Amish Sugar Cookies

Amish Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that bring the comfort of homemade baking to your kitchen. Known for their soft, chewy texture and subtle sweetness, these cookies are a classic favorite in Amish communities and beyond. Combining simple ingredients with a straightforward method, Amish Sugar Cookies offer a nostalgic taste of traditional baking. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat for family gatherings, these cookies are sure to delight with their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until creamy and well combined.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, beating until just blended.
2. Shape and Bake:
   • Drop small teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Fresh: Amish Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shortly after they’ve cooled. Their soft, chewy texture is most appealing when they’re still a bit warm.
2. Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or tea. They’re perfect for casual snacking, afternoon treats, or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter.
3. Presentation: For a festive touch, you can frost the cookies with a simple icing or sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking. Decorate them with sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions.
4. Accompaniments: Serve with fruit preserves, jam, or a side of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add variety to your dessert spread.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture.
2. Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors.
3. Freezing: To freeze Amish Sugar Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Avoid Moisture: To keep the cookies fresh, avoid storing them in a humid environment. You can add a slice of bread to the container to help absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies soft.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Amish Sugar Cookies remain delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving them for later.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking. This adds a rich, chocolaty twist to the classic recipe.
   • Tip: You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
2. Lemon Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
   • Tip: For extra lemony goodness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies.
3. Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of almond extract and add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the dough.
   • Tip: Garnish with a few extra sliced almonds on top of the cookies before baking for added texture.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Roll the cookie dough balls in this cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
   • Tip: This variation gives the cookies a deliciously spiced and sweet crust.
5. Peanut Butter Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the dough for a rich, nutty flavor.
   • Tip: You can also add peanut butter chips for extra peanut flavor.
6. Pumpkin Spice Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough. This creates a warm, autumnal flavor.
   • Tip: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for added sweetness.
7. Maple Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of maple extract and add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
   • Tip: Drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
8. White Chocolate Cranberry Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Mix in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries into the dough for a festive and flavorful cookie.
   • Tip: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
9. Oatmeal Amish Sugar Cookies
   • Ingredients Addition: Add 1 cup of quick oats to the dough for a chewy texture. You can also include raisins or chocolate chips if desired.
   • Tip: Adjust the flour slightly if the dough is too dry after adding oats.
10. Raspberry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
    • Ingredients Addition: Add 1/2 cup of raspberry jam to the center of each cookie before baking and sprinkle with almond slices on top.
    • Tip: This combination creates a delightful fruit and nut flavor that’s perfect for special occasions.

FAQs:

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but you should reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

2. What is the purpose of using both granulated and confectioners’ sugar in this recipe? Using both types of sugar helps achieve a balance between sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar contributes to the cookie’s structure, while confectioners’ sugar adds a finer, smoother texture.

3. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, coconut oil, or another neutral oil. Just make sure the oil you choose has a mild flavor to not affect the taste of the cookies.

4. How do I ensure my cookies come out evenly baked? For even baking, make sure the cookie dough is distributed evenly on the baking sheet and that the cookies are spaced well apart. Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking.

5. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Note that using different flours might affect the texture and taste of the cookies.

6. How do I store leftover cookies to keep them fresh? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

7. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

8. What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky? If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape. You can also lightly flour your hands or work surface when handling the dough.

9. How do I achieve a soft and chewy texture for my cookies? Ensure you don’t overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. Cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal from the oven.

10. Can I use different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips? Yes, you can customize your Amish Sugar Cookies by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Fold them into the dough before baking for added flavor and texture.

Amish Sugar Cookies epitomize the essence of classic homemade baking. Their easy preparation and delightful taste make them a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether you’re planning a holiday celebration or simply craving a sweet snack. The combination of butter, oil, and two types of sugar ensures a tender and flavorful cookie that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of making and sharing these beloved cookies with your loved ones.