Amish Sugar Cookies: Buttery, Soft, and Simply Timeless
There’s something so comforting about an old-fashioned cookie recipe that doesn’t rely on bells and whistles to win hearts. It’s the kind of treat you can imagine cooling on a wire rack in your grandmother’s kitchen, filling the house with the warm, sweet scent of nostalgia. That’s exactly what you get with this Amish Sugar Cookie recipe—a humble, no-fuss dessert that delivers melt-in-your-mouth goodness with every single bite.
These cookies are the love child of two all-time favorites: sugar cookies and shortbread. Imagine the soft, pillowy interior of a sugar cookie meeting the buttery, tender flakiness of shortbread. The result is a cookie that’s lightly crisp at the edges, delightfully soft in the center, and just sweet enough to satisfy without overwhelming. It’s a texture lover’s dream.
Originating in Amish communities where simplicity, flavor, and heart take center stage, these sugar cookies showcase the power of classic ingredients and time-tested techniques. There are no fancy mix-ins or exotic spices—just pantry staples like butter, oil, flour, sugar, and vanilla. And yet, when they come together, something magical happens.
This recipe makes a large batch—about four dozen cookies—making it ideal for sharing. Bring them to a potluck, pack them in lunchboxes, serve them at a bake sale, or stash them in the freezer for when the cookie craving hits. They hold up beautifully and don’t lose their signature softness over time.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of Amish Sugar Cookies. From the ingredient breakdown to storage tips, possible variations, baking adjustments, and a few personal tips for success, consider this your one-stop resource for mastering this beloved treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are hundreds of cookie recipes out there, but these Amish Sugar Cookies offer something a little different. Here’s why they’re worth baking (again and again):
Simple ingredients, big flavor – You don’t need anything fancy to make these cookies shine. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a cookie that’s delicate, flavorful, and comforting.
Perfect texture – Thanks to a combination of butter and oil, these cookies have a unique texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp. They’re not chewy like many modern cookies but rather crumbly and tender.
Big batch baking – One recipe yields around four dozen cookies, making this perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply stocking the cookie jar for the week.
Customizable – While they’re wonderful as-is, you can dress them up with glazes, frostings, or sprinkles to match any occasion.
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly – These cookies are always a hit with kids and freeze like a dream. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
The Ingredients That Make It Special
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this ingredient list. Each item is a pantry staple, yet together, they create something deeply satisfying and nostalgic.
Butter – Using a full cup of softened butter ensures richness and a tender crumb. Be sure to use real butter for the best flavor and texture.
Vegetable or canola oil – Oil adds softness and moisture to the dough, helping create that uniquely fluffy texture that sets these cookies apart.
Granulated sugar and powdered sugar – The combination of two types of sugar affects both the taste and texture. Granulated sugar contributes structure and a slight crispness, while powdered sugar lends a delicate sweetness and smooth mouthfeel.
Eggs – Eggs provide structure and help bind the dough. Two large eggs give just the right amount of richness without making the dough too dense.
Vanilla extract – A couple teaspoons of vanilla add warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Pure vanilla is best if you have it on hand.
All-purpose flour – The backbone of any cookie, flour provides structure. 4 1/2 cups may seem like a lot, but remember, this is a big batch recipe.
Baking soda and cream of tartar – These leavening agents work together to give the cookies a slight rise and tender bite. Cream of tartar is key in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you confidently bake your own batch of these delightful cookies.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (or 375°F if preferred) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This may take 2-3 minutes of beating on medium speed. Proper creaming is essential for creating a smooth, airy dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures even distribution of flavor and helps bind the dough together.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This helps prevent clumping and ensures the leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be soft and fluffy, not heavy or dense.
Step 6: Scoop and Drop
Using a medium cookie scoop or a rounded teaspoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about two inches between each one to allow for slight spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes at 350°F (or 8–11 minutes at 375°F). Keep a close eye on them toward the end—they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still pale. This ensures a soft, tender bite.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy as-is or dress them up with a glaze or dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
Even a simple recipe like this can benefit from a few extra tips to ensure success:
- Don’t skip the cream of tartar. It’s essential for achieving the proper texture and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Measure flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing in too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything combine smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Cool completely before glazing. If you choose to glaze your cookies, wait until they’re fully cool to prevent the glaze from melting.
Optional Glaze or Frosting Ideas
While Amish Sugar Cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, you can take them in a sweeter direction with a light glaze or frosting. Here are a few options to try:
Simple Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk or cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Lemon Icing
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon zest for a bright, citrusy finish.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a richer topping, beat together 4 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are the perfect treat for:
Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
Holiday cookie trays
Picnic baskets and potlucks
School bake sales or church events
After-dinner dessert with a glass of milk
Because they’re not overly sweet, they pair wonderfully with hot drinks like coffee, cocoa, or herbal tea. They also make excellent gifts when bundled in clear treat bags or decorative tins.
How to Store and Freeze
Proper storage will keep your cookies soft and tasty for days—or even months if frozen properly.
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer
To freeze baked cookies, cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
To freeze the dough, scoop into individual cookie balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a container or bag. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Variations to Try
Though these cookies are wonderful as written, they also serve as a great base for experimenting. Here are a few fun ideas:
Add sprinkles – For a festive touch, press colorful sprinkles into the tops of the cookies before baking.
Cinnamon sugar twist – Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-inspired twist.
Add citrus zest – Stir in a bit of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing note.
Dip in chocolate – Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set.
Try almond or maple extract – Swap some of the vanilla for a different extract to change up the flavor.
A Cookie Worth Keeping
Amish Sugar Cookies are a testament to how sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. With their delicate texture, balanced sweetness, and effortless charm, they’re a cookie that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply for the joy of it, this recipe is sure to become a trusted favorite in your kitchen.
So the next time you’re looking for a cookie that’s not too sweet, not too fussy, but still utterly irresistible, reach for this one. After all, it’s been winning hearts for generations—and for good reason.
Let these cookies become part of your family traditions. And as you bake them, maybe you’ll find yourself thinking about the quiet kitchens, warm ovens, and timeless recipes that inspired them in the first place.