If you are searching for a timeless, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from childhood, this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft, buttery, and gently sweetened with a delightful sugary crunch on the outside. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family snack, or just because, these charming cookies bring a nostalgic simplicity that fills your home with irresistible aromas and cozy memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role: from the flour’s structure to the butter’s richness and the sugar’s sweet sparkle, every ingredient ensures these cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookies, providing structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be tender but not puffy.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Gives the cookies a slight tang and enhances their chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that makes the cookies feel special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The secret to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth softness and buttery taste.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while creating that crisp sugary shell when rolled.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with the cookies’ moist texture.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the dough tender and easy to work with.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for rolling): Coats the outside, adding a delicate sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Mixing these dry ingredients now ensures an even distribution of rising agents, which guarantees consistent texture throughout the batch.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial for creating a tender cookie with a delicate crumb. Don’t rush this step; the fluffy base is where the magic begins.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds depth and a wonderful warmth to the cookie dough. The eggs also help the dough bind together while keeping it moist.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. This careful combination ensures the dough isn’t overworked, keeping the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Then, roll the dough balls in the tablespoon of sugar until fully coated. This sugary coating will give the cookies their signature crackly, sweet shell once baked.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls onto your baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each to allow for spreading. Flatten each cookie gently with the bottom of a glass or your fingertips. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden color but the centers still look soft.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to achieving the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—and to avoid breaking delicate cookies.
How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic Amish sugar cookie is lovely on its own, you can get creative with garnishes that enhance both flavor and visual appeal. Try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar or decorating with colorful sprinkles before baking for festive occasions. A light drizzle of melted chocolate after baking also adds a decadent touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair joyfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a calming herbal tea. For brunch or dessert spreads, consider setting them alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of whipped cream to balance the sweetness and provide different textures to your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe on a beautiful vintage plate or a rustic wooden tray to highlight their comforting simplicity. Stack them with ribbons tied around, or package them in mason jars or cellophane bags with handmade tags for delightful gifts that convey heartfelt warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Amish Sugar Cookies remain fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To preserve their soft centers, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture balance naturally.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To prevent sticking, separate layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for perfect softness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their fresh-out-of-the-oven texture and makes them feel like newly baked treats again.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
While you can use margarine, butter is highly recommended for this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe because it provides a richer flavor and better texture. Oils may make the dough too greasy and change the cookie’s classic softness.
How do I make the cookies softer or crispier?
For softer cookies, slightly reduce the baking time and avoid over-flattening the dough balls. For crispier ones, bake a minute or two longer and flatten the dough more before baking.
Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?
Absolutely! Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract along with the vanilla for a delicious twist that complements the gentle sweetness of this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The signature crackly tops come from rolling the dough in sugar and the reaction between the baking soda and cream of tartar. It’s part of what makes these cookies so charming and delightful.
Can this recipe be halved or doubled easily?
Yes! The Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is very adaptable. Just make sure to adjust baking times slightly when changing batch sizes to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves baking something simple, comforting, and truly delicious. These cookies have a wonderful nostalgic charm that will warm your kitchen and hearts alike. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or family member to join, and bake up a batch to share the joy and sweetness that only homemade cookies can bring.
Print
Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Amish Sugar Cookies are classic, soft, and perfectly sweet treats made with simple ingredients. Rolled in sugar and baked until lightly golden, they deliver a tender crumb and a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to please cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
For Coating
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for better texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each portion into a ball. Roll the dough balls in the tablespoon of sugar to coat their surfaces evenly.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly using the bottom of a glass or your fingers to help them spread evenly during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven to allow them to set. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to maintain tender cookies.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives a nice slight crunch and sweetness on the outside.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, consider adding colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
