Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, infused with touches of cherry and almond, and topped with a thick cherry-almond icing! These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a smash hit for the holidays. Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are simple to make, foolproof, and a batch goes a long way!
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Amish Sugar Cookies are just the best. They’re soft, puffy, buttery, rich, and sorta flaky. They remind me a lot of cut-out cookies, but without any rolling. You get all the benefits of cut-outs, but at a fraction of the work. Cut-outs are one of my favorite cookies, but I hate to make them because they’re so much work. Amish Sugar Cookies are the lazy persons’ cut-outs. 🙂
When I made Amish Sugar Cookies for the first time last year, I knew right away that they’d also be amazing as a canvas for other flavors. Such a great, simple, sugar cookie – perfect the way it is, they don’t even need icing – but also very easy to adapt. Amish Sugar Cookies are soft and puffy, but still dense and substantial. They simply melt-in-your-mouth, and that’s a fact!
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are in the running for one of my favorite variations, and I’ve now made a lot. (See below!). Once I tried an almond version of Amish Sugar Cookies, I knew that the next step had to be cherry with almond. There are few combinations I love more, and the flavor pairing does not disappoint in these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
Both extracts are added right to the cookie batter, and into the icing too. They’re madeover with cherry and almond in each step. The icing is truly to-die-for, and you’ll want to slather it on quite thick, trust me. I couldn’t get enough of it.
Slivered almonds on top are a pretty garnish, and overall, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not bad to look at! They’ll really stand out if you’re planning to make them for the holidays.
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are pretty simple to throw together, and Amish Sugar Cookies in general are foolproof. I’ve made countless batches, and they turn out perfectly every time. They’re easy and reliable.
Also, a single batch makes quite a lot of cookies. You can easily feed a crowd. If you’re making an assortment of cookies for the holidays, a batch of these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies will go a long way.
If you’re a fan of cherry almond things, check out a these glorious Cherry Almond Scones, this addictive White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread, this stunning Cherry Amaretto Bundt Cake, and these easy bread recipes: Cherry Almond Bread and Cherry Pistachio Bread.
As I said, Amish Sugar Cookies are nothing if not versatile, and so here’s allllll the different ones I’ve got so far:
- Eggnog Amish Sugar Cookies
- Cranberry Orange Amish Sugar Cookies
- Iced Vanilla Amish Sugar Cookies
- Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Pecan Praline Amish Sugar Cookies
- Iced Maple Amish Sugar Cookies
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Amish Sugar Cookies
- Iced Chai-Spiced Amish Sugar Cookies
- Thin Crispy Amish Sugar Cookies
- Iced Almond Sugar Cookies
- Iced Lemon Amish Sugar Cookies
- Toasted Coconut Amish Sugar Cookies
- Coconut Oil Amish Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Amish Sugar Cookies
I’m excited to share a few varieties closer to Christmas too!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For cookies:
- 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
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
For cookies:
- As noted above, drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice (!), finely mince the cherries, and then pat/squeeze VERY dry. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugars until combined.
- Beat in eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and minced cherries.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets.
- Bake at 375 for 8-11 minutes, or until edges and bottoms are lightly browned.
- Remove to wire racks to cool.
For icing:
- Whisk together butter, maraschino cherry juice, and extracts.
- Stir in 4 cups powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add additional maraschino cherry juice or powdered sugar, as needed, to achieve a thick, but spreadable consistency. It should be thicker than a glaze, and it shouldn't run off the cookie, but should be easily spreadable.
- Frost cookies, sprinkle with slivered almonds, decorate with additional sprinkles, if desired, and allow to set.
Notes
There’s something so special about amish recipes. They’re great!!
Thank you so much!!
I can’t wait to make these, but I can’t find cherry extract. Where did you find it?
What grocery stores are near you?? I’ve found it at Wegman’s and at Walmart Neighborhood Markets! I usually find McCormick or Watkin’s brand. I’ve actually seen it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Watkins-Natural-Extract-Imitation-Packaging/dp/B00G6CLP5K/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542590400&sr=8-4&keywords=cherry%2Bextract&th=1
Hi Emily,Im Michele I too had a hard time finding it. I ended up ordering through AMAZON PRIME.I actually got what’s called Cherry Emulsion it does not contain alcohol like extracts which I did not know. They have ALL flavors. They are very reasonable as well . Hope this helped. 😉
Does the icing set enough to stack the cookies in a treat bag? Have a cookie exchange I’m attending.
