Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique twist on traditional sugar cookies, look no further than this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies recipe. With the perfect combination of sweet cherries, a hint of almond flavor, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

What Makes Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Special?

Amish sugar cookies are known for their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. Adding cherries and almond extract introduces a delightful fruitiness and a subtle nutty flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. The soft, chewy bite of the cookies paired with the pop of cherry and almond makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)

These ingredients combine to create the perfect sugar cookie dough with a chewy, flavorful result.

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, followed by the almond extract and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Add Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds (if using) into the dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough so the cherries don’t break apart too much.
7. Shape and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the tops of the cookies with a fork or your fingers to flatten them slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to work with, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix the dough just until combined.
• Maraschino Cherries: Be sure to drain the cherries well and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze half for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, family get-together, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun addition of maraschino cherries and almond flavor makes these cookies a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies recipe is an ideal treat when you want something a little different than your classic sugar cookies. With the fruity sweetness of cherries and the nutty undertone of almonds, each bite is a taste of pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Once you’ve baked and cooled your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, here are some serving and storage tips to ensure they stay fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible:

Serving Tips

• Perfect Pairings: These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a cup of tea for a satisfying snack.
• Decorate for Special Occasions: For a festive touch, you can decorate the cookies with a drizzle of white icing or sprinkle some additional sliced almonds on top before baking. Adding a few extra maraschino cherries as garnish also enhances their visual appeal.
• Ideal for Cookie Platters: These cookies make a great addition to any cookie platter for parties, holidays, or special events. Their vibrant color and delightful flavor will make them a standout treat.

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: Store your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will keep them soft and fresh without becoming too dry.
• For Longer Freshness: To help preserve the flavor and texture, you can place a slice of bread or a moisture packet in the container. This will help absorb any moisture and keep the cookies from becoming too soft or soggy.
• Freezing: If you want to store your cookies for a longer period, they freeze wonderfully. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Cookie Dough Freezing: If you’d like to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it as well. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies at their freshest, whether you’re serving them right away or saving some for later!

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While maraschino cherries are commonly used in this recipe due to their sweetness and vibrant color, you can use fresh cherries if you prefer. However, fresh cherries have more moisture, so be sure to pat them dry thoroughly before chopping to avoid excess liquid in the cookie dough.

2. Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of almond extract or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with extra vanilla extract or even a few drops of cherry extract to enhance the cherry flavor. The cookies will still be delicious, but the almond flavor will be less prominent.

3. How can I make my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies more festive?

To give your cookies a festive touch, try drizzling them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or adding colorful sprinkles on top before baking. You can also press an additional cherry slice into the center of each cookie before baking for an extra pop of color and flavor.

4. Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! If you need more cookies, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just be sure to divide the dough into batches when baking to ensure even cooking times. You may also want to use multiple baking sheets to avoid crowding the cookies.

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