These Frosted Amish Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that pairs soft, chewy cookies with a luscious cherry cream cheese frosting. The maraschino cherries bring a burst of fruity sweetness, while the almond extract enhances the flavor for a nostalgic, bakery-style cookie. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or just because, these cookies will be a hit with family and friends!
Why You Will Love Frosted Amish Cherry Sugar Cookies
These cookies are the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Here’s why they’ll win you over:
- Burst of Cherry Flavor: Minced maraschino cherries and cherry juice infuse the dough and frosting with fruity sweetness.
- Velvety Frosting: The cherry cream cheese frosting is creamy, tangy, and decadent.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their soft pink hue and frosting make them perfect for celebrations or gifts.
Ingredient Notes For Frosted Amish Cherry Sugar Cookies
Each ingredient contributes to the soft texture and rich flavor of these cookies:
- Maraschino Cherries: Provide sweetness, color, and bursts of fruity flavor.
- Butter and Cream Cheese: Create a creamy, rich dough and frosting.
- Almond Extract: Complements the cherry flavor for a classic taste combination.
- Cream of Tartar: Gives the cookies a soft, tender texture and slight tang.
Ingredients List For Frosted Amish Cherry Sugar Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 12 ounces maraschino cherries, drained (reserve juice), minced, and squeezed dry
- 1 cup butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1–2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheets
- Wire cooling rack
How to Make Frosted Amish Cherry Sugar Cookies
Here’s how to create these charming cookies step by step:
- Prepare the Cherries:
Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice for later. Mince the cherries and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the dough. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until creamy. Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the minced cherries until evenly distributed. - Chill the Dough:
Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour to make it easier to handle and to enhance the flavor. - Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a spring-release scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and place it on a parchment paper or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.Flatten each cookie slightly to about ½ inch thick using your palm or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly brown, and the center appears matte and set. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, the reserved cherry juice, and almond extract. Mix until creamy, then gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. - Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cherry cream cheese frosting. - Store:
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Frost before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Customize these cookies to suit your preferences:
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of finely chopped almonds or pistachios to the dough for added texture.
- Chocolate Cherry Twist: Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes for the frosting.
Helpful Notes
- Dry the cherries thoroughly after mincing to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.
- Sift the powdered sugar to ensure a smooth and lump-free frosting.
- Refrigerate the frosting if it becomes too soft before spreading.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for the frosting to achieve the perfect consistency.”
- Martha Stewart: “For evenly sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop—it makes baking a breeze.”
- Alton Brown: “Chill cookie dough before baking to help control spread and maintain shape.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries are not recommended, as they contain more moisture and may alter the dough’s consistency.
2. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the frosting up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
3. Can I skip the cherry juice in the frosting?
You can substitute it with milk or heavy cream, though you’ll miss the cherry flavor and pink color.
4. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking, and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness.
5. Can I freeze frosted cookies?
It’s best to freeze them unfrosted. Frosted cookies can become messy when thawed.
Conclusion
Frosted Amish Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery sweetness, cherry flavor, and creamy frosting. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you’re craving something special, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and beautifully pink, they’re a sweet way to bring joy to your table. Bake up a batch today and savor the delicious nostalgia!
