Description
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, puffy, and packed with almond-cherry flavor. Topped with a thick cherry-almond icing, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting! Foolproof and easy to make, this recipe yields a large batch that will delight everyone. Bake a batch, share the love, and enjoy the festive cheer these cookies bring!
Ingredients
Scale
For cookies:
- 2 – 12 oz. jars maraschino cherries (drained, minced, and squeezed very dry)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- 2 tsp. cherry extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cream of tartar
For icing:
- 4 tbsp. butter, melted
- 1/3 cup + 1–2 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 tsp. cherry extract
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain and mince the maraschino cherries, patting them dry to remove moisture. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
- Mix in eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and the minced cherries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- To make the icing, whisk melted butter, cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract together. Gradually stir in powdered sugar until the icing reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Spread icing over cooled cookies, garnish with slivered almonds, and allow to set before serving.
Notes
- These cookies keep well for about 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh. They freeze beautifully for later use.
- Make sure to drain and dry the cherries well to avoid overly wet dough.
- Experiment with different extract flavors, like vanilla or lemon, for a twist!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg