Prepare to embark on a journey of sweet nostalgia with our delightful Amish Sugar Cookies recipe. These timeless treats are a beloved classic, known for their simplicity and irresistible flavor. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to evoke memories of warm kitchens and homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, these Amish Sugar Cookies are the perfect choice. Join us as we delve into the art of cookie-making and unlock the secrets to creating these delicious delights in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until well incorporated. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Use the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to gently flatten each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delectable cookies warm or at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add-Ins: For added texture and flavor, mix in your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit before shaping the dough into balls.
- Decorate: Drizzle melted chocolate or glaze over cooled cookies, or sprinkle them with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
- Citrus Zest: For a subtle citrus flavor, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough along with the vanilla extract.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of these cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of the granulated and powdered sugar.
- Low Carb Option: Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to lower the carb content while still maintaining the texture of the cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I chill the dough before baking? A: Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and result in a thicker cookie.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can portion the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How should I store leftover cookies? A: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container.
In conclusion, our Amish Sugar Cookies recipe offers a delightful taste of tradition with its simple yet satisfying blend of buttery goodness and vanilla flavor. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or shared with loved ones during special occasions, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any moment. With their soft, tender texture and irresistible taste, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking these delicious cookies today for a taste of homemade goodness that’s sure to delight!