It typically sets enough to stack them in containers with Saran Wrap or parchment paper in-between layers – I stack loosely & gently – but I think these might not be sturdy enough for treat bags. My friend just did treat bags recently and included these cookies without icing! But with icing – I think it’s iffy! I’m sorry. I hope you come up with some other ideas. 🙂
Can I use cherry oil instead of cherry extract? How much would I use?
Hi there! I have to be honest with you, I’m just not sure. I don’t bake much with oils! If they’re specifically for use in baking, I would think that should substitute fine. I don’t know if they are apples to apples in measuring though… so I’m not sure if you’d use more or less oil, but maybe the cherry oil bottle would have an equivalency chart? Please let me know if you try it, and how they turn out for you! Happy Holidays!
I just substituted 1 tsp cherry jello ( dry) because I couldn’t find the extract. It was perfect!
Oh, that’s an awesome tip! Thank you so much for sharing!!
I can’t seem to find cherry extract in stock at any of my local stores. What could I substitute?
I’m sorry to hear that! I wish it had been more accessible for you. I have seen it on Amazon, and it’s inexpensive, though it does come in a multiple pack: https://www.amazon.com/Watkins-Natural-Extract-Imitation-Packaging/dp/B00G6CLP5K/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1544381516&sr=8-4&keywords=cherry+extract.
I have heard that cherry oil and flavored oils can be substituted for extracts – they are found at Michaels craft stores and usually at cake stores.
Overall, you should be able to get a good amount of cherry flavor from the cherries and maraschino cherry juice in the icing, so if you leave the cherry extract out, you should be okay!
Almond extract goes very well with cherry.
Indeed! The recipe calls for almond extract already. 🙂
I’ve made these twice and have substituted juice from the cherries. Taste great!
Someone else suggested that too! I’m so glad that turns out! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
Depending on your location, you can find pure cherry extract (Watkins) at Menards, or your local home supply store! I was shocked they of all places carry this! All our grocery stores do not, and this was 3 times cheaper than Amazon!
Hi Sarah,
I am so looking forward to making these! I could only find maraschino cherries that were stored in syrup rather than juice.. Do you think that would still work for the icing?
I think it probably would work fine! But your icing proportions will probably end up being different. You might just have tweak the icing as you go – make adjustments to liquid and powdered sugar proportions as you stir. Hopefully you’ll get a feel for what’s thick enough not to run off the cookie, but thin enough to spread easily! I think that should work fine though!!
They came out great!! This recipie is a keeper for sure, rave reviews, with plenty of cookies to go around and leftovers in the freezer. Couldn’t find cherry extract but subbed some juice and they came out excellent! Looking forward to trying more recipies thank you!
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. Happy Holidays!!! 🙂
I made these for my cookie exchange and they are delicious! I couldn’t find cherry extract either, so I just added some extra cherry juice where it called for the extract.
My cousin’s daughter had the same problem! I even recently had a hard time tracking down cherry extract. What a shame because it used to be pretty accessible at Walmart. I also noticed that just using cherry juice seems to make them potent enough anyway, thankfully! I’m so glad you liked these. Did you have any tips or other feedback? They turned out well for you? Happy Holidays!!
I just made another batch of these incredible cookies and realized that you had asked me, before Christmas, if I had found cherry extract. I live in Texas and we have the BEST grocery chain here. I found the cherry extract there easily. I bought it for this recipe but I’ve used it many times since in cherry desserts. My youngest grandson informed me today that he would like to have this cherry icing on his birthday cake this year. When I asked what flavor the cake should be, he said that with this icing, he didn’t think it mattered! High praise indeed from a 3-year-old. I think I made five different Amish sugar cookie recipes of yours for giving to neighbors for Christmas and they all received rave reviews. Thanks again for posting them.
These are delicious and so pretty! I added the chopped cherries after the flour, and that worked better than adding before b/c they didn’t get as macerated. Also, I halved the recipe, used a 1Tablespoon scoop and still got 36 cookies. Teaspoon-ful drops would have been teensy tiny!
