Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

For the perfect tea time snack, try this Amish sugar cookies recipe.

They’re crisp around the edges and ultra-soft and chewy in the middle. The perfect blend of sweet and buttery, they’re impossible to resist. 

Plus, look how pretty they are!

Easy Amish Sugar Cookies

Amish sugar cookies are melt-in-your-mouth, chewy cookies that originated in Pennsylvania all the way back in the 1700s.

Their first documentation came from an old Amish cookbook, hence the name.

With a light golden hue, these classic cookies look simple, yet elegant. What makes them extra special, though, is the undeniably soft consistency.

The secret? A combination of granulated and powdered sugars!

The recipe is so simple, you can make an entire batch in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for holidays, but easy enough to whip up whenever a craving strikes.

Ingredients

All set for baking? Here’s your Amish sugar cookie checklist.

• Butter — For rich and flavorful sugar cookies.

• Vegetable Oil — You can also use canola or melted coconut oil

• Granulated and Powdered Sugar — You’ll need both, not just for the sweetness, but for the texture, too.

• Eggs — To bind the ingredients together and to give the cookies their structure. Be sure to use room-temperature eggs.

• Vanilla Extract — To further enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

• All-Purpose Flour — Bread flour works, too.

• Baking Soda — The leavening agent that makes the cookies rise.

• Cream of Tartar — Two teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar can be used in place of 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

How To Make Amish Sugar Cookies

Here’s the step-by-step guide to this easy sugar cookie recipe.

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cream the butter, oil, and sugars. Use an electric mixer for a creamy blend. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.

3. Sift the dry ingredients – your flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.

4. Combine the wet and dry mixtures gently until a smooth dough is formed.

5. Drop mounds of dough on ungreased cookie sheets.

6. Bake until lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks before serving.

7. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade sugar cookies!

Do I Need a Mixer for This Recipe?

I highly recommend using an electric mixer for this recipe. 

It’s definitely not how the Amish do it. But it does make mixing so much faster – and more thorough.

Trust me, it’ll make them insanely soft and chewy.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Make these delicious Christmas cookies on the first try with these tips!

• Use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Brown sugar also contains molasses, making your cookies extra moist.

• Melt the butter for extra chewy cookies. Just be sure to chill the dough first before baking to prevent overspreading.

• Add an extra egg yolk. Egg yolks are high in fat, giving your cookies a richer flavor.

• Be sure the baking soda isn’t expired. Drop a teaspoon of baking soda in hot water. It should bubble right up. If nothing happens, it’s expired.

• Try bread flour. It’s higher in protein than all-purpose, making chewier cookies.

• Don’t over-bake the cookies. Stick to 8 to 10 minutes. They’ll look under-cooked, but they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

There are tons of ways to decorate these dainty cookies. Here are some ideas on how to make them more fun and festive:

• Vanilla Glaze: A quick drizzle over the top adds a sweet, smooth finish that complements the buttery taste.

• Chocolate Chips: They’ll be gooey and decadent after baking.

• Buttercream Icing: Perfect for custom decorations to suit any occasion.

• Sprinkles: They bring a festive, colorful touch, making the cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.

• Colored Sugar: Easy to match with any party theme, adding a fun, sparkly vibe.

How to Store

Keep your Amish sugar cookies fresh with these storage and freezing tips.

To Store Baked Cookies: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.

Place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.

To Freeze Cookie Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze for an hour until frozen. 

Transfer the balls into a freezer-safe bag and bake when needed. 

To Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze leftover sugar cookies in a freezer-safe container. Place a sheet of parchment paper in between layers. 

Freeze leftover cookies for up to 30 days.

To Bake Frozen Dough: You can bake the dough balls straight from the freezer. Just add 1 to 3 minutes to the baking time.

More Must Try Cookie Recipes

Easy Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Banana Pudding Cookies
Samoa Cookies