Chewy Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies | Recipestasteful | We’re the Secret Ingredient for Home cooks.: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

If you’re craving a cookie that’s not just any ordinary treat but one that transports you to the heart of Amish kitchens with its irresistible chewy texture and burst of cherry almond flavors, then Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are your perfect match. Imagine biting into a soft, homemade delight that combines the nostalgic warmth of traditional Amish baking with a modern twist of dried cherries and almond infusion, making these cookies stand out from the crowd. As a staple at family gatherings or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe solves the common dilemma of finding a dessert that’s easy to make yet impressively flavorful, all while delivering that signature chewy goodness we all love.

The allure of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies lies in their sensory symphony: the buttery softness gives way to a delightful chewiness with every bite, while the tartness of dried cherries dances with the nutty essence of almonds, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. As these cookies bake, your kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of vanilla undertones mixed with almond extract, evoking memories of cozy bake days. The texture is spot-on—crisp edges yielding to a tender center—ensuring each cookie is a textural masterpiece that keeps you coming back for more.

What makes this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies recipe from leosfoods.com truly special is its Chef Stella’s secret touch, refined through countless trials to guarantee foolproof results every time. You’ll discover insider tips, like the precise almond infusion technique that elevates the flavor profile beyond typical sugar cookies, making this the definitive guide for home cooks. Whether you’re a novice or a baking pro, this post will arm you with comprehensive knowledge, from ingredient spotlights to storage hacks, ensuring your baking adventures are successful and delicious.

Why This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The unique selling proposition of these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is their irresistible chewy texture achieved through a precise almond infusion and careful dough handling. By using high-quality almond extract and folding in chopped dried cherries at the right moment, we create a depth of flavor that’s unparalleled. This technique ensures the almonds release their oils gradually, infusing every bite with a nutty richness that transforms a simple sugar cookie into an extraordinary treat, setting this recipe apart from standard versions online.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the chewy perfection comes from the combination of softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar, which creates air pockets during creaming that lock in moisture. This high-fat base prevents over-spreading in the oven, resulting in cookies that maintain their shape and achieve that ideal soft center with lightly golden edges, making them a reliable favorite for any occasion.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchens to ensure consistency, even for beginner bakers. With clear instructions and tips to avoid common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfect results every time, making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies a go-to recipe that builds confidence in your baking skills.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

All-purpose flour is the foundation of these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, providing the structure that holds everything together. Using a high-quality, unbleached variety ensures a tender crumb without excess gluten development, which can make cookies tough. Opt for a brand that’s finely milled for better absorption—substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed, but note it may slightly alter the texture.

Baking soda acts as the leavening agent, giving these cookies their gentle rise and chewy interior. Always check that it’s fresh to avoid flat results; a quick test is to mix it with vinegar and see if it bubbles. If substituting, use an equal amount of baking powder, but be aware it might make the cookies a tad cakier.

Salt enhances the flavors in Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the almond notes. Use fine sea salt for even distribution; kosher salt works as a substitute, but you’ll need about 1/4 teaspoon more due to its coarser grains.

Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is crucial for the creamy base that defines the texture of these cookies. Choose a high-fat European-style butter for extra richness, as it contributes to that signature chew—substitute with vegan butter if dairy-free, ensuring it’s at the same softness to maintain consistency.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies but also helps with browning and moisture retention. Go for pure cane sugar to avoid any additives; if you’re reducing sugar, try coconut sugar in a 1:1 ratio, though it will add a subtle caramel undertone.

A large egg binds the dough and adds moisture, contributing to the chewy texture. Fresh, room-temperature eggs work best; for vegan alternatives, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to keep the cookies tender without compromising structure.

Almond extract is the star flavor enhancer in Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, providing that authentic nutty essence. Always use pure extract for the best taste—imitation versions can taste artificial. If allergic, substitute with vanilla extract, but start with half the amount as it’s stronger in flavor.

Dried cherries add a tart, fruity burst that complements the almond in these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Choose unsweetened varieties for balance; fresh cherries can be substituted, but chop and dry them lightly first to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Sliced almonds offer a crunchy contrast and deepen the almond theme in Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Toasting them briefly before adding enhances their flavor—substitute with chopped walnuts if desired, ensuring they’re finely sliced for even distribution.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy release and even baking. This step ensures the cookies bake uniformly without sticking.

Pro Tip: Use a reliable oven thermometer to confirm the temperature, as inaccuracies can lead to uneven cooking and affect the chewy texture of your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until fully combined. This creates a uniform base that will integrate smoothly with the wet ingredients.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-whisk the dry ingredients, as this can activate the gluten prematurely and result in tough Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies—mix just until blended.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air for a better rise and texture.

Pro Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming; if it’s too cold, the mixture won’t achieve the right lightness, impacting the chewiness of your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Almond Extract

Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon almond extract into the creamed mixture until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding the egg while the mixture is too cool can cause curdling—let ingredients come to room temperature first to maintain the smooth consistency for perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing. This step is key to achieving the desired tender texture.

Pro Tip: Add the dry ingredients in two or three batches for better control, ensuring your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies have that signature soft and chewy interior.

Step 6: Fold in the Add-Ins

Fold in 1 cup chopped dried cherries and 1/2 cup sliced almonds gently with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-folding can deflate the dough, leading to dense cookies—stop as soon as the cherries and almonds are mixed in for the best Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 7: Shape and Place Dough

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Pro Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, which helps in even baking and ensures all your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfectly shaped.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, rotating the sheets halfway through for even heat distribution.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overbaking can dry out the cookies—check at 10 minutes to preserve that irresistible chewy texture in your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip: This resting period allows the cookies to set properly, enhancing their chewy quality for the ultimate Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies experience.

Serving & Presentation

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies on a rustic wooden platter, perhaps dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Garnish with a few extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch and visual appeal. These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, enhancing their almond flavors, and make a fantastic addition to dessert spreads alongside fresh fruit salads or vanilla ice cream for a complementary contrast.

To impress at gatherings, stack them in a tiered stand or wrap individually in parchment for party favors. Their chewy texture shines when served warm, so consider reheating briefly in the oven. For a full meal idea, serve after a light meal like grilled chicken salad, as the cookies provide a sweet, satisfying end that balances savory dishes perfectly.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all ingredients except the cherries and almonds, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, fold in the add-ins and bake fresh for that just-baked chewy texture in your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Storing Leftovers: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness; for longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, ensuring they retain their softness when thawed.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original chewy texture and flavor, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or use a microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, avoiding any sogginess for the perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies revival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)