Method
step1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
step2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
step3:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
step4:
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
step5:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick but not sticky.
step6:
- Scoop 1½-tablespoon portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
step7:
- If desired, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for an extra-sweet coating.
step8:
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or the back of a spoon.
step9:
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Do not overbake — these cookies should stay soft!
step10:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–6 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
To refresh, warm for 5 seconds in the microwave before serving.
🥄 Variations
Lemon Amish Cookies: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1/2 tsp lemon extract.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Roll dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Glazed Amish Cookies: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after baking.
Holiday Version: Add colored sugar or sprinkles on top before baking.
Brown Sugar Blend: Replace half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a caramel flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What makes Amish sugar cookies different?
They’re softer and more tender because they’re made with both butter and oil — no rolling or chilling needed! 2. Can I use all butter instead of oil?
You can, but they’ll be denser and less airy. 3. Can I use vegetable shortening?
Yes, replace half the butter for a more classic Amish texture. 4. Can I chill the dough?
Not necessary, but chilling for 20 minutes gives thicker cookies. 5. Can I frost them?
Yes — a simple vanilla or almond glaze works beautifully. 6. Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Absolutely, for a slightly nutty, bakery-style flavor. 7. Why add cream of tartar?
It gives the cookies their signature soft and tender crumb. 8. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes — adjust the baking time by 1–2 minutes as needed. 9. Why did my cookies turn crisp?
They may have overbaked — remove when edges just set. 10. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze dough balls for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen. 🏁 Conclusion These Amish Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic — buttery, soft, and lightly crisp on the edges. Their simplicity is what makes them so special, with a comforting, homemade flavor that everyone loves. They’re perfect for holidays, everyday snacks, or sharing with neighbors — just like the Amish tradition of simple, heartfelt baking.
They’re softer and more tender because they’re made with both butter and oil — no rolling or chilling needed! 2. Can I use all butter instead of oil?
You can, but they’ll be denser and less airy. 3. Can I use vegetable shortening?
Yes, replace half the butter for a more classic Amish texture. 4. Can I chill the dough?
Not necessary, but chilling for 20 minutes gives thicker cookies. 5. Can I frost them?
Yes — a simple vanilla or almond glaze works beautifully. 6. Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Absolutely, for a slightly nutty, bakery-style flavor. 7. Why add cream of tartar?
It gives the cookies their signature soft and tender crumb. 8. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes — adjust the baking time by 1–2 minutes as needed. 9. Why did my cookies turn crisp?
They may have overbaked — remove when edges just set. 10. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze dough balls for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen. 🏁 Conclusion These Amish Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic — buttery, soft, and lightly crisp on the edges. Their simplicity is what makes them so special, with a comforting, homemade flavor that everyone loves. They’re perfect for holidays, everyday snacks, or sharing with neighbors — just like the Amish tradition of simple, heartfelt baking.
