If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers buttery bliss with the whimsical charm of maraschino cherries and a gentle almond aroma, you have to make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. These are so much more than your average sugar cookie: they are irresistibly soft, delicately chewy, and each bite sparkles with sweet cherry gems and an irresistible almond finish. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, a family get-together, or just because, these cookies bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort to every plate. The pretty pink flecks make them as eye-catching as they are delicious!

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is found in their simple, classic ingredients, each one adding something special to the final cookie. From the creamy butter base to the bright cherries, each component is easy to find and absolutely essential.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds essential sweetness and helps the cookies brown just right.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Brings a finer, softer crumb while adding even more sweetness.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Makes these cookies extra soft and keep them moist for days.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and provide lift for just the right amount of fluff.
Almond extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Gives that nostalgic, fragrant almond flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups): Forms the base structure of the cookies—be sure to measure carefully for the best texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread and puff up just enough in the oven.
Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Adds tang and helps with that classic Amish sugar cookie softness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chopped maraschino cherries (1 cup, drained and patted dry): Add vibrant pops of color and bright, sweet cherry flavor.
Sliced almonds (½ cup, optional): For a nutty crunch and extra almond goodness—totally scrumptious but not required.

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step ensures your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies slide off the pan effortlessly and bake up with perfectly golden bottoms every time. Gather your ingredients and make sure your butter has had a chance to properly soften—it truly makes all the difference!

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar on medium speed. The mixture should become super light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes, so don’t rush it! This step helps create that signature soft and tender cookie crumb you crave in Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the vegetable oil, crack in the eggs, and add the almond extract. Keep mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth. You’ll notice the batter gets a little glossy and richer in color at this point, promising good things ahead!

Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This quick step ensures the leaveners and salt get evenly distributed, setting your cookies up for consistent texture throughout.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring on low or by hand, just until combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. This helps the cookies keep their lovely soft bite and prevents them from getting tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold in the chopped, well-drained (and patted dry!) maraschino cherries and, if you’re using them, those lovely sliced almonds. The batter turns hopeful and festive with gorgeous pink specks and a hint of nutty texture throughout.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about two inches apart. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Don’t be tempted to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool. Once out of the oven, let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Take your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies up a notch by drizzling on a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a few drops of almond extract, and just enough milk to get the right consistency. The glaze sets into a delicate sheen that looks stunning and adds a little extra sweetness. A few extra chopped cherries or a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top will make your cookies look completely bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair these beauties with classic accompaniments: a cold glass of milk, a cup of freshly brewed tea, or a mild coffee. If you’re feeling extra, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cheerful dessert course that brings out the fruity and nutty notes in each cookie.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a bundle and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift, or arrange them on a vintage cookie platter for a nostalgic tea party feel. For a show-stopping display, alternate Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with plain Amish sugar cookies and chocolate-dipped versions for a trio that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies stay soft and chewy for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a sheet of parchment between layers if you’re stacking them to keep the cherries from making the others sticky.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough and the baked cookies! For dough, simply portion scoops onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer to freeze, then stack with parchment in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm (and who wouldn’t?), just pop a couple in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll be just as soft and delightful as the day you baked them, and those cherries will be sweet and juicy all over again.

FAQs

Do I really need to dry the maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Patting the chopped cherries dry keeps extra moisture out of the dough, which means your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies bake up tender—not soggy. This step might seem small but it’s crucial for the best texture.

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino?

Maraschino cherries are classic here, giving these cookies their signature pops of color and sweetness. Fresh or frozen cherries add more moisture and tartness, so your results will be different and the cookies might spread more. For the traditional taste and look, stick with maraschino.

Is almond extract necessary?

If you love the flavor of traditional Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, almond extract is a must. It’s what ties the cherry and sweet cookie flavors together. If you only have vanilla on hand, use it, but the almond version is truly something special.

How do I make the almond glaze?

It’s simple: whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or cream and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set for about 15 minutes before serving or packaging. This quick glaze adds a lovely finish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! The dough can be made and covered tightly, then chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also scoop and freeze the dough balls, making it easy to bake off just a few cookies at a time for ultimate freshness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies enough if you want a delicious, pretty treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to whip up, they make your kitchen smell heavenly, and everyone who tastes them will ask for the recipe. Savor every soft, cherry-flecked bite—you deserve it!