If you are searching for a truly delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity sweetness and nutty crunch, look no further than this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the luscious flavor of maraschino cherries with the warm, fragrant hint of almond extract, all wrapped in a tender, buttery sugar cookie. Every bite offers a nostalgic, comforting experience that feels like a cozy kitchen gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies promise to brighten any occasion with their charming taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a critical role: from the richness of butter and oils adding softness, to the bursts of cherry and almond extracts that make each cookie unforgettable.
- Maraschino cherries (2 – 12 oz. jars, drained and minced): Their sweet, bright flavor and juiciness infuse the dough with signature cherry notes.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and tender crumb for the cookies.
- Vegetable or canola oil (1 cup): Adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft yet sturdy.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Essential for sweetness and slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup for dough + up to 5 cups for icing): Creates smooth sweetness and delicate texture in dough and icing.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure.
- Almond extract (2 tsp. in dough + 1 tsp. in icing): Delivers a warm, nutty aroma and flavor that complements cherries beautifully.
- Cherry extract (2 tsp. in dough + 1 tsp. in icing): Amplifies the cherry flavor for a more intense taste experience.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the cookies, providing structure.
- Baking soda (1 tsp.): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Cream of tartar (1 tsp.): Adds to the cookie’s lightness and preserves color.
- Butter for icing (4 tbsp., melted): Adds richness and a creamy base for icing.
- Reserved maraschino cherry juice (1/3 cup + 1-2 tbsp. for icing): Gives a natural cherry color and flavor punch to the icing.
- Slivered almonds (1/2 cup for garnish): Adds a lovely crunchy texture that contrasts the cookie’s softness.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by draining the maraschino cherries very well – keeping that vibrant cherry juice for later icing. Mince the cherries finely and be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible so your dough doesn’t get soggy. This step ensures every bite will have a perfect balance of cherry flavor without excess wetness.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs along with almond and cherry extracts and the minced cherries. This combination builds a fragrant, rich base that will infuse every cookie with warmth and depth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour with baking soda and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. These dry components are essential for the perfect cookie texture—light yet sturdy with a slight chewiness that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 4: Bring Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating gently after each addition. It’s important not to overmix here to maintain that tender, melt-in-your-mouth softness so beloved in Amish sugar cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls spaced evenly on the sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8 to 11 minutes, until the cookie edges and bottoms turn a light golden brown. Allow them to cool on wire racks before the fun part – icing.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Icing
Whisk together melted butter, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency that won’t run off but is easy to work with. Spread the icing over cooled cookies and sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a wonderful crunch and added elegance.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic slivered almonds, consider adding colorful sprinkles or even edible glitter for festive occasions. A light dusting of powdered sugar can bring a snow-kissed effect for winter holidays. Each garnish adds its own visual and textural charm, making the cookies even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making afternoon snack time feel extra special. A bowl of fresh fruit or a small cheese platter can also complement the cherry almond flavors, turning your cookie moment into a lovingly curated mini feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a tiered serving tray to showcase their bright tops and beautiful almond accents. Wrapping them individually in parchment and tying them with a ribbon makes for a heartfelt homemade gift. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cherry jam or almond butter for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies stay delicious stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They are at their best during the first three days when the cookies are wonderfully soft and the icing is fresh. After that, they may become a bit crumbly but will still satisfy your sweet tooth beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, they freeze exceptionally well. Whether plain or iced, place them in a single layer between parchment sheets inside a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly, they keep their flavor and texture for several months—perfect for holiday batches or anytime cravings.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm treat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just enough to soften the cookie and slightly warm the icing without melting it completely. This little step brings back that fresh-baked magic in every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries have more moisture, which could affect the cookie dough’s texture and baking time. Maraschino cherries provide sweetness, color, and a dryness ideal for this recipe. If using fresh, be sure to pit, finely chop, and thoroughly dry them before mixing in.
Is it necessary to use both almond and cherry extracts?
Yes! The almond extract adds a warm, nutty undertone that beautifully complements the more vibrant cherry flavor. Together they create the signature taste that makes this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe special.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Substituting with a gluten-free flour blend might work but could alter texture and rise. For best results, use a blend specifically designed for baking and experiment with a small batch first.
Why is cream of tartar included in the dough?
Cream of tartar helps maintain the cookie’s tender texture and bright color by stabilizing the baking soda reaction. It’s a traditional ingredient in Amish sugar cookies that enhances their soft, delicate crumb.
How thick should I spread the icing?
A thick but spreadable consistency works best—thicker than a glaze but not stiff. This ensures the icing stays on the cookie without dripping, giving a smooth, even coating perfect for sprinkling almonds. Adjust with more powdered sugar or cherry juice as needed.
Final Thoughts
You truly cannot go wrong with this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe in your baking repertoire. It’s a recipe filled with love, tradition, and wonderful flavors that come together so effortlessly. I encourage you to make these cookies soon—they promise to warm your heart and delight anyone lucky enough to share them with you.
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, infused with the flavors of maraschino cherries and almond extract. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, they’re topped with a luscious cherry-almond icing and garnished with crunchy slivered almonds for a festive finish. Ideal for holidays or special occasions, these cookies are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
For 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 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
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice. Finely mince the cherries and pat or squeeze them very dry to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable or canola oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until combined and creamy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and the minced, dried cherries until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating after each addition just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Prepare baking sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape cookies: Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart as they will spread slightly during baking.
- Bake cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are lightly browned, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing to prevent melting or sliding of icing.
- Make icing: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract. Gradually stir in 4 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cherry juice or powdered sugar as needed to achieve a thick but spreadable icing.
- Ice and garnish cookies: Spread the icing over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with slivered almonds. Optionally, decorate with additional sprinkles if desired. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies stay fresh for at least a week but are best enjoyed within the first 3 days as they can become crumbly and slightly drier afterward, though still tasty.
- They freeze very well; you can freeze them either iced or plain, and they retain their flavor and texture when thawed.
