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, heating cookies for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies unique?

These cookies stand out due to their delightful combination of vanilla, cherry, and almond flavors, making them perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Yes! You can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, adjusting the extracts accordingly.

How do I achieve the perfect cookie texture?

Ensure that you measure flour correctly and avoid overmixing the dough. Chill it before baking for a soft, puffy texture.

How long do these cookies last?

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months when frozen.

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts as desired; creativity is encouraged!

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweet and nutty flavors into every bite. Their soft texture and vibrant icing make them a hit during any celebration or holiday gathering. Plus, you can easily customize them by adding different extracts or toppings. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!