If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for something soft, tender, and absolutely delightful, the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies hold a timeless charm, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a nostalgic, old-fashioned flavor that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re packing a batch for a family gathering or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is straightforward, reliable, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, pantry staples that come together to create that classic cookie taste and texture we all love. Each one plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter and oil to the lightness brought by the baking soda and cream of tartar, ensuring every cookie is soft yet structured.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and moisture, ensuring tender cookies.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and adds a subtle depth to the texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with a slight crisp along the edges.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Contributes to a tender crumb and smooth mouthfeel.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor throughout the dough.
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure with just the right softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and spread just enough.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a gentle tang and works as a leavening agent to tenderize.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your dough is ready. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—not only does this prevent sticking, but it also helps cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and downright dreamy. This step is key for creating that soft, tender crumb in your Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract—it’s what gives these cookies that signature warm and inviting flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of your leaveners and salt, which translates to perfectly balanced cookies.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here because you want these cookies to stay tender and soft, not tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just turning golden but the centers remain soft. This timing is crucial to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture these cookies are known for.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set without losing their tender softness.
How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe treats are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple icing can turn them into a charming presentation. You might also sprinkle a pinch of colored sugar for festive occasions—simple touches that make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a soothing herbal tea enhances the cozy experience. The gentle sweetness and softness of the cookies lend themselves beautifully to warm, comforting drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or parties, consider stacking your Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe on a decorative plate tied with a ribbon. Or, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of homemade jam or buttercream for a delightful twist that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This preserves their softness while keeping them perfectly flavorful each time you reach for one.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these sugar cookies later, freeze the dough in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, or freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers. Thaw dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or cookies at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Reheat gently by placing cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can be used in a pinch, butter provides superior flavor and richness, which is key to the classic taste of Amish Sugar Cookies. If you substitute, expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
Why is cream of tartar important in this recipe?
Cream of tartar acts as a mild acid that tenderizes the dough and works with baking soda to help the cookies rise just enough. It also adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness beautifully.
How do I make thicker cookies?
Chill your dough before baking for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling firms it up, reducing spread during baking, which results in thicker, softer cookies.
Can I decorate these sugar cookies?
Absolutely! Once cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Their smooth surface and mild flavor make them a perfect canvas.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 36 cookies, perfect for sharing with family, baking for events, or keeping a stash for yourself to enjoy over several days.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly one of those gems that brings joy with every bite, combining simplicity and deliciousness in a way that feels like a treasured family secret. I encourage you to try it out, share it with your loved ones, and make some sweet memories in the process. Happy baking!
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 classic, soft, and tender cookies that melt in your mouth. Made with a blend of butter and vegetable oil for a rich texture, these old-fashioned cookies are sweetened with both granulated and powdered sugar for a delicate crumb. Perfectly spiced with vanilla and balanced by cream of tartar, these cookies are an easy, nostalgic dessert that everyone will love.
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
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, providing the base for tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and moisture, then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop when the dough comes together.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps preserve their tender texture and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed soft and tender—avoid overbaking to maintain their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.
- Cookie dough can be frozen for later use, allowing you to bake fresh cookies anytime.
