Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
These cookies offer the perfect balance of buttery richness and light texture, thanks to a blend of butter and oil. The addition of almond extract and maraschino cherries adds a unique twist to the classic Amish sugar cookie, making each bite aromatic and fruity. They’re incredibly easy to make, require no chilling time, and bake up soft and delicious every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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unsalted butter, softened
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vegetable oil
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granulated sugar
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powdered sugar
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large eggs
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almond extract
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all-purpose flour
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baking soda
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cream of tartar
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chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
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Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Add Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
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Shape Cookies: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
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Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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White Chocolate Cherry: Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly.
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped almonds for an extra crunch and enhanced almond flavor.
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Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded coconut for a tropical variation.
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Cherry-Lemon: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
To enjoy warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds per cookie.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted. Overly warm dough can lead to excess spreading.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but be sure to pit, chop, and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
Can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help if you want thicker cookies, though it’s not required.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them perfect for cookie boxes or holiday gifts.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
Vanilla extract is a good substitute, though the almond flavor is key to the unique taste of this recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping.
Why use both granulated and powdered sugar?
The combination gives the cookies a unique soft texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, these cookies bake best on ungreased baking sheets or parchment paper.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily if you’re baking for a crowd.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are the ultimate blend of tradition and flavor. With their soft texture, nostalgic almond-cherry notes, and easy preparation, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers a delightful homemade touch in every bite.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with sweet maraschino cherries and almond flavor. Perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Cookies do not brown much on top; check edges for doneness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
