Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
With their irresistibly soft, tender crumb and old-fashioned charm, these Amish Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that makes you feel instantly at home. A buttery blend of simple ingredients transforms into cookies that are delightfully melt-in-your-mouth, just sweet enough, and perfect for sharing (though no one will blame you for saving a few for yourself). If you’re after that classic, comforting cookie that disappears in minutes at every bake sale or family gathering, it’s time to bake up a batch of Amish Sugar Cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Amish Sugar Cookies, the magic lies in how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient brings its own unique flair, ensuring you get perfect flavor and texture every time.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle, creamy flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): Adds extra moisture and helps create those delicately crisp exteriors.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and aids in that classic cookie spread.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Introduces a silky texture and an extra layer of sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the dough a gentle lift.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with warm, irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
- All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups): The backbone of the cookies, holding all the ingredients in perfect harmony.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light rise, so your cookies stay pillowy.
- Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Provides that signature tang and delicately soft crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and brightens every bite.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat them together until smooth, creamy, and a little fluffy—this step is essential for those amazing soft centers Amish Sugar Cookies are known for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Beat again just until everything comes together and looks luscious and light. The eggs add structure, while the vanilla brings that nostalgic cookie aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This mixture ensures each leavening agent and flavor booster is perfectly distributed.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing as you go. You want a soft, cohesive dough—don’t worry if it’s slightly sticky. That just means extra tender cookies!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a classic Amish Sugar Cookie appearance, flatten each one gently with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden and the centers look set. Don’t overbake—these cookies are meant to stay soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to give your Amish Sugar Cookies a little something extra, sprinkle them with a dusting of granulated or sparkling sugar before baking. This adds a touch of crunch and a sweet, glistening finish that is both pretty and delicious.
Side Dishes
There’s almost nothing better than pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of tea, or rich coffee. For dessert platters, arrange them alongside fresh berries or a swirl of whipped cream for a light, festive touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack Amish Sugar Cookies in clear treat bags tied with rustic twine—perfect for neighbors or holiday swaps. If serving to guests, arrange them on a vintage plate or cake stand, or sandwich two around a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a truly nostalgic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Amish Sugar Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them ideal for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for holiday prep or when you need a quick, homemade treat.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your Amish Sugar Cookies warm (and who wouldn’t?), pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. They’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?
You can substitute margarine, but the cookies won’t have quite the same rich, buttery flavor that unsalted butter gives Amish Sugar Cookies. For best results, stick with real butter.
What does cream of tartar do in this recipe?
Cream of tartar adds a delicate tang and helps the cookies maintain their soft, tender crumb, a signature characteristic of classic Amish Sugar Cookies.
Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into rounds and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time as needed.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, make sure your butter isn’t too warm and that you’ve measured your flour correctly. Chilling the dough briefly can also help control spreading.
Can I decorate Amish Sugar Cookies with icing?
Definitely! Let the cookies cool completely, then drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or decorate with colored icing for special occasions—they’re a fantastic canvas!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about watching a tray of Amish Sugar Cookies disappear in record time, their sweet aroma filling the kitchen and inviting everyone in for just one more bite. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of cookies that truly captures the joy of home baking.
Print
Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Amish Sugar Cookies are the epitome of soft, buttery goodness. With a delicate texture and a hint of sweetness, they are a classic treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets and flatten slightly. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, sprinkle sugar on top before baking.
- These cookies freeze well and make lovely gifts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
