Introduction:
Looking for a delectable treat that combines classic flavors in a unique way? Our Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, infusing them with the sweet taste of cherries and the nutty essence of almonds. Perfect for special occasions, holiday baking, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for a sweet and tender cookie base.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened, to give the cookies a rich and buttery flavor.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for added depth of flavor.
- Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the almond flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, to form the base of the cookie dough.
- Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons, to help the cookies rise.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries: 1 cup, for a burst of fruity flavor and a pop of color.
- Sliced Almonds: ¼ cup, for added crunch and nutty taste.
- Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2-3 tablespoons milk, for a sweet finish.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, drizzle with the optional glaze once cooled.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Fresh: Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or within a few hours of baking. Their texture and flavor are at their peak when they’re freshly baked.
- Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or in a cookie jar. For a special touch, consider garnishing with a few extra chopped almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
- Temperature: Serve the cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If they’ve been refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their taste.
- Garnish Options: For added flair, drizzle the optional glaze over the cookies or top them with additional sliced almonds before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the cookies for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: To extend their shelf life, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, remove the cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
- Avoid Sogginess: To maintain the cookies’ crispness, ensure they are completely cooled before storing. Avoid placing them in a humid environment, as this can make the cookies soft.
Variations for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies:
If you’re looking to put a new spin on Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, here are some creative variations to try. Each variation offers a unique twist while keeping the delightful essence of the original recipe.
1. Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the batter.
- Instructions: Fold the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the dough along with the cherries and almonds for a rich, chocolaty flavor.
2. White Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Replace the chopped almonds with ½ cup of white chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Incorporate white chocolate chips and chopped cherries into the dough for a sweet, creamy twist on the classic cookie.
3. Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough.
- Instructions: Fold shredded coconut into the batter to add a tropical flavor and extra texture to the cookies.
4. Lemon Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the dough.
- Instructions: Mix lemon zest and juice into the batter to create a refreshing, citrusy contrast to the sweet cherries and almonds.
5. Maple Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Substitute ¼ cup of the granulated sugar with ¼ cup of pure maple syrup.
- Instructions: Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a warm, maple flavor. You might need to slightly adjust the flour to maintain the right dough consistency.
6. Spiced Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough.
- Instructions: Incorporate the spices into the batter to give the cookies a cozy, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries and almonds.
7. Raspberry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Substitute maraschino cherries with 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries.
- Instructions: Gently fold raspberries into the dough for a tart and fruity twist on the classic cookie.
8. Pistachio Cherry Cookies
- Ingredients: Replace sliced almonds with ½ cup of chopped pistachios.
- Instructions: Use chopped pistachios instead of almonds for a slightly different nutty flavor that complements the cherries.
9. Almond Cherry Oat Cookies
- Ingredients: Add ½ cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough.
- Instructions: Fold oats into the batter for added texture and a hint of chewiness, which pairs well with the almond and cherry flavors.
10. Glazed Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients: Prepare a simple glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice.
- Instructions: Drizzle the cookies with the glaze once they are cooled for an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish.
Conclusion:
Our Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the sweet and tart flavor of cherries with the nutty richness of almonds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies offer a unique and satisfying taste experience. Try this recipe today and discover a new favorite cookie that’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQ’s about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies:
- What makes Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies unique? These cookies combine the classic soft and chewy texture of Amish sugar cookies with the distinct flavors of almond extract and dried cherries, creating a sweet and slightly fruity twist.
- How do I prepare the dried cherries for the recipe? Chop the dried cherries into small pieces before mixing them into the dough. This helps distribute the cherry flavor evenly throughout the cookies.
- Can I use almond flour instead of almond extract? Almond flour will alter the texture and consistency of the cookies. If you prefer, you can use almond flour along with a small amount of almond extract for a stronger almond flavor.
- How do I know if my dough is the right consistency? The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. It should hold together well and be easy to scoop onto the baking sheet. If it’s too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- What is the best way to roll the dough into balls? Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform balls of dough. Rolling the dough between your palms ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have a consistent size.
- Can I add a glaze or frosting to these cookies? Yes, you can add a simple glaze or frosting if desired. A light almond glaze or a powdered sugar icing can complement the flavors nicely. Just be sure to let the cookies cool completely before applying any toppings.
- How long should I bake the cookies? Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. They should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Can I substitute the butter with a different fat? You can use margarine or a butter substitute, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. For a non-dairy option, you can use coconut oil, though it will impart a coconut flavor to the cookies.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? To prevent excessive spreading, ensure that the dough is chilled before baking. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet also helps to reduce spreading.
- What is the best way to store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.