Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies You’ll Want to Bake Today
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by beatricerecipez
There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a freshly baked cookie, and when that cookie is a Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookie, it s a moment to savor. The sweet aroma of cherries mixed with the warm nuttiness of almonds fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. I can still recall the delightful chatter over a plate of these cookies at family gatherings, where every bite was met with smiles and the clinking of mugs.
What sets these cookies apart is their delightful balance of textures soft and chewy with just a hint of crispness from the almond slices. You can easily swap fresh cherries for maraschino ones based on what you have on hand, making them versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a potluck or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies promise a crowd-pleasing experience that s as rich in flavor as it is in nostalgia. Ready to bake up some magic? Let s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies special?
Uniqueness: These cookies perfectly combine the sweetness of cherries with the nuttiness of almonds, creating an irresistible flavor blend.
Versatile: Easily switch between fresh and maraschino cherries to suit your pantry or preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re ideal for gatherings, sure to bring smiles and nostalgic chatter among friends and family.
Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast of soft, chewy centers with the slight crunch of almond slices.
Quick Bake: Ready in just 10-12 minutes, you can satisfy your sweet cravings in no time!
Memorable Moments: Perfect for creating new memories, like those cherished family gatherings. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter Provides richness and moisture; must be softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture; can substitute with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Powdered Sugar Contributes to a tender cookie texture; can be omitted but may alter the softness.
- Large Eggs Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; should be at room temperature.
- Almond Extract Enhances the almond flavor; vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
- Vanilla Extract Adds depth of flavor; can be omitted if desired.
- All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the cookies; substitutes include gluten-free flour blends.
- Baking Soda Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
- Cream of Tartar Stabilizes the dough, especially in the absence of baking powder; can be substituted with lemon juice or vinegar.
For the Flavor
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries Adds sweetness and moisture; fresh cherries can be used but require adjustments to dough consistency.
- Sliced Almonds Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor; can be substituted with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Enjoy these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies that pack all the charm and flavor into every bite!
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking for your cookies. Preheating is key to achieving that perfect texture!
Cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl on medium speed. Whip until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to create a dreamy cookie base.
Incorporate the large eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully blended and smooth. Taste your batter here; the flavors should already start shining!
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined this will prevent overmixing.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed for that delightful burst of flavor in each bite.
Scoop the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Aim for generous dollops to get those lovely, thick cookies!
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking; you want them to remain soft and chewy!
Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This allows them to set perfectly every moment is worth the wait!
Optional: Drizzle with a simple almond glaze for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Creating the perfect experience around these delightful cookies can elevate your baking game even further.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, vibrant mix of seasonal fruits refreshes the palate and complements the sweetness of the cookies. It’s a perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and rich, vanilla ice cream creates a delightful play of textures when served alongside your warm cookies. The melting ice cream enhances the chewy sweetness, making every bite indulgent.
Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea pairs wonderfully with these cookies, providing a calming aroma and taste that balances their sweetness. It s a comforting choice for a cozy afternoon.
Coffee: The bold and robust flavors of freshly brewed coffee perfectly enhance the cherry and almond notes, making for an inviting pairing that s great for gatherings. Just imagine a plate of cookies by your warm mug!
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For a romantic touch, add chocolate-covered strawberries as a sweet side treat. Their rich chocolate flavor complements the cookies beautifully while adding an elegant flair.
Almond Milk: This dairy-free option keeps things light and is a refreshing accompaniment that echoes the almond flavor in your cookies. A match made in heaven!
Serve these alongside Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies for a delightful and memorable experience that your guests will love!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Variations
Make these delightful cookies your own with a few simple tweaks and substitutions that will tantalize your taste buds!
Fresh Cherries: Swap maraschino cherries for pitted and chopped fresh cherries for a burst of real fruit flavor. Adjust flour balance to maintain dough consistency.
Nutty Choice: Replace sliced almonds with pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts for different textures and flavor dimensions. Each nut lends its unique profile, adding fun variety!
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Just ensure you re choosing a blend that includes xanthan gum for optimal structure.
Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for a spicy kick! It creates a surprising and delicious nuance that warms every bite.
Coconut Twist: Swap almond extract for coconut extract to give your cookies an island flair. The tropical hint will transport you to sunny shores with each bite!
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with cherries for a decadent chocolate-cherry combination. Who could resist that chocolatey goodness?
Vegan Friendly: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a delicious plant-based option.
Chunky Variation: For a heartier texture, mix in roughly chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries alongside the cherries. It adds chewiness and extra fruity goodness!
Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-blended dough. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to maintain the cookie’s tender texture. Overmixing can result in tough cookies; a light hand is key!
Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on your cookies as baking times can vary. Remove them when the edges are golden but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy bite.
Cooling Technique: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. This helps prevent breakage and ensures they maintain their shape.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with nuts and extracts to create your own twist on these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Explore different flavor combinations for fun!
Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and tasty for snacking!
- Fridge: If needed, you can refrigerate the cookies; just be sure they are sealed well to maintain freshness, which can last for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to three months without losing their delightful flavor.
- Reheating: To enjoy frozen Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets, cover, and place in the fridge; this will also help maintain the cookies chewy texture. Additionally, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough straight into the preheated oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies ready with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights much sweeter!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! You can use either maraschino cherries or fresh cherries. Maraschino cherries add sweetness and moisture without altering the dough’s consistency much. If you choose fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely. You might need to slightly adjust the butter and flour ratio to maintain the right dough texture.
How should I store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
For best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you d like to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag or container where they will stay delicious for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze the dough for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dough, scoop portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag labeled with the date. They ll stay good for about three months. When ready to bake, just preheat the oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very! If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter or not chilling the dough before baking. To fix this, make sure to cream your butter properly (light and fluffy) and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping onto the baking sheets. This helps maintain their shape during baking.
Are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies safe for pets?
Not at all! While these cookies are delicious for humans, they contain ingredients like sugar and xylitol (if you use sugar alternatives), which can be harmful to pets. Always keep these sweet treats stored safely out of reach from your furry friends, and consider baking pet-friendly cookies if you’d like to include them in your snack time!