Name: Amish Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 4.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

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The first time I encountered Amish Sugar Cookies, I was visiting a lovely little town known for its charming Amish community. The air was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the streets, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. As I entered a quaint bakery, the sight of these golden, pillowy cookies caught my eye. I couldn’t resist the urge to indulge. Each bite was a perfect blend of sweetness and softness, making it impossible to stop at just one. I knew then that I had to bring this delightful recipe home to share with my friends and family. Now, every time I bake Amish Sugar Cookies, it transports me back to that warm, inviting bakery. They’ve become a staple in my home, perfect for every occasion from family gatherings to quiet evenings with a cup of tea. With their rich flavor and soft texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
37 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
7 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2g g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
7g g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Oven, Baking Sheet

Why This Amish Sugar Cookies Is a Winner

Tradition Meets Flavor

What I truly love about Amish Sugar Cookies is how they carry a sense of tradition. These cookies are often passed down through generations, each family adding their personal touch. The rich history behind them makes every batch feel special. It’s not just about baking cookies; it’s about connecting with those who came before us.

Versatile Treat

These cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether you want to add sprinkles for a festive touch or a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing flavor, you can easily customize them. They shine in their classic form, but their adaptability means you can turn them into a uniquely personal treat.

Perfect for Sharing

Nothing brings people together quite like cookies. Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing. I love to bake a batch to bring to gatherings, and they’re always a hit! The smiles on my friends’ faces when they take a bite are priceless.

Simple Ingredients

The simplicity of the ingredients used in Amish Sugar Cookies is another reason I adore this recipe. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

A Comforting Aroma

The moment these cookies start baking, your home fills with a comforting aroma that’s hard to resist. It’s a scent that evokes warmth and happiness, inviting everyone to gather in the kitchen. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a fresh cookie right out of the oven?

An Easy Recipe

If you’re new to baking or simply don’t have a lot of time, Amish Sugar Cookies are a fantastic choice. The recipe is straightforward, allowing you to create delicious cookies without any fuss. Perfect for those busy weeks when you still want to enjoy a homemade treat!

Main Ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookies

The ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookies are straightforward and accessible, making this recipe perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. The combination of butter and vegetable oil brings richness, while the perfect amount of granulated sugar and powdered sugar create a balanced sweetness. The addition of eggs lends moisture, and all-purpose flour ensures the right structure. With a touch of baking soda and cream of tartar, these cookies rise beautifully, making them a delightful treat any time of year.

Butter: 1 cup of softened butter adds richness and a creamy flavor to the cookies.
Vegetable Oil: 1 cup of vegetable oil helps keep the cookies moist and tender.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s lightness.
Eggs: 2 large eggs bind the ingredients together and enrich the dough.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 4½ cups of all-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie, giving it structure.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon of baking soda acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
Cream of Tartar: 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar helps stabilize the cookie dough and contributes to its texture.

How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies

Making Amish Sugar Cookies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with a sweet aroma. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these mouthwatering cookies. Here’s how to make them:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This initial step is crucial to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. As you wait for the oven to heat, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until the batter is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 minutes. You want to ensure everything is well combined, so don’t hesitate to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add in the 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture for another 2 minutes. The batter should become smooth and creamy, and you’ll notice a lovely vanilla fragrance filling the air.
In a separate bowl, mix together 4½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This dry mixture is essential for providing the right texture to your cookies.
With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture a couple of spoonfuls at a time. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated without creating a flour cloud in your kitchen.
Once the dough is evenly combined and looks smooth, it’s time to scoop them out. Use a cookie dough scoop to drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space in between for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes until they’re just lightly golden brown on the bottom edges. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are firm but the centers still appear soft.
Carefully transfer the baked cookies to cooling racks. Let them cool completely, allowing the texture to settle and the flavors to deepen.

How to Enjoy Amish Sugar Cookies

Perfect for Gatherings: Serve Amish Sugar Cookies at family gatherings or potlucks. They’re a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. The rich flavors complement hot drinks beautifully, making them a perfect afternoon snack.
Seasonal Variations: Change it up for different seasons by adding festive sprinkles or flavors like lemon or orange zest. They’re versatile enough to match any occasion.
Great for Lunchboxes: Pack Amish Sugar Cookies in kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet treat they’ll love. They’re easy to transport and stay fresh.
Storage Tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Occasions: These cookies are perfect for holidays like Christmas or Easter, but they’re delightful any time of year. Bake them to celebrate birthdays, or as a cozy treat on chilly evenings.

Things Worth Knowing

Perfect Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing. It helps create a lighter cookie texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be soft in the center when you take them out to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup much easier.

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts about baking Amish Sugar Cookies is the opportunity to customize them to your liking. Here are some fun ideas to make this recipe your own:

Add Sprinkles: For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking. It adds a fun pop of color and texture.
Use Different Extracts: While traditional vanilla works beautifully, try almond or lemon extract for a unique twist on flavor.
Incorporate Citrus Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest will brighten the flavor of your cookies, making them refreshing and unique.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips or chunks to give your Amish Sugar Cookies a delicious chocolatey twist.
Nut Variations: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Top with Icing: Once cooled, try drizzling a simple icing over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. Just mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla!
Experiment with Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for texture.

How to Enjoy Amish Sugar Cookies

Perfect for Gatherings: Serve Amish Sugar Cookies at family gatherings or potlucks. They’re a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. The rich flavors complement hot drinks beautifully, making them a perfect afternoon snack.
Seasonal Variations: Change it up for different seasons by adding festive sprinkles or flavors like lemon or orange zest. They’re versatile enough to match any occasion.
Great for Lunchboxes: Pack Amish Sugar Cookies in kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet treat they’ll love. They’re easy to transport and stay fresh.
Storage Tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Occasions: These cookies are perfect for holidays like Christmas or Easter, but they’re delightful any time of year. Bake them to celebrate birthdays, or as a cozy treat on chilly evenings.

FAQ

Amish Sugar Cookies are known for their soft, cake-like texture and rich flavor. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can be crispy, these cookies remain soft and moist due to the combination of butter and vegetable oil. They also use both granulated sugar and powdered sugar, giving them a unique sweetness that stands out. The addition of cream of tartar helps create that tender crumb, making them a favorite for many.

Yes, you can freeze Amish Sugar Cookies for later enjoyment! Once baked and cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them up in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer them warm. This makes it easy to enjoy homemade cookies anytime!

To keep your Amish Sugar Cookies soft, it’s important not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are just lightly golden while the centers appear soft. Additionally, storing the cookies in an airtight container helps maintain their moisture. If you’d like to add an extra element of softness, you can incorporate a small amount of cornstarch into the flour mixture. This will help yield an even softer cookie.

There are countless ways to customize Amish Sugar Cookies! You can add a variety of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. For a citrus twist, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough. Sprinkles can also add a festive touch, especially for birthdays or holidays. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and textures to make these cookies uniquely yours!

Conclusion

Amish Sugar Cookies truly embody the spirit of comfort and joy. Their soft texture and delightful sweetness make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night in. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a little slice of Amish tradition into your own kitchen. You won’t regret it!