Name: Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 – 12 oz. jars maraschino cherries (drained, reserve juice, minced, 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; 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)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite treat with you, a timeless classic that has stolen my heart over the years — the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the perfect balance of sweet cherry flavor and subtle almond undertones, all wrapped up in a sugar cookie that’s tender yet delightfully chewy. I love how the reserved maraschino cherry juice adds a punch of flavor in the glaze, while the minced cherries provide bursts of juicy sweetness. Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like I’m creating a little piece of tradition and joy that’s impossible not to share.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

What truly sets this recipe apart, at least in my mind, is the enchanting combination of cherry and almond that dances on your palate with every bite. The cherry extract and almond extract blend so beautifully, complementing the natural sweetness of maraschino cherries without overwhelming the delicate sugar cookie base. I love that the cherries are minced and squeezed dry to avoid sogginess, which keeps the texture perfectly soft yet sturdy. The subtle tang from the powdered sugar glaze, enhanced by the cherry juice, gives it a lovely finishing touch that feels special and homey all at once.

From a practical standpoint, I find this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe surprisingly accessible despite its nostalgic vibe. The ingredients are staples you probably already have or can easily grab, and the steps are straightforward enough for both novice and seasoned bakers. One of my favorite things is how it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday parties, afternoon teas, or a cozy family dessert. Every time I bring these cookies along, they’re met with eager smiles and requests for seconds — I have no doubt you’ll feel the same way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several round cookies placed closely on a blue cloth with white floral patterns. Each cookie has a light beige base with a smooth layer of pink frosting swirled on top. The frosting is decorated with small red sprinkles scattered evenly, adding a bright contrast. The frosting's texture looks creamy and shiny. In the top corner, a glass bowl with bright red cherries and syrup is visible, with some syrup dripping down slightly, suggesting a topping or garnish for the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these cookies starts with simple ingredients that each play a vital role in achieving the ideal flavor and texture. From the buttery richness to the floral almond notes and the cherry’s tang, every component pulls its weight deliciously.

Maraschino cherries: Drained and minced, they add bursts of bright cherry sweetness throughout the cookie.
Butter (softened): Provides rich creaminess essential for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Vegetable or canola oil: Adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Granulated sugar: Brings classic sweetness and slight crispness to the edges.
Powdered sugar: Used both in the dough and glaze, it ensures a smooth texture and sweet finish.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
Almond extract: Gives a fragrant, nutty kick that pairs perfectly with cherry.
Cherry extract: Enhances the cherry flavor, making it more pronounced and vibrant.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds all ingredients nicely, giving just the right chew.
Baking soda: Adds lift to make the cookies light without losing density.
Cream of tartar: Provides tang and helps the cookies rise with a slight chew.
Butter (melted) for glaze: Adds richness and helps create the smooth glaze.
Maraschino cherry juice: Using the reserved juice in the glaze packs an extra cherry punch.
Powdered sugar for glaze: Balances tart juices for a luscious sweet coating.
Slivered almonds (garnish): Adds crunch and a lovely nutty contrast on top.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by draining the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Very important — mince the cherries finely and then pat or squeeze them until almost all moisture is removed. This prevents sogginess in your cookies and concentrates the cherry flavor. Set the cherries aside and reserve the juice for later.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is your rich, sweet base, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 3: Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then add the almond extract, cherry extract, and the minced cherries. I love how this step brightens the dough with beautiful flavor bursts.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This dry mixture is what gives your cookies wonderful texture and lift.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix — that’s the secret to keeping your cookies tender and light.

Step 6: Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 7: Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each mound to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye so they don’t overbake — you want soft edges and chewy centers.

Step 9: While the cookies bake, prepare the glaze by stirring together the melted butter, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and enough powdered sugar to create a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust the powdered sugar amount if needed.

Step 10: Once cookies are out of the oven and still warm, spread or drizzle the glaze over each one, then immediately press slivered almonds on top. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe makes approximately 48 delicious cookies — enough to share generously with family, friends, or holiday guests. The prep time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time per batch. Including resting and cooling time, plan for roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish, making this a wonderfully hands-on but manageable baking project. These cookies come together beautifully whether you have a casual afternoon or a special occasion ahead.

