If you’re craving a cookie that marries the buttery tenderness of a classic sugar cookie with a playful twist of cherry and almond flavors, you’ve stumbled upon your new favorite treat. These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies boast a delightful crunch from sliced almonds, a burst of juicy sweetness thanks to chopped maraschino cherries, and just the right hint of almond extract to tie it all together. Each bite is a harmonious dance of textures and tastes—the crumbly cookie base, the pop of cherries, and the nutty undertone that lingers on your palate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade goodies, this recipe promises a satisfying experience from start to finish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, a brief 12-minute bake, and a 5-minute cooldown on the sheet pan, you’ll have 24 gorgeous cookies ready to enjoy in under an hour. At approximately 120 calories each, these treats are ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, or a cozy afternoon tea. The subtle infusion of vanilla and almond extracts ensures a depth of flavor that’s anything but ordinary. So roll up your sleeves—you’re about to create a platter of sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible cookies that friends and family will rave about.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about the magic-makers behind these cookies. Each ingredient plays a specific role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor.
- Unsalted butter
Provides the rich, creamy base for the dough and ensures a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, so the sweetness of the cherries and sugar really shines.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies spread slightly, creating a delicate crackle on the edges. Creaming sugar with butter also traps air, giving the cookies a light, airy lift.
- Large eggs
Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Eggs contribute to the structure of the cookie, ensuring they hold their shape while still staying soft in the center.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract infuses warmth and depth, making every bite feel cozy.
- Almond extract
Delivers a concentrated almond aroma and taste that complements the chopped cherries, creating that signature Cherry Almond combo.
- All-purpose flour
Forms the sturdy backbone of the cookies. This versatile flour provides just enough structure without making the texture too dense.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise ever so slightly so they aren’t flat and hard. It also contributes to a tender crumb.
- Baking soda
Works alongside baking powder to create air pockets in the dough, balancing the acidity and contributing to a perfect bake.
- Salt
Balances the sweetness, rounding out flavors and preventing the cookies from tasting one-dimensional.
- Maraschino cherries
Add bursts of color and juicy sweetness in every bite. Chopped finely, they distribute evenly throughout the dough for a consistent cherry experience.
- Sliced almonds
Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. They also add visual appeal.
- Powdered sugar
Used as a light dusting after baking, it creates an elegant finish and a delicate sweetness on the surface of each cookie.
HOW TO MAKE CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Baking these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is a breeze—each step is straightforward, yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From creaming butter and sugar to gently folding in cherries and almonds, you’ll master classic techniques that make your cookies shine.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off effortlessly once done.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the dough.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, or the cookies may turn out tough.
6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds with a spatula, taking care to distribute them evenly without deflating your dough.
7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingertips, creating an even thickness for consistent baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked—that’s how you know they’ll stay soft.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up without breaking.
11. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or looking for a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are versatile enough to steal the show. Their cherry-and-almond duo is not only visually stunning but also delightfully memorable. Display them on a decorative platter for holiday guests, or pack a handful into colorful cellophane bags for delightful take-home treats. Their elegant powdered sugar dusting makes them look bakery-worthy, even if you whipped them up in your home kitchen. Consider pairing them with complementary flavors—think creamy dips, rich chocolates, or fruity spreads. Below are some tried-and-true serving ideas to help you present these goodies in style.
- Afternoon Tea Pairing
Serve alongside a pot of freshly brewed Earl Grey or chamomile tea. The subtle herbal notes in the tea complement the almond essence, making each tea-time bite blissfully balanced.
- Holiday Dessert Platter
Arrange the cookies on a tiered platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly. Their red cherry flecks become a festive crowd-pleaser under twinkling lights.
- Cookie Gift Box
Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a decorative box. Tie the package with a ribbon and include a handwritten note for a personalized, heartfelt gift.
- Dessert Upgrade
Serve warm cookies a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures elevates the texture experience, creating a satisfyingly indulgent treat.
HOW TO STORE CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
After enjoying a few right out of the oven, you’ll want to know how to keep these cookies fresh for days to come. Proper storage not only preserves their tender interior but also maintains that delightful crunch from the almonds. Whether you’re stashing leftovers for a week-long treat or sending cookies home with friends, these methods will ensure your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies taste just as spectacular as they did at first bite.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
- For longer-term storage, freeze the unnbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, move them to a sealed container. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- Keep the cookies in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve both flavor and texture. A pantry or cabinet works perfectly.
CONCLUSION
Recapping our Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies journey, we’ve covered everything from the foundational ingredient list to those final, elegant touches of powdered sugar. You’ve learned how unsalted butter and granulated sugar form a fluffy base, how maraschino cherries and sliced almonds bring both color and texture, and how simple techniques like creaming, whisking, and folding come together for bakery-quality results. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe’s straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients make it a must-try. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, thoughtful cookie exchanges, or any day you want a little sweetness to brighten your home kitchen.
Feel free to print this article or save it for your recipe collection—your future self will thank you when it’s time to bake again. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to address any lingering questions, ensuring your baking experience is seamless and stress-free. If you give these cookies a whirl, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your comments, questions, or feedback—did the cherries burst just right? Did the almonds deliver that perfect crunch? Your insights help fellow home cooks perfect this recipe and inspire new twists. Happy baking!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Description
Experience the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and nutty almond goodness, complemented with juicy maraschino cherries in these irresistible cookies.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingertips.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Note
- These cookies are a perfect treat for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts, like walnuts or pecans, in place of almonds.
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a simple almond icing on top once the cookies are cooled.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- The combination of cherries and almonds gives these cookies a delightful twist that is sure to impress!
