Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a cookie that feels like a warm hug from a dear friend, look no further than this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the nostalgic sweetness of tender sugar cookie dough with bursts of vibrant maraschino cherries and the toasty crunch of sliced almonds. Each bite offers a perfect balance of fruity zing and nutty richness, all tied together with subtle almond and vanilla flavors. This recipe is a brilliant way to bring a bit of Amish charm into your kitchen, creating cookies that are beautifully simple yet irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building up the cookie’s delightful flavor and texture. From the silky butter for richness to the cherries that add a cheerful pop, you’ll love how these essentials come together.

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, provides the sweet and tender cookie base you’ll adore.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened; this adds a luscious, buttery depth to every bite.
• Egg: 1 large, acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, brings a warm, comforting flavor boost.
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon, enhances the nutty notes and complements the almonds beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, forms the sturdy base for the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons, gives these cookies a subtle lift to keep them tender and light.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon, balances out the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
• Chopped Maraschino Cherries: 1 cup, adds fruity bursts and a charming red color.
• Sliced Almonds: ¼ cup, provides that wonderful crunch and nutty aroma.
• Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2-3 tablespoons milk, for a glossy, sweet finish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies come off clean and stay perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates the right texture for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Beat in the large egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. These flavors weave themselves beautifully throughout the dough, making the cookies fragrant and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures that your leavening is evenly distributed, giving the cookies a consistent rise and perfect crumb.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds, making sure each cookie will have a delightful burst of fruit and crunch.

Step 6: Form and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden color.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re going the extra mile, drizzle on the optional glaze for a stunning, sweet finish.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an added flourish, sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top or dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar. These small touches make the cookies look as delightful as they taste, perfect for impressing guests or brightening your snack tray.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of black tea, or a rich brew of coffee. Their sweetness and textured flavors complement warm and cold beverages alike, making them versatile for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe on a festive platter for holiday celebrations or stack them in a clear jar tied with a pretty ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can even use them as edible toppers on ice cream or dessert plates to add crunch and charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week, which is perfect for enjoying over several days without losing any of their tender texture.

Freezing

To enjoy at a later time, freeze the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. Wrapped individually in plastic wrap, they’ll maintain their freshness for up to three months. This way, you can always have a comforting treat ready on hand.

Reheating

If you want to refresh that just-baked feel, warm the cookies briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes after thawing. This step revives their crisp edges and enhances their almond-berry aroma wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and tartness, so while you can substitute them, it may change the texture slightly. Be sure to remove pits and chop them finely, and consider reducing any additional liquid in the dough.

Is almond extract necessary?

Almond extract is key to achieving the authentic nutty flavor that distinguishes this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. You could reduce it slightly if sensitive to the intensity but try not to omit it entirely.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just check the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What is the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape nicely.

Can I use other nuts besides almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans can add a different but equally delicious crunch. Just chop them roughly to complement the cherries without overpowering the cookie.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. From the first bite of the tender dough studded with juicy cherries and crunchy almonds to the aroma filling your kitchen, these cookies are a celebration of simple, heartfelt baking. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and share the happiness it brings with your favorite people!

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