Amish Sugar Cookies
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Amish Sugar Cookies are a classic treat known for their buttery, crumbly texture and sweet flavor. These simple yet delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. With their nostalgic flavor and easy-to-follow recipe, there are the perfect treat for your cookie jar.

While I love my classic sugar cookies, sometimes I want something just a little different and unique. That’s when these Amish sugar cookies enter the scene! These thick, chewy and sweet cookies are mouthwateringly delicious and are so simple to make. There’s no need to roll out the dough and cut them out, you just scoop them onto a sheet pan and bake!
The texture reminds me a bit of snickerdoodles — essentially just that classic tender and doughy cookie. Soft Amish sugar cookies are an old fashioned recipe that truly taste like nostalgia! So grab all the ingredients you need and mix up a batch of these amazing cookies.
Why You’ll Love these Amish Sugar Cookies
- One batch of this recipe makes 96 cookies! They’re perfect to make for parties, cookie swaps, and so much more.
- This Amish sugar cookie recipe uses a lot of basic pantry items and a few refrigerated ingredients. You likely already have everything you need to make them!
- These cookies actually freeze really well. If you have any need to prep a dessert way ahead of time, this is just the recipe to use.
Ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookies
- All-purpose flour – Regular ol’ all purpose flour is all that you need for the base of this sugar cookie recipe.
- Granulated sugar – You can’t have sugar cookies without sugar! White sugar is how you’ll sweeten these cookies.
- Canola oil – This will help bring all of the dry ingredients together and make a soft and malleable dough.
- Powdered sugar – Along with cream of tartar, powdered sugar is a key ingredient in making these cookies tender and chewy.
- Cream of tartar – Use this in these amish sugar cookies to make them the perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to these sugar cookies.
- Butter – Make sure to only use softened butter so that it more easily mixes into the other ingredients.
- Eggs – Allow eggs to come to room temperature before adding them to the rest of the dough ingredients.
- Salt – A little pinch of salt will help to balance out the sweetness of these cookies.
- Baking soda – Use baking soda to help the cookie rise and have a nice, fluffy texture while still being perfectly chewy.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl combine granulated sugar, powdered sugar, butter and oil with a stand mixer or hand mixer until well combined.
- Then add eggs and beat again until just combined. Next, add baking soda, cream of tartar and vanilla, beat again until just combined.
- Add in flour one cup at a time, mixing between each addition to fully incorporate.
- Drop by small teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Transfer wire racks to cool completely. Then serve or store for later!
How to Store Leftover Amish Sugar Cookies
Allow cookies to fully cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 5-7 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long in the house! You can also freeze these cookies for more long term storage. Freeze on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and allow to thaw before consuming.
Why should I put cream of tartar in sugar cookies?
Cream of tartar is the key ingredient that gives these old-fashioned sugar cookies their tender texture. If you want that classic, soft, and chewy cookie then definitely don’t skip out on this ingredient!
Can I add mix-ins to amish sugar cookies?
Feel free to make variations on this classic cookie. Things like orange zest and lemon zest are a delicious addition and can be mixed right into the cookie dough. Or make these a spiced cookie by adding some cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice.
For a festive cookie, roll each dough ball in sanding sugar or sprinkles before baking. You can add some chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to the cookies too!
What to serve with amish sugar cookies
These are the perfect cookie to serve with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy caramel latte. I love them with cinnamon roll lattes and apple cider too. But there’s always the classic option of a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
They’d also be a delightful dessert after a hearty meal like meatball soup or creamy chicken noodle soup.
Pro Tips for the Best Amish Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough or the cookies may lose that classic tenderness. To keep them chewy and tender, mix until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized cookie dough balls so that each cookie finishes baking at the same time.
- This recipe makes so many cookies. You’ll need to bake in batches in order to avoid overcrowding the pan!
Make a big batch of Amish sugar cookies and dig right in. Fair warning, you’ll be surprised how quickly you go through them! They’re addictively delicious.
More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love!
- These Molasses Cookies is another old fashioned recipe that has stood the test of time. They’re so tasty!
- Need a good Christmas cookie? These amazing Gingerbread Cookies are so yummy.
- Turn a breakfast favorite into a cookie with these Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
- M&M Cookies are yet another classic that everyone loves. This recipe makes the best ones too!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Amish Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup canola oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer combine granulated sugar, powdered sugar, butter and oil until well combined.
- Add eggs and beat again until just combined.
- Next, add baking soda, cream of tartar and vanilla, beat until just combined.
- Add in flour one cup at a time, mixing between each addition.
- Drop by small teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Elaine says
So fluffy and melt in your mouth soft!
Leah Arthur says
Easy recipe! added a half tablespoon of lemon extract and used an ice cream scoop to form balls. Yummy
Julie Evink says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe Leah!
Nancy Ferguson says
Salted butter or unsalted, since there is 1/2 tsp salt called for?
Julie Evink says
Whichever you prefer.