Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both delightfully soft and perfectly sweet, the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is sure to become your new go-to favorite. These cookies boast a wonderful tender crumb with just the right hint of vanilla and a subtle crisp on the edges that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. They’re simple to whip up, yet they deliver that nostalgic, homemade charm that’ll have everyone asking for more. Trust me, once you try this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create pure cookie bliss. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Adds a rich, creamy base and helps create the tender texture you’ll love.
- 1 cup canola oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft without overpowering flavors.
- 1 cup sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and helps with a slight crisp edge.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: Contributes to the delicate crumb and melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the dough together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and ensures the perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, making them soft yet light.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the texture tender.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Create the dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter, canola oil, sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that wonderfully soft yet slightly crisp texture. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with warmth and depth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together before gradually incorporating these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. The dough should be cohesive and easy to scoop but not sticky.
Step 2: Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F, which is the perfect temperature to bake these cookies evenly without browning them too fast. Drop small teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart because they’ll spread just a bit. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies develop a very light golden hue on the edges. Once baked, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling lets the cookie set perfectly with that signature tender bite.
How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful just as they are, you can always sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar on top for an extra festive look. Alternatively, consider dipping half the cookie in melted chocolate or drizzling with a thin glaze to wow guests and add a new flavor layer.
Side Dishes
Pair these Amish Sugar Cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for classic comfort. For a fancier touch, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream—perfect for turning dessert time into something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs such as mint or rosemary to brighten the look. Wrapping a few in a decorative cellophane bag tied with ribbon also makes for a delightful gift that friends and family will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain that soft texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe later, simply freeze them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a low oven for a few minutes. This quick step revives their soft, tender texture and makes them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of canola oil in the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for canola oil, but the cookies may turn out a little less tender. The combination of butter and oil in this recipe strikes a perfect balance for softness and texture.
Is cream of tartar necessary in this recipe?
Cream of tartar helps add a slight tang and stabilizes the cookie structure for tenderness. If you don’t have it, you can try a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar, but the texture might vary slightly.
How thick should I drop the dough on the baking sheet?
Use small teaspoonfuls spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading without cookies merging together. This size helps maintain a soft center with just a hint of crisp around the edges.
Can these cookies be decorated with icing?
Absolutely! The subtle sweetness and smooth surface of these sugar cookies make them perfect for decorating with royal icing, glaze, or even sprinkles for special occasions.
What is the best way to soften butter for this recipe?
Leave the butter out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before mixing. It should be soft enough to leave an indentation when pressed but not melted or greasy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes baking and sharing them feel like an act of love. Their rich yet delicate flavor and tender texture win over any crowd, from family gatherings to everyday treats. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie to bake again and again.
Print
Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 dozen cookies 1x
Description
Amish Sugar Cookies are classic, soft, and buttery cookies with a tender crumb, made using simple ingredients and a unique combination of butter and oil. These cookies are lightly browned on the edges and provide a perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of vanilla flavor, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Create the dough: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, canola oil, sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring they are fully blended, followed by the vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar to evenly distribute the leavening agents and acidic components.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition to form a smooth, cohesive dough without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop the dough by small teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Using both butter and canola oil provides a unique texture that is both rich and tender.
- Do not grease the baking sheet as the cookies spread better and have a crisper bottom.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and dough consistency.
- Cookies should be lightly browned on the edges but soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