The teaspoonfuls are pretty small, but they still manage to puff up a lot, I sorta like them little, but they can definitely be adapted, as you said. I’m so glad you liked them, and I really like the tip about the cherries! Thanks so much for your feedback!! 🙂
I noticed that the icing would work well when warm. I only used 2 1/2 cups icing powder and it was too stiff. So I put the icing in the micro for 15 seconds. That worked for spreading the icing easier without fighting with it and breaking the tender cookie. Thanks for the wonderful variation on this great cookie!
Can u use the candied cherries. Instead of marachino cherries. I have some leftover, would like to use up. Thanks
Once the dough is made, can it be rolled out to make cut outs? After the dough being chiled?
Hi Kathi! I still have not tried this dough as cut-outs, though I intend to. I’ve been asked that question a lot, so I plan to work that out very soon, before the holidays. I’ve worked with this recipe a lot though, and my instinct says that the dough may be too soft and fluffy, even chilled, to work for cut outs. If you happen to try, let me know your experience! Thanks so much.
I just made these and while they taste amazing, they turned out very flat and fragile. Any idea what I did wrong?
I think extra liquid can make these flatten — did you squeeze the cherries very well? I do more than blot them dry, I really squeeze them. I think that makes a big difference! I’m sorry yours turned out differently than you expected!
Hi, I just came across this recipe and wanted to ask if you can make the dough in advance and freeze until ready to bake? I have several cookies where I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it and then we have a big cookie baking day. Thanks 😊
Yes, you sure can! These freeze wonderfully whether before or after baking. If before baking, I would try to bring back to room temperature first!
Just made these. Home run!! What a fantastic recipe!!!!!
I tweaked the icing a bit so it wasn’t so “cherry sweet” or thick.
Just did 1/3 cup of juice. Doubled the almond extract. Skipped the cherry. Used milk to thin it out instead of more juice.
Red sugar sprinkles instead of almond pieces, personal preference.
My husband says they are awful and should not go to my cookie exchange. Guess that means he loves them and wants them all for himself lol.
HAHAHAHA. That is so funny! As soon as you said your husband thought they were awful, my heart sank, until I read the rest of your comment. Thank goodness… I’m so glad you guys liked these! They are one of my very favorite cookie recipes too, and I’m glad you easily tweaked it to your preferences, and had a good result! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I am going to make these for Christmas along with some other goodies to give as gifts. I have a big bag of dried cherries… what do you think about using those instead? Or do you recommend using the maraschino cherries to add just a little moisture? Would love your thoughts!
Hi! The moisture is definitely not an issue with using the dried cherries. In fact, I really squeeze the maraschino cherries quite dry so that they don’t change the texture of the cookies. They don’t need moisture from the maraschinos, but I do think the dried cherries could be a bit less flavorful overall. That would be the main concern I have, but they’ll otherwise be a totally fine substitute! If you decide to try them, let me know what you think!!
I baked these last night, and after my 12 year old stepson tasted them, he very solemnly said, ‘I just tasted what I think are the most delicious cookies I’ve ever had in my life.’ LOL! My husband had 3, and wanted more! They. Are. Scrumptious!
LOL!!! Oh, that is awesome. Thank you so much for letting me know! I think these are my personal favorite of all the ones I’ve tried too… something really special about cherry and almond together. Soooo happy to hear that. Happy Holidays!! 🙂
Good morning! Excited to make these cookies for Valentines Day which I am celebrating on Saturday 2/15! When is the earliest I could make them that they would still be fresh and yummy???
I like them BEST the first 2 days. They are still wonderful for up to a week, but my favorite is the first 2ish days. 🙂 Maybe evening of the 12th or sometime the 13th? I hope you love them!!
How far in advance can you make the dough without freezing it prior to baking the cookies???
I’d say 2 or 3 days! Since it has raw eggs, so I wouldn’t go longer than that without freezing!
I just made these last night for a ladies meeting at church. I also couldn’t locate cherry extract in time to use it. That being said these were a HUGE hit! The recipe made so many and the flavor was amazing. Thanks
Fantastic!! I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your feedback. Yes, I love how many cookies a batch makes!!
I have been trying to duplicate a bakery’s bar cookie for years and this sounds close to it. Have you ever spread this dough in a cookie sheet to make bar cookies?
No! But that is a FANTASTIC idea. I will absolutely try that! I have found Amish Sugar Cookies to be one of the most versatile cookie recipes ever! If a cookie dough can make that work, it might be this one. I will totally fiddle with that idea. If you beat me to it, will you let me know how it goes and how they turn out? Thanks for your note, Penny!
Want to make these but I’m thinking about putting them in bar form have you ever tried that and do you think it would work? Thanks
I love the idea, and I’ve been meaning to try that myself! But I haven’t yet, so I just can’t say whether it would work, I’m sorry.
Hi there, I found a cherry extract for candy and other baked goods at Hobby Lobby. The big craft stores seem to have different flavors. They are stronger then regular baking extracts so you use only 1to 2 drops per teaspoon. My cookies turned out fantastic. One of the best recipes I have ever used. Thank you
You know what, that’s a really good point! I see flavored oils or tinctures at bakeries and food supply stores. I never thought about those, but that’s an excellent alternative. Thank you so much for sharing that tip! I hope that will help readers who have trouble finding cherry extract. Really great idea, thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear that these turned out for you. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
So I just made these cookies for the first time today. They’re AMAZING! However, I’m stumped. The first couple batches I pulled out of the over were the perfect shape and consistency. But the last few batches were flatter. They still taste delicious, but I prefer the consistency of the earlier ones. I used the same dough and the same pans. Any idea what happened or tips to prevent this?
Hmmm, my best guess might be related to juice in the cherries. I would squeeze them super dry each time so that extra moisture doesn’t thin out the cookies. But otherwise, I’m also stumped. You used the same cookie scoop or spoons? Used the same baking sheets? Etc? I’m sorry I’m not more help! I would make sure any excess moisture is removed from the ingredients!
The same thing happened to mine. I thought maybe I will refrigerate them between batches. They were still delicious.
The same thing happened to me, for the last couple batches I did put them in the fridge helped a little bit but I think it might be because you have to wait for the cookie sheet to cool off completely or it makes them flatten too early. So mine broke all up as I took them off the cookie sheets so I am making those ones into cake pops today.
This recipe is awesome!!! I couldn’t find cherry extract, so I used the juice as a sub for that and there were to die for!! So soft, fluffy and yummy! This will definitely be my go-to for any time I need to make cookies for anything. There were a huge hit and had great flavor! Excited to try the almond ones as well. Thanks for sharing!!
Yay!! So happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know. Yes, these are really popular, and the Amish Sugar Cookies in general are wonderful, IMO. I’m so glad you liked them too. 🙂
By far the best sugar cookies I’ve ever had!!! They’re so good!!! Way better than store bought. I augmented a little by adding some vanilla white chips and that was a great touch to an already excellent recipe. Definitely will be making these again! Saving in my bookmarks of dessert recipes.
Ooooh, that does sound good. Love the idea of the white chocolate chips, that’s fabulous! Yes — love these too. So glad you enjoy them!!
I enjoyed this recipe. But do NOT over bake. Get them out a little underdone and let them set. Many of mine are dry because I over baked. Darn!
I was super excited to try these but definitely disappointed. Maybe it’s because I’m just coming off of eating meltaways for the last two weeks and that type of cookie is amazing. I’m just not sure why I didn’t care for how this cookie turned out. The flavor is good,albeit I didn’t have any cherry extract but it’s the cookie consistency that is bothering me. A tad dry….too airy..I’m not sure. Sadly won’t be making these again, at least with this recipie. I have a different sugar cookie that I prefer. Thank you for sharing thought. I am sure others enjoyed!
Thank you for your honest feedback! Yes, it’s possible these cookies are just not your preference. It happens!! We love them, and many people do, but I understand when someone likes a different kind of cookie better. 🙂 I’m glad they still turned out correctly, from the sound of it. Did you share them with others? What did they think? Also, send me your favorite sugar cookie recipe if you think of it! Thanks again for your note.
These cookies are wonderful I made them this afternoon..I didn’t have enough powder sugar so I couldn’t make the frosting..could a person frost them the next day?
Best sugar cookie I’ve ever eaten 😋…
Made these last night and they’re really good. I didn’t have cherry extract so I used the cherry juice. I also cut the recipe in half. My youngest loved the frosting more than anything. The cookies are soft and delicious.Thanks for the recipe.
I’ve made these numerous times now! They are one of my favorite cookies! And they’re a big hit at my fundraising bake sales!
