Name: Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ½ cups (576 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) salted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (224g or 8 ounces) vegetable oil; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (125g) confectioners sugar; 2 large eggs (3.50 – 4.0 ounces each), room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla paste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic homemade treats that bring warm memories with every bite, this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender and slightly crisp, bursting with buttery richness and a hint of vanilla that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies have that timeless charm that will make them a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a metal mixing bowl filled with one thick, pale yellow dough mixture that looks soft and slightly crumbly in texture. A red and white spatula rests in the bowl on the right side, partially dipping into the dough. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the bowl show some dough residue, indicating recent mixing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best parts of this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is how simple, yet carefully chosen, the ingredients are. Each element plays an essential role in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture and nostalgic flavor—no complicated add-ins, just pure, straightforward goodness.

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their tender crumb and structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides a gentle lift, ensuring the texture stays light but stable.
1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature: Brings rich flavor and the right amount of moisture for softness.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies delightfully tender and helps with that soft bite.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s light crisp edges.
1 cup confectioners sugar: Blends smoothly for a delicate sweetness and fine texture.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add richness without heaviness.
2 teaspoons vanilla paste: Infuses the cookies with deep, aromatic warmth that makes them truly special.

How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare to Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. If you’re using a convection oven like I do, lowering the temperature to 350°F works perfectly. Proper preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar until fully combined. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes leavening agents and helps your cookies develop that perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that contribute to the cookie’s lovely tenderness and slight lift.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Reduce the mixer speed to medium, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is blended in. Follow with the vanilla paste, letting the flavor fully integrate. These ingredients add richness and that signature sweet aroma.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture in three parts. Scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure a smooth dough without overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least one inch apart. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to darken slightly. This short bake time locks in moisture while creating a gentle crisp edge.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool right on the baking sheets. This resting period helps the cookies set perfectly, giving you that iconic Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe texture—soft, buttery, and utterly delightful.

How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of a pile of soft, pale yellow cookies with cracked tops, showing a slightly crumbly texture. There are about eight cookies, layered unevenly on a light blue cloth with white floral patterns. The cookies are round and lightly browned, with visible cracks creating a rustic look. The background is softly out of focus, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate makes them look extra special for celebrations. You can also add sprinkles before baking if you want a colorful twist that’s still classic.

Side Dishes

Amish sugar cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. For a cozy snack, serve them alongside your favorite homemade jam or a dollop of whipped cream to create an irresistible treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these cookies in a charming vintage tin or on a rustic wooden platter for that authentic Amish vibe. Stack them with wax paper in between for gift-giving, or create a cookie sandwich with a layer of homemade frosting or jam for a fun, new way to enjoy this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain that perfect texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

To revive the just-baked softness, pop your cookies in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick warmth brings back their tender, buttery goodness every time.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness and maintain depth of flavor in the cookies.

Why do these cookies stay soft rather than become crunchy?

The combination of butter and vegetable oil creates a tender crumb and keeps the cookies moist. Additionally, the cream of tartar helps retain softness even after baking.

Can I substitute vanilla extract for vanilla paste?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract, but vanilla paste provides more intense vanilla flavor and little vanilla bean specks that add charm and extra aroma to the cookies.

Is it important to use room temperature eggs and butter?

Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly and trap air better, giving you that light, fluffy cookie dough essential for achieving the perfect texture in the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your dough isn’t too warm when scooping; chilling the dough for about 15 minutes before baking can help control spreading for thicker cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a recipe that brings the comforting, old-fashioned flavors of Amish baking right into your own kitchen, this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. Its simplicity, perfect texture, and sweet buttery taste will quickly turn it into a favorite, year-round treat you’ll love sharing with your family and friends. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and start baking—you’re in for a truly delightful experience!