How to Serve This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with two layers, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light brown with a rough texture, resembling a baked cookie. On top, there is a thick layer of smooth, bright pink frosting swirled in a round shape. Each cookie is decorated with five thin, oval-shaped almond slices arranged in a flower pattern on the pink frosting. The overall look is soft and colorful, with the natural almond cream and light brown edges contrasting with the vibrant pink frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies at room temperature so their flavor really shines, but they’re equally delightful slightly warm if you want to enjoy the gooey glaze freshly set. For presentation, I arrange them on a pretty platter, sometimes garnished with a few extra slivered almonds or even a single small maraschino cherry on top for an extra pop of color. They brighten any dessert table with their charming red and white hues and inviting aroma.

These cookies pair beautifully with a light cup of tea — especially Earl Grey or a delicate floral blend — but I’ve also enjoyed them alongside coffee or even a glass of sparkling rosé for a festive touch. For non-alcoholic options, a cherry-infused sparkling water or a creamy almond milk latte balances the sweetness perfectly. They’re my go-to for holiday parties, bridal showers, or just a comforting treat after a long day.

When it comes to portioning, a couple of cookies per person usually hits the perfect note. They’re sweet enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you can enjoy more than one without feeling overwhelmed. I also sometimes package a few cookies in a lovely box as gifts — they’re always a big hit!

Variations

I enjoy customizing this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe in a few different ways depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. For instance, swapping the slivered almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts adds a rich, buttery crunch that I find delightful. Sometimes, I swap the cherry extract for raspberry or strawberry extract for a fun berry twist that still complements the almond beautifully.

If you’re looking to make these gluten-free, I’ve tried replacing the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free flour blend and the cookies turn out just as tasty, though a tiny bit more delicate. For a vegan adaptation, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use flax eggs to bind — it takes a little experimentation but can be done successfully with patience and care.

Occasionally, I’ve baked these cookies as small bars in a pan rather than drop cookies. The flavor remains the same, but bars create a different texture and presentation that’s fantastic for potlucks or packing in lunches. Also, experimenting with the glaze by adding a touch of lemon juice instead of cherry juice brings a fresh brightness that’s worth trying.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always recommend storing any leftover Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for up to 5 days. Using a container with a tight seal prevents the glaze from drying out or the cookies from becoming stale. If you need to stack the cookies, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. I usually flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just let the cookies thaw at room temperature with the glaze still intact, or adjust the glaze fresh once thawed to revive that glossy finish.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover cookies back to life, I gently warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the glaze, recreating that fresh-baked sensation. Avoid microwaving, which can make the cookies too soft and chewy in an undesirable way. A quick warm-up is all it takes to enjoy these treats as if they were freshly out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries can be used, they contain much more moisture than maraschino cherries, which might affect the texture of the cookies. If you want to try fresh cherries, I recommend pitting, mincing, and then thoroughly draining or even lightly sautéing them to reduce moisture before adding to the dough.

Why do you use both almond and cherry extracts?

The combination of almond and cherry extracts creates a more complex flavor profile. Almond extract adds a nutty, fragrant note while cherry extract intensifies the cherry flavor without adding extra liquid. Together, they give the cookies that classic, unmistakable Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe taste.

Is the glaze necessary? Can I skip it?

The glaze adds a wonderful sweet and tangy finish along with a hint of cherry and almond flavors. While you could skip it, the glaze really elevates the cookies and ties the flavors together. If you prefer, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of melted chocolate can be alternatives.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time actually helps develop deeper flavors and makes the dough easier to handle. Just bring it to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking for best results.

What’s the best way to get soft but sturdy cookies?

Be careful not to overmix your dough once the flour is added, as overworking it can make the cookies tough. Also, ensuring the cherries are squeezed dry prevents excess moisture from making the cookies too soft. Baking just until the edges turn golden ensures a chewy center with a tender edge.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those special recipes that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Every bite is a little celebration of flavors and textures that I know you’ll savor as much as I do. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies bring joy and nostalgia to any table. Happy baking and even happier tasting!