Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
You guys, if you haven’t tried making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies yet, you are missing out! These cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day. They combine the delightful flavors of sweet cherries with nutty almond, and trust me, they’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. I still remember the first time I whipped these up for a get-together; they were gone in no time, and everyone begged for the recipe. So, let’s bake some together!
What Are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a beautiful balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The cookies are enriched with almond extract, which pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cherries. Originating from Amish baking traditions, these cookies have a simple yet phenomenal flavor profile that makes them a favorite for any occasion. Whether they’re served at a potluck or a Saturday morning brunch, they never fail to impress!
Ingredients Overview for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies. I promise, most of these ingredients are things you probably already have on hand!
- All-purpose flour: This is going to be the backbone of our cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar: For that sweet kick! You can also use coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
- Butter: Nice and creamy, it adds richness. Use unsalted if you can.
- Almond extract: This gives the cookies their charming flavor. If you’re not a fan, vanilla extract works too!
- Baking powder: This helps our cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Chopped cherries: Fresh or frozen (just make sure to thaw and drain them), they add a juicy surprise in each bite.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance things out.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This means that your cookies can go straight into a hot oven and bake perfectly!
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use a mixer or just your good ol’ hands if you prefer.
- Add Egg and Extract: Stir in the egg and almond extract until they’re well combined. The smell will be heavenly!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped cherries with a spatula. This is where the magic happens!
- Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave plenty of space between each dollop; they will spread a little during baking.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to take things up a notch, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea. You can even drizzle some white chocolate over them for an extra touch of sweetness. Sharing them with friends and family makes them taste even better!
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherries will give you the best flavor and juiciness.
- Watch the Bake Time: Each oven varies, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and cherries, mix just until combined. This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough: If it’s too warm, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Q&A Section
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just chop them up and use them in the same way, but be aware they will be a bit chewier.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they freeze wonderfully!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling works perfectly! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets!
Do I have to use almond extract?
Not at all! If you’re not an almond fan, stick to vanilla extract or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different twist.
Why You’ll Love It
You’re going to love these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, meaning even beginners can whip them up. Second, the combination of cherry and almond is absolutely delightful and unique. And last, they’re the sort of cookies you want to share with everyone you know. Can you imagine the smiles when people take that first bite? Pure happiness!
Recipe Development Journey
Oh, let me tell you, the journey to perfecting these cookies was quite entertaining! At first, I accidentally overbaked them, and they turned into crunchy little biscuits. Not quite what I was going for! After a few more tries, I finally found the sweet spot for baking time. It was so worth it when I got that perfect, soft texture and the cherries bursting with flavor. It felt like a mini victory each time I pulled those golden cookies out of the oven. Besides, now I get to share this incredible recipe with all of you!
Happy baking, my friends!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery cookies combining sweet cherries and nutty almond flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
- Drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use fresh cherries for the best flavor. Watch baking time as ovens may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg