Let me tell you, nothing fills my heart with as much joy as a freshly baked batch of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a cozy family get-together, and it felt like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma of almond and cherry wafted through the house, and instantly, my little ones scampered in, excitedly begging for one (or two). Honestly, it felt like a scene from a movie, and let’s be real, who could resist a cookie that looked just as good as it smelled?
These Cherry Almond Sugar Cookies are not your average sweet treats. The unique blend of flavors from the maraschino cherries and almond extract delivers a delicious twist that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet on a random Tuesday, these cookies shine for any occasion. So, let’s dive in and bake some joy!
What’s in Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookie dough—providing the perfect structure and chewiness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A little leavening magic to help our cookies rise slightly while baking.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This buttery goodness adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use your favorite brand, but I love using Kerrygold for its creamy flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens up the cookies—because who doesn’t love a bit of sugar?
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.
- 1 tsp almond extract: This gem provides that lovely aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Just like a warm hug, it brings everything together deliciously.
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained: The star of the show! These sweet, bright gems add an unexpected surprise in every bite.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for garnish): To sprinkle on top for a sweet, sparkling finish.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A final touch to make these cookies look ever so elegant.
Are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—these cookies are more of a treat than a health food! They’re packed with delightful flavors but also come with sugar and butter. That being said, they do have a nice mix of ingredients that can brighten up your day. The almond extract offers some health benefits, such as being rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. And the maraschino cherries? While they might not be the most nutritious option, they do provide some fun and flavor!
Of course, if you’re watching your sugar intake (or trying to avoid added sugars), you might want to save these cookies for special occasions or as an indulgent treat every now and then. Remember, everything in moderation! Pair them with a cup of herbal tea to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients List
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for garnish)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps our cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to keep the dry ingredients ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This is the secret to that beautiful cookie texture!
- Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture from step 2 to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. No overmixing here, folks!
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one.
- Press your thumb gently into the center of each cookie ball to create a little well. Don’t go all the way through, or you’ll have cookie soup!
- Fill each well with a maraschino cherry, using the juices to hold it in place. Trust me, they’ll look gorgeous once baked.
- Sprinkle the edges of each cookie with granulated sugar to give them that sparkly touch.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden. Don’t be alarmed if the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If you’re feeling fancy, dust cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Sweet Tips for Cherry Almond Cookie Perfection
- To avoid a sticky mess, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It should easily hold an imprint when pressed with a finger.
- For a gourmet touch, try adding a few chopped almonds alongside the cherries in the well for an extra crunch!
- Store these lovelies in an airtight container—if they last that long! They should stay fresh for about a week.
Now it’s your turn to create some tasty memories with these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies! I guarantee they’ll bring smiles around your table and leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and enjoy the delightful process of baking these beauties. And please, do share how they turn out; I’d love to hear your cookie triumphs! Happy baking!
