Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

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These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that takes you straight to a cozy kitchen in the countryside. With their delicate crumb, buttery sweetness, and the delightful crunch of sliced almonds, they strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy. Each cookie is finished with a glossy maraschino cherry pressed into the center, adding a nostalgic charm and subtle tartness that rounds out the sweetness beautifully.

Unlike typical frosted sugar cookies, these are wonderfully simple in both look and flavor. The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples, and there’s no rolling or chilling required. The almond extract offers a warm, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake — making them irresistible for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or as a sweet gift from the oven. They look festive, taste nostalgic, and feel like home.

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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Old-Fashioned Flavor: The almond and cherry combination is a throwback to traditional Amish baking, simple yet elegant.
• Soft & Buttery Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth with every bite, thanks to a rich butter-based dough.
• No-Fuss Preparation: No need for cookie cutters or chill time — just scoop, bake, and enjoy.
• Crowd Favorite: Their eye-catching appearance and tender crumb make them a hit at potlucks, bake sales, and holiday parties.
• Customizable: You can swap the cherries for other toppings or adjust the extract for flavor variety.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

Before you dive into making these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, it’s helpful to gather your tools and prep your workspace. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two — one for dry ingredients and one for creaming the butter and sugar. A larger bowl is ideal for combining everything.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy is key to a soft cookie texture, and using a mixer makes this process faster and more effective.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is crucial in baking. Be sure to level off ingredients for accuracy, especially the flour.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For evenly-sized cookies that bake uniformly. A 1.5-tablespoon scoop works perfectly.
• Baking Sheet: Use a heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheet to help cookies bake evenly and hold their shape.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and ensures golden-bottomed cookies without overbaking.
• Cooling Rack: Once out of the oven, letting cookies cool properly on a wire rack maintains their texture and prevents sogginess.

Having the right tools ready will streamline your baking process and help guarantee the best possible results.

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Preparation Tips

• Use Room Temperature Butter and Eggs: This helps everything cream together smoothly and evenly, resulting in a light, airy dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
• Drain the Cherries Well: Excess liquid from maraschino cherries can make the cookie centers soggy. Blot them dry with paper towels before pressing them into the dough.
• Use Fresh Almond Extract: This flavor is central to the cookie’s charm. If your bottle is older than a year, it’s time for a new one.
• Slightly Flatten the Dough Balls: These cookies don’t spread much on their own. Gently press them down before baking to get that perfect shape.
• Sprinkle with Coarse Sugar: For a subtle crunch and a bakery-style sparkle, top the cookies with a pinch of sanding or turbinado sugar before baking.

With these tips and tools, you’re set up for a smooth and satisfying baking session.

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Ingredients for This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies come together with classic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, plus a few flavorful touches to make them truly special.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar or sanding sugar, for sprinkling
• 24 maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

These ingredients create a rich, tender dough that’s flavored with almond and vanilla, and finished with a crunchy, sweet topping and a juicy cherry center. The contrast in textures — soft cookie, crisp sugar, chewy cherry — is what makes them so memorable.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie texture.

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Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix — stop as soon as the dough comes together.

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Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1.5-tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll them gently between your palms for a smooth shape. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.

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Step 5: Flatten and Decorate

Gently press each dough ball down slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Lightly sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar. Press a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie, then scatter a few sliced almonds around the cherry.

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Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain soft and pale.

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Step 7: Cool

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool completely — this helps the texture firm up and prevents breakage.

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These steps lead to charming, bakery-style cookies with that irresistible almond-cherry flair — and no rolling pins or chill time needed.

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Notes

• No Chill Required: These cookies are perfect for when you want quick results. The dough doesn’t need to be chilled, yet still holds its shape beautifully in the oven.
• Great for Gifting: Their festive appearance and delicate flavor make them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, or homemade gifts.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch more almond extract can intensify the nutty flavor if you’re a big fan — but don’t go overboard, as it’s potent.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Cherry Prep: If you don’t drain and blot the maraschino cherries well, they can leak moisture and create soggy centers.
• Overmixing the Dough: This is a common cookie mistake. Stir just until the flour disappears — any more, and the cookies can turn tough or dry.
• Overbaking: These cookies should be soft in the center. If the edges are too golden, they’ve likely baked a bit too long. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
• Using Melted Butter: Don’t substitute melted butter for softened — it changes the texture entirely, making the cookies spread too much and lose their structure.
• Adding Almonds Too Early: Don’t mix the sliced almonds into the dough. They’re meant to go on top — adding them earlier can lead to uneven distribution and less visual appeal.
• Crowding the Pan: Leave enough space between each cookie so they don’t bake into each other. Overcrowding leads to uneven edges and inconsistent baking.

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What to Serve With Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

These cookies are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with beverages and light treats for any occasion — whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack.

Here Are 8 Recommendations:

1. Hot Tea or Chai Latte

The subtle nuttiness of the cookies pairs especially well with black tea or spiced chai for a comforting balance.

2. Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness and complements the almond notes — perfect for a cozy morning.

3. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve cookies slightly warm alongside a scoop of vanilla for a dreamy dessert combination.

4. Fresh Fruit Platter

Berries, apple slices, or orange wedges add a fresh, juicy contrast to the soft, rich cookies.

5. Hot Chocolate

Ideal for winter gatherings or family movie nights — dip the cookies for a melty, indulgent experience.

6. Sparkling Water with Citrus

For a light, refreshing option, pair with lemon or orange sparkling water to balance the sweetness.

7. Almond Milk Latte

A dairy-free drink that amplifies the almond flavor while keeping things light and smooth.

8. Mini Cheese Board

Add a few of these cookies to a grazing board with mild cheeses, honey, and nuts for a sweet-savory twist.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, especially around the cherry centers.
• Refrigerator: You can extend freshness by refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 7–8 days, but allow cookies to come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: These cookies freeze well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pro Tip: If freezing the dough instead, scoop and flatten the dough balls first. Freeze on a tray, then bag. Add the cherry and almonds right before baking.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 55mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

No, almond flour will change the texture significantly. This recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure and the right crumb. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is a better alternative.

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2. Do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Not at all! This recipe is designed for no-chill baking, which means you can go from mixing to baking in minutes — a huge time-saver.

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3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

You can, but the texture and sweetness will be different. Maraschino cherries are softer and sweeter, which balances the almond flavor well. If using fresh, pit them and roast slightly to remove excess moisture.

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4. How do I make these dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Almond milk-based butter alternatives work best for flavor and texture in this recipe.

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5. Why do my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or melted, or if you’ve overmixed the dough. Use room-temp (not melted) butter and mix just until combined to avoid over-spreading.

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6. Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?

Absolutely. Scoop and slightly flatten dough balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Add cherries and almonds just before baking. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

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7. Can I skip the almonds on top?

Yes, the cookies will still taste delicious without the sliced almonds. You can also swap them for a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or coconut flakes for a twist.

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8. Are these cookies very sweet?

They’re sweet but balanced. The maraschino cherry adds extra sugar, so if you prefer a slightly less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar in the dough by 2–3 tablespoons.

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Conclusion

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are the ultimate blend of cozy, nostalgic, and irresistibly tender. With their buttery base, fragrant almond undertones, and cheerful cherry centers, they’re as pretty as they are delicious. Perfect for gatherings, holiday tins, or an easy weekday bake, this recipe delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these cookies are a foolproof way to add a homemade touch to any occasion.

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