Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that become lifelong favorites. That’s exactly how I feel about these Amish sugar cookies. They’re soft, buttery, and sweet without being overly rich — perfect for dunking in coffee, pairing with a cup of tea, or just enjoying on their own. The first time I baked these, I was blown away by how easy they were to make and how quickly they disappeared from the cookie jar. Now, they’re my go-to when I need a reliable cookie recipe that everyone loves.
Let me show you why these cookies work so well and how you can make them in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
These Amish sugar cookies are special for so many reasons:
- Soft and pillowy texture: Thanks to the combination of butter and oil, these cookies stay tender and light.
- Melt-in-your-mouth sweetness: The delicate flavor is perfectly balanced and never too heavy.
- Easy pantry ingredients: Nothing fancy — just simple baking staples.
- No chilling required: You can go straight from mixing to baking.
- Perfect for any occasion: These cookies are great for holidays, bake sales, or everyday treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 4 dozen cookies | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 8-10 minutes)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: extra sugar for sprinkling on top before baking
How I Make Amish Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
I preheat my oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, I beat the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
I mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Then I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, I drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each dough ball for a sweet, crackly finish.
6. Bake to Perfection
I bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. I let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Amish Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overbake: The key to soft cookies is pulling them out just as the edges turn golden.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Scoop evenly: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Add a touch of almond extract: If you want a slightly different twist, almond extract adds a lovely flavor.
- Store in an airtight container: They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week.
What I Serve with Amish Sugar Cookies
These cookies are simple and sweet, so I love pairing them with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo
- A tall glass of cold milk (they’re perfect for dunking!)
- A festive holiday cookie platter with a variety of treats
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and store in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
Q: Can I frost these cookies?
A: Absolutely. A light vanilla or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with their soft, sweet base.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be soft and delicious.
Q: How do I keep them from spreading too much?
A: Make sure not to over-soften the butter, and measure the flour accurately.
Why These Amish Sugar Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
These cookies are soft, sweet, and simply delightful. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and they never fail to disappear from the cookie jar. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, putting together holiday gifts, or just craving a nostalgic, buttery cookie, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
I hope you give them a try — they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure they’ll become one in yours too.
