If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug from grandma, then Amish Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need! With their incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that perfectly sweet, buttery flavor, these cookies have a timeless charm that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe brings all the satisfaction of a homey classic, making Amish Sugar Cookies a delightful treat for every season and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about these cookies is how they turn a handful of simple ingredients into something absolutely magical. Each element plays a role—some add softness, others a subtle tang or signature flavor—so you taste every ounce of homemade goodness in each bite.
- All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy backbone of Amish Sugar Cookies, providing structure and that lovely crumbly bite.
- Baking soda: Just the right lift to keep the cookies perfectly light and soft.
- Cream of tartar: Adds a gentle tang and helps create that irresistible chewiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the wonderful flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and a buttery aroma that’s key for this classic cookie.
- Vegetable oil: Adds unbeatable moisture, making each Amish Sugar Cookie incredibly tender.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and those perfectly crisp edges.
- Powdered sugar: Lends a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and gives a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that nostalgic, warm flavor that completes the cookie.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Amish Sugar Cookies won’t stick and allows for quick cleanup—which means more time to enjoy cookie warm from the oven!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mixing these first helps the leaveners and salt distribute evenly, setting the stage for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until everything’s light and fluffy. This creamy foundation is what gives Amish Sugar Cookies their unbeatable lightness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. These add moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite is rich and delicious without being overwhelming.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet batter, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be gentle! Overmixing here can make the cookies tough instead of oh-so-tender.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle some colored sugar on top before baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden. Don’t overbake! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This short cooling period helps them set up perfectly while keeping their legendary softness.
How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of colored decorating sugar before baking gives these Amish Sugar Cookies a soft sparkle and a little extra sweetness. For special occasions, try adding festive nonpareils or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong serving these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or some hot tea. They also make a lovely, classic pairing with homemade hot cocoa, coffee, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays, pile them onto a pretty tray and wrap with ribbon for a heartfelt gift. Stack a few Amish Sugar Cookies in cellophane bags for party favors, or arrange them in tiers with other classic treats for a charming dessert spread. Their delicate look and tender crumb make every presentation inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay deliciously soft and tender, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After cooling, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, pop a couple in the microwave for about 8 seconds. This brings back that freshly-baked softness without overbaking or drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use only butter instead of both butter and oil?
You could, but the blend of butter and oil is what makes Amish Sugar Cookies so irresistibly soft and delicate. Substituting only butter may make them a bit crispier and less tender.
Why is there both granulated and powdered sugar in this recipe?
The combination of sugars gives you the best of both worlds—granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure, while powdered sugar makes these cookies practically melt in your mouth.
Can I add flavors or extracts besides vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract is a popular twist and pairs beautifully with the classic vanilla. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
Do Amish Sugar Cookies spread a lot during baking?
They do spread gently, which gives them their signature soft, flat appearance. Spacing the dough about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet keeps them from merging together.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies for the holidays?
Before baking, sprinkle on colored sugars or seasonal sprinkles for festive flair. After they cool, you can also dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate or drizzle on a vanilla glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about sharing a batch of homemade Amish Sugar Cookies—they’re simple, nostalgic, and truly made to be enjoyed with people you love. Give this recipe a try and I promise, your kitchen will be filled with smiles (and the heavenly smell of fresh cookies) before you know it!
Print
Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Form dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive twist, sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.
- These cookies are soft, buttery, and freeze well for later.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain their delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
