With each tender bite, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies transport you to a world where chewy dried cherries and delicate slivers of toasted almonds dance together on a soft, buttery canvas. This recipe, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned sweet-tooth enthusiasts, yields around 24 cookies that are irresistibly soft, lightly golden-edged, and bursting with flavor. The magic begins with simple pantry staples—unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, a hint of almond and vanilla extract—and transforms into a dessert that effortlessly sparks joy. With just 15 minutes of hands-on preparation, followed by a brief 12-minute bake time and a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll soon have homemade delights that feel like they’ve been crafted with family tradition in mind.
Beyond the ease of its 1-2-3 steps (well, technically 10!), this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookie recipe boasts a beginner-friendly difficulty level that even the most cautious bakers will appreciate. Each cookie averages about 120 calories, making them a reasonable treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to overindulge. Whether you’re planning a holiday cookie exchange, a casual afternoon tea, or simply need a comforting project to brighten your day, these cookies fit the bill. The interplay between rich, nutty almond extract and the natural sweetness of dried cherries offers a delightful flavor contrast that’s as festive as it is comforting. Pull out your mixing bowls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that capture the warmth of Amish baking traditions—with your own modern twist.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Every striking recipe begins with thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work in harmony. In this section, we’ll introduce the stars that bring texture, flavor, and structure to these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced and irresistibly delicious.
- Unsalted butter
A cornerstone for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Softened to room temperature, it creams with sugar to trap air, providing lift and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar
Adds classic sweetness and helps create delicate edges. When creamed with butter, it ensures cookies spread just enough to develop a light, crackled top.
- Egg
Acts as a binding agent, enriching the dough and contributing moisture. It helps maintain structure so your cookies stay soft yet hold their shape.
- Almond extract
Imparts a concentrated, aromatic punch that beautifully complements the fruitiness of the cherries and ties all the flavors together.
- Vanilla extract
Provides depth and warmth, rounding out the sweet and nutty elements for a well-balanced cookie profile.
- All-purpose flour
The sturdy backbone of the dough, supplying the gluten needed for structure while allowing for a tender bite.
- Baking powder
Works as a leavening agent, giving cookies a gentle lift and preventing them from becoming too dense.
- Baking soda
Adds additional lift and helps cookies spread properly, creating those signature soft centers with slightly crispy edges.
- Salt
Enhances overall flavor by balancing sweetness and emphasizing the rich notes of butter, almond, and vanilla.
- Dried cherries
Offer chewy bursts of tart-sweet fruit in every mouthful, elevating the cookie’s taste and adding pleasing texture.
- Sliced almonds
Contribute a nutty crunch and toasty aroma, creating contrast against the soft dough and chewy cherries.
- Additional granulated sugar
Used for rolling the dough balls before baking, it forms a sparkling outer crust that adds a delightful crunch.
HOW TO MAKE CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Let’s bring these ingredients together and guide you step by step. Each instruction ensures you’ll end up with cookies that are soft in the center, pale golden around the edges, and beautifully studded with cherries and almonds.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes on medium speed using an electric mixer. This aeration is key for a tender crumb.
3. Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough is smooth and aromatic.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leaveners and seasoning.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—over-mixing can develop too much gluten and toughen the cookies.
6. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough without overworking it.
7. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll each portion into a ball. Then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat, creating a sparkling crust.
8. Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spread.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and pale.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set without becoming brittle.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re versatile showstoppers that shine in a range of serving scenarios. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, gifting homemade treats, or adding a sweet twist to your everyday coffee break, these suggestions will help you present them at their best.
- Decorate a festive platter by alternating cookies with fresh cherries and whole almonds. The contrast of colors and textures makes a stunning display, perfect for holiday parties or afternoon tea.
- Pair with a warm latte or butter tea to balance the sweet-tart cherry notes. The creamy beverage enhances the nutty accents in the cookies and turns each bite into a cozy experience.
- Assemble a DIY cookie gift box by layering cookies in a decorative tin with parchment paper. Tie it with a ribbon and a gift tag for personalized presents that friends and neighbors will adore.
- Serve slightly warmed by popping a few cookies in the microwave for 5–7 seconds. This revives their softness and intensifies the almond-cherry aroma, making them irresistible at any gathering.
HOW TO STORE CHERRY ALMOND AMISH SUGAR COOKIES
Proper storage keeps these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies tasting just-baked for days on end. Follow these tips to maintain their delightful texture, preserve flavor, and ensure you always have a homemade treat ready whenever cravings arise.
- Room-temperature airtight container: Allow cookies to cool completely, then layer them in a sealed container at room temperature. This method keeps them soft for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Place cooled cookies in a shallow, airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to two weeks. Chilling brings out deeper cherry and almond flavors, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Individually flash-freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment layers. Freeze for up to three months and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
- Revival trick: To freshen stored cookies, warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. This restores that just-baked softness and reactivates the sugar coating’s sparkle.
CONCLUSION
From the very first scoop of dough to the last crumb enjoyed with a steaming mug of tea, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are designed to delight both the baker and the cookie lover alike. We’ve walked through every detail—from selecting the finest unsalted butter and all-purpose flour to mastering the art of folding in cherries and almonds with just the right touch. You’ve learned how easy it is to preheat your oven, line your pan with parchment paper, and cream your butter and sugar until perfectly fluffy. The simple act of rolling each ball in extra granulated sugar ensures a festive crackled finish, while a brief 10–12 minute bake time locks in a soft center framed by golden edges. With beginner-friendly steps and straightforward storage tips, this recipe is an accessible yet gourmet addition to your baking repertoire.
Feel free to print this article and save it for future baking sessions—you never know when you’ll need to whip up a batch of these tender, chewy treats. Plus, there’s an FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about substitutes, troubleshooting, or flavor variations. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop your comments, questions, or feedback, and let me know how your cookies turned out. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy night in, or simply treating yourself, may these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies bring warmth and joy to your kitchen and your table. Happy baking!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet cherries and nutty almonds, creating a chewy, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
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. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
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Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined.
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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 wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
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Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat.
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Place the rolled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- For a festive touch, consider adding red or green sugar sprinkles before baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for about a week.
- These cookies can be frozen; just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- The combination of cherries and almonds provides a delightful flavor contrast that will impress your guests.
