If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug from an old-fashioned kitchen, this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These soft, buttery cookies strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and tender texture, all while using simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual teatime treat, these cookies are irresistibly easy to whip up and impossible to stop eating.

The image shows several stacks of soft, round cookies with a light, pale golden color. Each stack consists of about five cookies, with a slightly textured, cracked surface on top. The cookies are placed directly on a wooden surface, arranged in a loose group with some stacks in focus and others blurred in the background. The round cookies have a gentle rise around the edges with a soft, crumbly appearance. The overall feel is warm and inviting, with a simple, clean arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Every ingredient in this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in creating that classic, soft texture and deliciously buttery taste. The blend is straightforward yet thoughtfully balanced, making sure each cookie comes out just right.

Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps create that tender crumb we all love in sugar cookies.
Vegetable oil (1 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and soft without making them greasy.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and a slight crunch on the edges as it caramelizes.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Contributes to a softer texture than using granulated sugar alone.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Gives a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie flavor.
All-purpose flour (4½ cups): The foundation for the dough, offering structure and the traditional sugar cookie chew.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up slightly without losing their softness.
Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to give these cookies their subtle tang and tender bite.

How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by bringing your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to help the cookies bake evenly, then set them aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a standing mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. This combination is the heart of the cookie’s soft and rich texture, so mixing it well until fluffy is key.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat for two more minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides so everything combines smoothly. This step enhances the cookies’ flavor and keeps them moist.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. These dry ingredients are the magic behind that signature soft crumb and slight lift.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture a few spoonfuls at a time to the wet mixture. This slow addition prevents flour clouds and ensures a homogenous dough perfect for shaping.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop to place spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden brown. This short baking time guarantees tender, not crunchy, cookies.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to cooling racks. Letting them cool completely helps them set beautifully while still staying soft inside.

How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

A baking tray filled with many soft, round sugar cookies. The cookies are pale golden with a slightly rough surface and are stacked and spread unevenly on the tray. The tray rests on a white marbled texture and a light blue cloth is visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Though these cookies are wonderful on their own, you can elevate them by dusting with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For festive occasions, a touch of colored sugar or sprinkles on top before baking adds festive charm without overpowering the cookie’s buttery flavor.

Side Dishes

Amish Sugar Cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal companion for afternoon breaks. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but satisfying dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Stack these cookies on a pretty platter with a drizzle of chocolate or sandwich them with your favorite jam or frosting for an extra indulgent treat. You could even package them in small gift bags tied with a ribbon—a charming homemade gift that anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out and change the texture.

Freezing

If you want to store these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw when you’re craving a sweet treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them into a microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly warm them in a low oven. This will refresh that soft, buttery texture and make them taste like they were just baked.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

Butter is already part of the recipe, and the vegetable oil adds moisture that keeps the cookies soft. Replacing oil entirely with butter can make the cookies denser and less tender, so it’s best to keep both for the perfect balance.

Do these cookies spread a lot during baking?

Thanks to the mixture of cream of tartar and baking soda, these cookies hold their shape fairly well with minimal spreading. Using parchment paper or ungreased sheets both work fine, but just make sure not to flatten the dough too much when scooping.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe doesn’t require chilling. The dough can be scooped and baked immediately with great results, saving you time without sacrificing texture or flavor.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 50 deliciously soft sugar cookies, perfect for parties, gifts, or just a week’s supply of sweet treats!

Can I decorate these cookies with icing?

Absolutely! Because the cookies are soft and stable, they handle icing, glaze, or sprinkles beautifully. This makes them especially great for special occasions or holiday decorating fun.

Final Thoughts

You honestly cannot go wrong with this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those treasures that feels like homemade happiness in every bite, packed with simplicity, warmth, and nostalgia. Give it a try and prepare to find yourself reaching for just one more cookie to enjoy with your favorite cup of comfort.

Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need