Hearing that makes my heart so happy! Thank you so much for your kind comment. These are one of my very most favorite cookies ever. 🙂
These cookies look yummy! But can I still cut shapes with this recipe? Thanks!
Hey there! I have experimented with this cookie dough as cutout cookies, and I do not recommend it! The dough is quite soft and fluffy, so it’s very hard to work with for cutout cookies. It won’t make great shapes, unfortunately!
Oh my goodness! So delicious! So easy! And so versatile! My helper ate they raw dough, unfrosted cookies, frosted cookies, and frosted & decorated cookies …. loved them all 😁 This recipe is a keeper.
I made these cookies and they were absolutely delicious. I did not find the cherry flavoring but I use cherry juice and both the cookie and the frosty and the flavor was wonderful. I made these for a Tea and everyone asked for the recipe!
Absolutely want to make these!
Can you please tell me if the icing sets enough for them to be packed and mailed ?
TIA
Where are you shipping to? For summer climates, I would be concerned!
Have you tried making any of your Amish sugar cookies gluten free with a 1-1 flour? I have a friend with celiac disease and like to make a few GF options
I have never tried that, unfortunately! But I would really like to. I’m looking at making some GF recipes next year. I wish I could be more helpful right now, but I haven’t tried it yet…. good luck!
I make cookies every Sunday morning to take to Sunday school. Made double batch last Sunday . Some for church , some to take to my daughter. Received several texts from church people, enjoying the cookies but my daughter said they could win a ribbon. Beautiful and delicious cookie to begin the Christmas season.
Have you ever made these with gluten free flour?
I haven’t! I’m sorry! I plan to do that though because 1. I’ve had other inquiries and 2. I now try to reduce gluten where possible. I will give it a try soon, but I haven’t yet, unfortunately.
These are delicious! I followed the recipe exactly, making sure to squeeze the juice out of the cherries. Using paper towels until they were pretty dry before adding to the mix.
I frosted some, left some plain. Will definitely make again!
Have you or could you make these with dried cherries?
I haven’t tried that! I think you could, but sometimes dried fruit in cookies isn’t super flavorful. May be less potent than maraschino, but they certainly won’t be bad. 🙂
The dough seemed very dense? I also had issues with the cookies burning. I turned down the heat, cooked them for a shorter time and they still burned. AnY thoughts?
Hmmm, no thoughts, unfortunately… I find these hard to burn. Did you make any substitutions??
I made these with dried cherries and chocolate chips,. I am a big fan of LorAnn bakery emulsion flavors etc. You can find their products in Amish community stores, cake decorating supply stores, or online! I added a t of cornstarch because I live in higih altitude. Great recipe!! Thanks for sharing
I made these for Christmas and they are wonderful.
Everything looks great.
Looks really good to try it tomorrow
Has anyone tried making these with fresh cherries instead of the sugary red dye maraschino cherries?
I don’t know that fresh cherries will work here, tbh. I think they’ll bleed too much liquid. At least with maraschino, you can blot and squeeze them a bit first. If you want an alternative, I would try chopped, dried cherries. Might want to soak them in a tablespoon or two of water, or even amaretto or a complementary liquor, to plump them up a bit. Feel like dried cherries in baking do better when they’ve been soaked a little. That is my best recommendation. Good luck!
Since I’ll probably only use the cherry extract, is there something I can substitute? It’s very expensive. Thanks.
These were amazing!! I wasn’t able to find cherry extract at an of my local grocery stores so I just used the juice from the jars of cherries and they turned out really great. My family loved them as well! Will definitely make them again.
So happy to hear that!! 🙂
Can these be made gluten free?
I have never tried it, I’m sorry to say. I would like to eventually test that out, but I don’t know for now, unfortunately. I’m sorry!
These cookies are so good. I made them for our Christmas cookie baking. They are now a new favorite.
Yay! So happy to hear that!
Looking forward to making these, but I am wondering if you use salted or unsalted butter?
Thanks!
I personally use salted. I know a lot of people use unsalted for baking, and for some recipes I do, but I mostly prefer salted butter.
Gonna attempt these for office party. I am not a good baker. Should I use salted butter bc I don’t see salt in the recipe?
Yes! I use salted. They’re not hard, just make sure to squeeze the cherries well!