There’s something about a classic sugar cookie that instantly transports me back to childhood afternoons spent baking in my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen. Have you ever found a recipe so simple yet bursting with unexpected delights? That’s exactly what these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies deliver. They combine the timeless, homey sweetness of sugar cookie dough with juicy maraschino cherries and crunchy sliced almonds, resulting in a chewy morsel that surprises with every bite. One minute you’re drawn in by the tender, buttery dough, and the next, a cherry pop delivers a sweet, slightly tangy jolt, balanced by the subtle warmth of almond extract. This delightful twist on a beloved tradition is so easy to whip up—no complicated techniques or rare ingredients required—and yet it feels downright festive, perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday treat when you need a little comfort. Trust me, once you bake a batch of these, your kitchen will become the coziest spot in the house. I still smile when I think about how my friends and family would sneak extra cookies hidden in their pockets or reach for “just one more” without guilt. The combination of cherries and almonds transforms a humble sugar cookie into something spectacularly charming, like a vintage heirloom passed down through generations.
Every time I pull a hot tray of these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies out of the oven, the sight of rosy cherry bits dotted throughout golden dough feels like a celebration on a baking sheet. I learned this recipe from a neighbor visiting Ohio’s Amish country, and it instantly became a staple whenever I crave something nostalgic but with a little twist. We’d chat over cups of steaming coffee as I chopped those vibrant cherries and toasted the almonds ever so slightly to coax out their nutty aroma. The final dusting of powdered sugar turns each cookie into a delicate snowy jewel, perfect for gifting tied up in baker’s twine or stacking beside a mug of cocoa. Beyond the holidays, they’re also great for potlucks, birthday parties, or even as a sweet pick-me-up on a sleepy Tuesday afternoon. I remember one afternoon I brought a tin of these to my book club, and they vanished before we even started discussing the latest novel. One friend joked that the cherries tasted like summer captured in a cookie. That memory still makes me grin because it shows how a humble sugar cookie can take on new life with a couple of simple tweaks. You can get creative with mixing in different nuts or drizzling a simple almond icing for extra swagger. Fun to share, fun to bake—these cookies bring everyone to the table.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Before you preheat your oven, let’s get acquainted with the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of chewiness, sweetness, and that delightful cherry-almond twist.
- Unsalted Butter
Softened to room temperature, butter forms the rich, creamy foundation of the dough. It provides moisture, contributes to the tender crumb, and carries the flavors of sugar and extracts throughout each cookie.
- Granulated Sugar
This classic sweetener is beaten with butter to create air pockets, resulting in a light, fluffy texture. It also enhances browning at the edges, giving the cookies that inviting golden hue.
- Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, lending structure and moisture. They also enrich the dough, making each bite feel satisfying and slightly cakey in the best way.
- Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and a gentle floral note that complements the almonds and cherries.
- Almond Extract
Just a teaspoon of this potent extract amplifies the nutty character, giving each cookie a subtle almond fragrance that dances with the cherry sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour
The backbone of this dough, flour provides the necessary structure to hold the cookies together while yielding a tender bite.
- Baking Powder
This leavening agent helps the cookies rise ever so slightly, creating a soft interior and a slightly domed shape.
- Baking Soda
Working in tandem with baking powder, baking soda contributes to browning and chewiness by affecting the dough’s pH balance.
- Salt
A pinch of salt sharpens all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and ensuring the almond and cherry notes shine through.
- Maraschino Cherries
Chopped into vibrant ruby-red bits, these cherries add bursts of juicy sweetness and a fun pop of color to every single cookie.
- Sliced Almonds
Scattered throughout the dough, almonds lend a delightful crunch and reinforce that lovely nutty flavor promised by the extract.
- Powdered Sugar
Dusting each cooled cookie with this fine sugar creates an elegant snowy finish and adds a whisper of extra sweetness at first bite.
HOW TO MAKE CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Ready to turn these pantry staples into irresistible treats? Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll harvest chewy, cherry-studded bites with a hint of almond in every mouthful.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Properly preheating ensures even baking, and parchment keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—this aerates the dough and creates that tender crumb.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until the dough is smooth and fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes the leavening agents evenly, preventing any surprises in texture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.
6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds with a spatula, ensuring an even distribution without crushing the cherries too much.
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 slight spreading.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingertips to promote uniform baking and that classic sugar-cookie shape.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect. They’ll firm up as they cool.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps set their shape and prevents breakage.
11. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Once your cookies are cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s time to think about how to present them in all their glory. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, afternoon tea, or simply indulging at home, these serving ideas will make your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies shine. Keep in mind that the chewy centers, bright cherry pieces, and nutty crunch deserve a few styling flourishes to truly impress.
- Arrange on a festive platter lined with parchment or a doily. Place cookies in concentric circles, alternating the orientation so each cherry bit is visible. Garnish with a few extra sliced almonds and whole maraschino cherries in the center for a pop of color.
- Pair with afternoon tea by choosing light, floral teas like Earl Grey or chamomile. Set cookies on a tiered serving stand alongside lemon curd or preserves. The fruity notes in the tea will play beautifully with the cherry bits.
- Build a holiday dessert board featuring these cookies as the star attraction. Surround them with racks of gingerbread men, spiced nuts, dried fruits, and soft cheeses. Provide small bowls of whipped cream or almond spread for dipping.
- Gift in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper or wax paper. Stack cookies gently, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar between layers to maintain that snowy finish. Tie the tin shut with baker’s twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a homemade holiday present.
HOW TO STORE CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Keeping your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies fresh and flavorful is key to enjoying them throughout the week or sharing with friends later on. Since these cookies have a buttery base and juicy cherry pieces, proper storage will preserve their tender interior and crunchy edges. Whether you’re stashing them for a cozy snack or planning ahead for a party, consider these methods to lock in that just-baked taste.
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container
Store cooled cookies in a single layer or separated by sheets of parchment paper. The airtight seal prevents moisture loss and keeps the cherries plump, preserving chewiness for up to one week.
- Refrigeration
If your kitchen is on the warmer side, place the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate. This can extend freshness for up to two weeks, though the texture may become firmer. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Flash-freeze cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or heat briefly in a low oven to revive that fresh-baked softness.
- Reheating Stale Cookies
If cookies lose a bit of their chew, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes or microwave one cookie on low power for 10–15 seconds. This small heat burst restores moisture and warmth beautifully.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken a delightful stroll through every step of creating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies—from getting to know each ingredient and mastering the mixing and baking process to stylish serving and savvy storage tips. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, a quick 12-minute bake, and a brief 5-minute rest, you can have 24 perfectly chewy, slightly tangy cookies in under an hour. At around 120 calories per cookie, they strike a lovely balance between indulgence and simplicity. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic flavor combo or searching for a versatile dessert for special occasions, these cookies deliver every time. You can print this article and save it for later, tucking it into your recipe binder or passing it along to a baking buddy.
Feel free to refer to the FAQ section below for quick answers to common questions, and let me know how your baking adventure went. Did the cherries pop just right? Did you experiment with pecans or a drizzled icing? I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, or any tweaks you made along the way. Drop a comment or question if you need help, or simply to share your cookie triumphs—I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Description
These delightful cookies combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries and the nutty crunch of almonds, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors. Easy to make and hard to resist!
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.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingertips.
-
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!
