Step into the heart of Amish tradition with a recipe that has been passed down through generations – Amish Sugar Cookies. These cookies encapsulate the simplicity and warmth of Amish culture, offering a taste of home in every bite. With a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite. So, let’s delve into the art of baking and recreate a classic treat that will bring joy to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 1 egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavorings: Beat in the vanilla paste or extract and egg until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Using the bottom of a glass or your palm, gently flatten each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Amish Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize these cookies by adding in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or lemon for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Decorating: Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or drizzle them with icing for a festive touch.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar and powdered sugar.
- Opt for a sugar-free vanilla extract or paste to keep the cookies keto-friendly.
Low Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of sugar and powdered sugar or substitute with a low-carb sweetener such as monk fruit sweetener.
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content while maintaining the desired texture.
- Look for sugar-free powdered sugar alternatives or omit the powdered sugar altogether for a lower carb version.
In conclusion, Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful embodiment of simplicity and sweetness, offering a taste of tradition with every bite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, shared with loved ones, or savored as a solo treat, these cookies are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. So, embrace the charm of Amish baking and add these timeless classics to your recipe collection today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter in this recipe. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt to the dough if you prefer.
Q: Can I use butter-flavored vegetable oil instead of plain vegetable oil? A: Yes, you can use butter-flavored vegetable oil if desired. It will add an extra layer of buttery flavor to the cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Q: Can I omit the cream of tartar if I don’t have any? A: While cream of tartar helps to give the cookies their characteristic texture, you can omit it if necessary. The cookies may be slightly denser without it, but they will still be delicious.
Q: Can I roll the dough in cinnamon-sugar before baking for extra flavor? A: Absolutely! Rolling the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before flattening and baking them adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the cookies. Just be sure to adjust the sugar amounts accordingly.
