If you have a soft spot for classic, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you are going to absolutely adore this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together a buttery richness with a delicate crumb that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. Beyond just being delicious, this recipe has stood the test of time in Amish kitchens for good reason—it’s straightforward, uses pantry staples, and delivers consistently soft, tender cookies every single time. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, making this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe will fill your home with cozy aromas and your guests with joy, making it an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind these cookies—it all starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. The basic pantry staples come together to make a dough that’s easy to work with and a cookie that’s rich but not heavy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich, creamy flavor and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Adds moistness and keeps the cookies delightfully soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to a slight crunch.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding stability to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s buttery notes with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, ensuring a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Works magic to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial for even baking and to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Cream them together until you see a smooth, fluffy texture—this builds the base for light and tender cookies packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and a hint of aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are distributed evenly, which is key to the cookies’ soft texture.
Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be mindful not to overmix, because the last thing you want is tough cookies. The dough should be tender and easy to drop onto the baking sheet.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer a more uniform look, gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully—the edges should just start turning golden, but the centers will remain soft. Once baked, cool them on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Amish Sugar Cookies are incredible on their own, a light sprinkle of sugar before baking adds a subtle crunch and sparkle that’s simply irresistible. For a touch of festive cheer, try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or topping with a simple glaze once cooled to impress guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or a warm mug of tea—the creamy, buttery cookies beautifully complement any beverage. For a dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add contrasting textures and bursts of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, sandwich two cookies together with a thin layer of jam, frosting, or even Nutella for a delightful twist. You can also arrange them in decorative tins or stack them with parchment paper separators for charming homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Amish sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them a perfect anytime treat.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for your next batch of sweetness.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use light olive oil or canola oil as alternatives. Just make sure the oil has a neutral flavor so it doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the cookies.
Why do these cookies use both baking soda and cream of tartar?
The cream of tartar adds tenderness and keeps the cookies soft, while baking soda helps with a light rise. Together, they create that classic tender and slightly chewy texture Amish sugar cookies are known for.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Small amounts of citrus zest, almond extract, or mini chocolate chips can add delightful variations. Just keep mix-ins light to preserve the traditional soft texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are just beginning to turn golden while the centers remain pale and soft. Overbaking will make the cookies dry, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly underbaked for that melt-in-your-mouth result.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is! All of the ingredients used in this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a batch of freshly baked Amish sugar cookies. This recipe captures that nostalgic feeling with every soft, buttery bite. Easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion or just because. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy baking these beloved classics—it’s a delicious experience you won’t regret!
Print
Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth traditional cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These classic American dessert treats combine a unique blend of butter, oil, and sugar with a hint of vanilla, resulting in deliciously tender cookies with a delicate texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined for a rich, creamy base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. If desired, flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm for an even shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly without becoming hard.
Notes
- These cookies have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly soft.
- For added sweetness and a subtle crunch, sprinkle sugar on top before baking.
- They freeze well, making them an ideal candidate for holiday gifting or advance preparation.
