Amish Sugar Cookies

Amish Sugar Cookies are a classic treat, renowned for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple yet delightful flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies embody the essence of traditional Amish baking—wholesome ingredients and straightforward methods. If you’re looking to bake a batch of cookies that will impress friends and family, this Amish Sugar Cookies recipe is the one to try.

Why You’ll Love Amish Sugar Cookies

Amish Sugar Cookies are beloved for their:

  • Soft and Tender Texture: Unlike typical sugar cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies are incredibly soft and tender, thanks to the combination of butter and oil in the dough.
  • Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
  • Versatility: Enjoy them plain, or add a touch of frosting, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

To make a batch of these delightful Amish Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft.
  8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Amish Sugar Cookies

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth, well-mixed dough.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.

Variations and Additions

  • Frosted Sugar Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, frost them with your favorite icing and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
  • Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a snickerdoodle-like twist.

Conclusion

Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of simple ingredients and traditional baking techniques. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them. Follow this easy recipe, and you’ll have a batch of deliciously soft and tender cookies that everyone will love.

Serving and Storage Tips for Amish Sugar Cookies

Serving Tips

  1. Serve Fresh: Amish Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Their soft and tender texture is most delightful when they’re slightly warm.
  2. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or in a cookie jar for a charming presentation. They make a great addition to any dessert table.
  3. Pairing: These cookies pair well with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a soothing cup of tea for a delightful treat.
  4. Festive Touch: For holidays or special occasions, add a decorative touch by frosting the cookies and adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter.

Storage Tips

  1. Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
  2. Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep the cookies for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
  4. Dough Storage: You can also freeze the cookie dough for later use. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Additional Tips

  • Humidity Control: If you live in a humid climate, adding a silica gel packet (food safe) to your cookie storage container can help keep the cookies from becoming too soft.
  • Layering: When storing cookies in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Gift Giving: Amish Sugar Cookies make wonderful gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful and delicious present.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Amish Sugar Cookies stay fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed at any time.

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the recipe?

Answer: While you can substitute margarine for butter in Amish Sugar Cookies, using real butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Butter provides a richer taste and helps achieve the soft, tender crumb that makes these cookies so delightful.

2. How can I make my cookies softer?

Answer: To ensure your Amish Sugar Cookies are soft and tender:

  • Do not overbake them. They should be just slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
  • Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture and keeps the cookies soft.
  • Use a combination of butter and vegetable oil as the recipe suggests, as this blend contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.

3. Can I add different flavors or mix-ins to the dough?

Answer: Absolutely! Amish Sugar Cookies are quite versatile. You can add:

  • Flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
  • Mix-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or nuts into the dough for added texture and taste.
  • Decorations: Top the cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar once they are baked and cooled.

4. How far in advance can I make these cookies?

Answer: Amish Sugar Cookies can be made in advance and stored properly:

  • Room Temperature: They will stay fresh for up to one week in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerator: They can be stored for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before serving or warm them slightly.
  • Freezer: Both baked cookies and unbaked dough can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving. For unbaked dough, bake the frozen dough balls as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

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