Name: Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter softened; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that feels like a warm hug from an old friend, then you’re in for a treat. This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly that—simple, delicious, and enough to keep you coming back for more. I’ve been making these for years during holidays and casual coffee chats, and honestly, they never fail to impress. So, let’s dive in together and get you whipping up these fan-freaking-tastic cookies that are as comforting as they are irresistible.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Fats: Butter and vegetable oil work in tandem to give these cookies a soft yet tender crumb that’s just perfect every time.
Dual Sugars for Texture: Using both granulated and powdered sugar creates a subtly crisp outside crust with a soft, chewy inside.
Classic Leaveners: Baking soda and cream of tartar give just enough lift for that perfect sugar cookie texture without puffing them up too much.
No Chilling Needed: This recipe is a quick go-to since you can mix and bake right away without waiting for dough to chill.

Amish Sugar Cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies recipe, soft buttery cookies, homemade Amish cookies, easy sugar cookie recipe - A close-up image shows a stack of soft, round cookies with a light beige color, each cookie having a soft, slightly cracked top texture. The cookies are piled unevenly on each other, showing their light, fluffy thickness and soft edges. The background surface is a white marbled texture that adds a clean contrast to the cookies' pale color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is how simple yet purposeful each ingredient is. Together, they create a cookie that’s not just tasty but has a lovely texture and classic flavor — plus, all ingredients are pretty easy to find, making this recipe stress-free to shop for.

Amish Sugar Cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies recipe, soft buttery cookies, homemade Amish cookies, easy sugar cookie recipe - Flat lay of a small square of pale yellow softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear vegetable oil, a small white bowl heaped with white granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing fine white powdered sugar, two large whole eggs with smooth brown shells, a small white bowl of golden vanilla extract, a mound of light beige all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with off-white baking soda powder, a small white bowl with white cream of tartar powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Softened butter provides rich flavor and tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a delicate softness without heaviness.
Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
Powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and soft texture, balancing the granulated sugar.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for the perfect chew.
Vanilla extract: Classic flavor enhancer that ties all the ingredients together.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure; using the right amount keeps cookies soft, not tough.
Baking soda: Helps with subtle rise and texture.
Cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and helps maintain the soft texture while giving just the right lift.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is—you can really make it your own! Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little colored sugar on top before baking, or add a dash of cinnamon for a subtle warmth. Don’t be shy about experimenting here; these cookies are forgiving and easy to personalize to your liking.

Variation: One of my go-tos is swapping out a teaspoon of vanilla extract for almond extract—it adds a lovely nutty note that guests always ask about.
Dietary tweaks: If you want a dairy-free version, you can try plant-based butter, but I’d recommend sticking with the vegetable oil for best texture.
Texture: For crunchier cookies, bake a minute or two longer but keep a close eye—they burn fast!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and baking sheets

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—it really helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking, though I’ve baked right on ungreased sheets and it works fine too. Get those sheets ready so you can scoop and bake without holding up the process.

Step 2: Cream the fats and sugars

In your mixer bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat them together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes. This step is key because the air you incorporate here really helps the cookies have that soft texture you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together for about 2 more minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula a couple of times—this keeps everything well combined and even.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients and combine gently

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Then, with your mixer running on low speed, gradually add in the dry ingredients a few spoonfuls at a time. This slow mixing avoids overworking the dough which can make cookies tough. Keep mixing just until the dough looks evenly combined.

Step 5: Scoop and bake

Use a cookie dough scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheets. I find using a scoop really helps keep your cookies uniform in size, so they bake evenly. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. You want to see just a hint of golden brown around the edges—this is your cue that they’re done!

Step 6: Cool and enjoy

Once baked, transfer the cookies to cooling racks. I promise, the smell at this stage is pure heaven—try to let them cool completely so they set well and hold their shape. Then, it’s time to dig in and enjoy all your hard work!

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Pro Tips for Making Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melty to keep the dough consistent and easy to mix.
Mixing Speed: Keep the mixer on low while adding flour to avoid a tough cookie caused by overdeveloped gluten.
Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures vary, so check the cookies at 7 minutes to prevent overbaking and keep them soft.
Scooping Consistency: Using a cookie scoop helps in making sure cookies bake evenly and look uniform—plus, it speeds up the process!

How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Amish Sugar Cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies recipe, soft buttery cookies, homemade Amish cookies, easy sugar cookie recipe - The image shows a close-up of several sugar cookies stacked on top of each other. Each cookie has a light golden color with a soft, slightly cracked surface, and a round, somewhat puffy shape. The cookies have a smooth, almost crumbly texture visible on the outside, and the edges show a gentle browning. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface, filling the frame with no other items or background elements visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little colored sanding sugar on top just before baking to add a festive sparkle—especially for holidays or parties. Plain powdered sugar dusting after cooling also looks beautiful and gives an elegant touch if you want to keep things simple.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or a cozy mug of milk. For a special brunch or tea party, serve alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I like to pipe a simple glaze and decorate with colorful sprinkles. During the holidays, arranging the cookies in a decorative tin or wrapping them with a ribbon makes a sweet homemade gift. I’ve even tried stacking them with layers of parchment and tied with twine for a charming rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for several days, and honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! For longer storage, adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep the cookies moist.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, the dough freezes beautifully. Just scoop the dough onto parchment and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the bake time. Cookies fresh from frozen taste just as good as from fresh dough!

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This restores some of that fresh-baked softness and aroma—trust me, it’s worth it.

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not at all! One of the best things about this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is that the dough can be scooped and baked immediately. Chilling is optional and won’t affect the texture or spread much, so it’s great for a quick batch.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another oil?

You can, but I recommend sticking to mild-flavored oils like canola or light olive oil to keep the cookie flavor pleasant. Using strongly flavored oils like coconut might overpower the traditional taste you’re aiming for.
Why does this recipe include cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps maintain a tender texture and prevents excessive spreading. It also contributes to that slight tangy note that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s a classic staple in many vintage sugar cookie recipes.
Can I make gluten-free Amish Sugar Cookies?

You can attempt to substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. If you try this, look for blends that include xanthan gum for structure and be mindful of texture changes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for a slight golden edge at the bottom of the cookies and a set surface on top. They might look a bit soft in the center, but that’s perfect—they’ll firm up more as they cool.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple yet reliably delicious, never failing to bring a smile to anyone’s face. When I bake these cookies, it’s like time slows down—the aroma fills the air, and memories of cozy family moments pop up. I wholeheartedly recommend you try this recipe; it’s a classic done right and perfect for every occasion. I’m betting it’ll become your go-to sugar cookie recipe just like it did mine!