Soft & Sweet Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft, pillowy cherry almond cookies dance with a traditional Amish sweetness that whispers childhood memories.

These delicate treats carry a rustic charm from Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens.

Bakers love blending rich almonds with tart cherries in a classic recipe.

Each crumbly bite tells a story of generations sharing simple pleasures.

Delicate almond notes weave through the sugary landscape, creating irresistible moments of pure comfort.

The kitchen fills with warm, nostalgic aromas that beckon you closer.

Bake these cookies and savor a slice of heartwarming tradition.

Why Cherry Almond Amish Cookies Are Charming

• Combine sweet maraschino cherries with nutty almonds for a unique taste profile that elevates classic sugar cookies beyond ordinary treats.
• Perfect for kids and adults alike, these cookies offer a playful twist on traditional recipes that everyone can enjoy together during gatherings or casual snack times.
• Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate, allowing busy home bakers to have fresh, delicious cookies ready with minimal last-minute effort.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for cookie structure with light and tender texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents for soft and fluffy cookies.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy base providing rich sweetness and tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
• Almond Extract, Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, complementary flavor profiles.

• Maraschino Cherries, Sliced Almonds: Adds vibrant color, fruity tang, and nutty crunch to the cookies. Choose bright red cherries and fresh, crisp almonds for best results.

How to Bake These Soft Amish Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients and equipment on clean countertop.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In large mixing bowl, use electric mixer to cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Components

• Almond extract
• Vanilla extract

Mix until completely blended.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until smooth dough forms.

Step 6: Fold in Extras

• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Sliced almonds

Stir carefully to prevent cherries from breaking.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded dough balls onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Lightly press tops with fork or fingers. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for few minutes. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Serve with milk or preferred beverage.

Tips for Even Baking and Pretty Finishes

• Prevent Cherry Bleeding: Pat maraschino cherries dry with paper towels before adding to dough to minimize color bleeding and maintain cookie appearance.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold cherries and almonds carefully into dough using a spatula to keep ingredients evenly distributed without breaking fruit.
• Temperature Control: Allow butter to soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes for optimal creaming and smoother cookie texture.
• Customize Crunch Level: Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crispness.
• Storage Savvy: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Keeping Amish Sugar Cookies Soft and Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking for up to 5 days.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore their soft texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste and softness.

Best Beverages with Cherry Almond Cookies

• Serve these delightful cookies alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a rich vanilla bean latte for a classic, comforting combination that enhances the cookie's sweet cherry flavor.
• Brew a cup of Earl Grey tea or a smooth hazelnut coffee to highlight the subtle almond extract and create a warm, aromatic pairing that brings out the cookies' delicate nutty undertones.
• Enjoy these soft cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a cool, creamy element that balances the cookie's tender crumb and fruity cherries.
• Arrange the cookies on a platter with a small glass of cherry liqueur or amaretto for a sophisticated adult treat that amplifies the cherries' sweetness and complements the almond flavor.

Flavor Swaps for Amish Cookie

• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Almond Cookies: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's sweet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Almond Cookies: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to create a version friendly for those avoiding dairy products.

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 48 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies bring nostalgic comfort straight from Pennsylvania’s heartland kitchens. Sweet almonds and bright cherries dance together in a classic cookie that welcomes warm memories and delicious moments you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ½ cups (540 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 ml) vegetable or canola oil

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 45 cups (540 g) powdered sugar (for icing)

Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 teaspoons cherry extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 (12 ounces / 340 g) jars maraschino cherries, drained, minced, and patted dry
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) butter, melted (for icing)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) maraschino cherry juice (or 1–2 tablespoons for a lighter color)
• ½ cup (60 g) slivered almonds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring an optimal baking environment.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, developing a fluffy texture that takes approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, then blend in almond and vanilla extracts, mixing until the ingredients are seamlessly integrated.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a smooth, consistent dough without overmixing.
6. Delicately fold chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds into the dough, ensuring even distribution while maintaining the dough’s structural integrity.
7. Portion the dough using a cookie scoop, creating uniform rounded balls placed two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with a fork or fingertips to create a slight depression.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for light golden edges while preserving soft, tender centers. The cookies should appear set but not overly browned.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Serve alongside a refreshing beverage and savor the delicate flavors.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for a smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that ensures better texture and easier blending.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy or affecting their structure.
• Chop cherries into smaller pieces for more consistent flavor distribution throughout the cookie, allowing each bite to have a balanced cherry taste.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the cookies accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 48
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg