Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

The Best Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Sweet cherry almond Amish sugar cookies bring nostalgic comfort from generations of traditional baking wisdom.

Rural kitchens have long celebrated these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth delights with simple ingredients and heartwarming techniques.

Soft and buttery, these cookies represent a culinary heritage passed down through loving family connections.

Delicate almonds and vibrant cherries combine to create a symphony of texture and flavor that dance across your palate.

Generations of home bakers have perfected this recipe, reimagineing basic pantry staples into extraordinary treats.

Every bite tells a story of warmth, love, and cherished memories shared around kitchen tables.

These cookies offer more than just a sweet indulgence—they provide a glimpse into a rich cultural baking tradition.

Tips for Getting Amish Sugar Cookies Just Right

  • Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from maraschino cherries to prevent soggy cookie dough and maintain ideal texture.
  • Cream Ingredients Carefully: Blend butter, sugars, and oils until light and fluffy, which ensures a smooth, consistent cookie base with perfect softness.
  • Control Mixing Intensity: Gently fold flour mixture into wet ingredients, stopping just when combined to avoid tough, dense cookies.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the 8-11 minute window, removing them when edges turn golden brown to guarantee a soft, tender result.
  • Adjust Icing Consistency: Add powdered sugar or cherry juice gradually to create the perfect spreadable icing that sets beautifully without being too runny or thick.

Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Pack completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, placing wax paper between layers, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Best Drinks and Sides for Cherry Almond Sugar Cookies

  • Pair with Sparkling Rosé: The delicate cherry and almond flavors of the cookies beautifully complement a chilled glass of rosé, enhancing the sweet and fruity notes.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy cookie, amplifying the almond and cherry undertones.
  • Match with Earl Grey Tea: The subtle bergamot and citrus notes in Earl Grey tea provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the cookies' sweet and nutty profile, creating a balanced and refined taste experience.
  • Enjoy with Mascarpone Cream: A dollop of light, rich mascarpone cream adds a luxurious touch that elevates the cookie's delicate cherry and almond essence, making each bite more indulgent.

Flavor Enhancements for Cherry Almond Cookies

  • Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold dark chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the cherry and almond notes.
  • Lemon Cherry Cookies: Replace almond extract with fresh lemon zest and juice to create a bright, citrusy version of the original recipe that maintains the cherry essence.
  • Coconut Cherry Crunch: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the icing for added texture and tropical flair.
  • Cream Cheese Cherry Cookies: Blend softened cream cheese into the base recipe to create a softer, tangier cookie with a more luxurious mouthfeel.

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with Classic Charm

  • Burst with Fruity Bliss: These cookies deliver an incredible punch of cherry flavor, combining fresh minced cherries and cherry extract for a vibrant, tangy-sweet taste that dances on your taste buds.
  • Texture Magic Delight: Soft, tender cookies with a delicate crumb get perfectly complemented by crunchy slivered almonds, creating an irresistible contrast that makes each bite exciting and memorable.
  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: Despite looking like a sophisticated dessert, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, requiring basic baking skills and minimal preparation time, making them perfect for bakers of all levels who want to impress without stress.

Ingredients Needed for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Oil: Rich base for soft, tender cookies with a smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweet foundation providing structure and sweetness.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that adds moisture and helps cookies hold together.
  • Flour: Essential dry ingredient creating cookie structure and texture.
  • Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar: Leavening agents helping cookies rise and become light.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant fruit adding color, moisture, and sweet-tart flavor.
  • Almond Extract, Cherry Extract: Intense flavor enhancers creating depth and complexity.
Icing and Topping Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Primary icing ingredient creating smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Maraschino Cherry Juice: Natural liquid for adding moisture and delicate cherry flavor.
  • Slivered Almonds: Crunchy topping providing texture and complementary nutty taste.
  • Optional Sprinkles: Decorative element adding visual appeal and festive touch.

How to Bake Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies at Home

Step 1: Prepare Cherries

  • Drain maraschino cherries
  • Finely mince cherries
  • Pat cherries dry with paper towel
  • Set aside cherries

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

Mix in large mixing bowl:
  • Softened butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar

Blend until smooth and creamy

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate into mixture:
  • Eggs
  • Almond extract
  • Cherry extract
  • Minced cherries

Mix thoroughly

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Cream of tartar

Gradually fold into wet mixture

Blend until just combined

Avoid overmixing

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line baking sheets with:
  • Parchment paper
  • Silicone baking mats

Drop cookie dough by teaspoonful

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 375°F

Bake 8-11 minutes

Look for light golden brown edges and bottom

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack

Allow complete cooling

Step 8: Create Cherry Icing

In medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Maraschino cherry juice
  • Almond extract
  • Cherry extract

Gradually add powdered sugar

Stir until smooth consistency

Step 9: Decorate Cookies

Frost cooled cookies with cherry icing

Sprinkle with:
  • Slivered almonds
  • Optional decorative sprinkles

Let icing set before serving

Print
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Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet cherry almond Amish sugar cookies blend rustic charm with delightful flavors. Buttery crumbles melt in your mouth, offering a nostalgic taste of Midwestern comfort that connects you to traditional baking wisdom.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 2 teaspoons cherry extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Fruit Ingredients:

  • 2 (12 ounces / 340 grams) jars maraschino cherries, drained (reserve juice), minced, and squeezed very dry

Icing:

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup + 12 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon cherry extract
  • 45 cups powdered sugar

Garnish:

  • ½ cup slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly drain maraschino cherries, reserving the liquid. Mince cherries finely and gently press out excess moisture using paper towels.
  2. Combine softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl, blending until smooth and creamy.
  3. Incorporate eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and minced cherries into the sugar mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
  4. Prepare a separate bowl and whisk flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together, ensuring even mixture.
  5. Gradually fold flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to prevent overmixing. The dough should be consistent and soft.
  6. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Drop small spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared sheets, maintaining even spacing.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake cookies for 8-11 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
  9. Remove cookies from oven and transfer to wire cooling racks, allowing complete cooling.
  10. For icing, whisk melted butter, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract in a medium bowl.
  11. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.
  12. Once cookies are completely cooled, generously frost with cherry icing.
  13. Garnish with slivered almonds and optional sprinkles.
  14. Allow icing to set before serving.

Notes

  • Drain and mince maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even mixing of ingredients.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to ensure tender, soft cookies with a delicate texture.
  • Measure flour correctly by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off to prevent dense cookies.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
  • Adjust icing consistency by adding powdered sugar or cherry juice gradually for the perfect spreadable texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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