Introduction
If you’re in search of a delightful cookie that boasts sweet cherry bursts and a subtle hint of almond, look no further! These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a charming treat that captures the essence of home baking. With their lovely tender texture and beautiful golden edges, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring during a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking these delicious goodies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, invitingly pale in color.
- Add in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. The aroma of the dry ingredients will be pure magic!
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. You want to keep that lovely fluffy texture, so don’t overmix!
- Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds, creating a vibrant and colorful cookie dough.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they’re spaced about 2 inches apart for even baking.
- Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are a delightful golden brown.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor and texture, be sure to use room-temperature butter. It will cream together better with the sugars, resulting in that perfect fluffy dough. If you’d like to make these cookies even more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of colored sugar on top before baking!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe employs the creaming method, which is essential in cookie-making. By beating the butter and sugars together, you incorporate air into the dough, leading to softer, tender cookies. Also, folding in your cherries and almonds gently ensures they distribute evenly without deflating the dough.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the sweetness as needed since fresh cherries are less sweet than their maraschino counterparts.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy them later!
Conclusion
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining rich flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat at home, these cookies are bound to bring smiles. So preheat that oven and let the sweet aromas of baking fill your kitchen — you won’t regret it!