If you love soft, buttery cookies that practically melt in your mouth, these Amish Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat. Known for their incredibly tender texture and delicate sweetness, Amish sugar cookies are a classic old-fashioned dessert that has been passed down through generations.
Unlike traditional sugar cookies that are rolled and cut into shapes, Amish sugar cookies are simple drop cookies. This means no chilling, no rolling pins, and no cookie cutters — just mix, scoop, and bake. The result is a batch of cookies with crispy edges, soft centers, and a buttery vanilla flavor that’s irresistible.
These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, afternoon snacks, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
What Are Amish Sugar Cookies?
Amish sugar cookies come from traditional Amish kitchens where recipes are known for being simple, homemade, and made with pantry staples. These cookies focus on rich butter flavor and soft texture rather than elaborate decorations.
The defining characteristics of Amish sugar cookies include:
- Soft, tender crumb
- Slightly crisp edges
- Light vanilla flavor
- Simple drop-cookie preparation
- No chilling required
Because of their simplicity, these cookies are perfect for beginner bakers and busy families.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Sugar Cookie Recipe
There are many sugar cookie recipes available, but this one stands out for several reasons.
Quick and Easy
No dough chilling, no rolling, and no complicated steps.
Soft and Buttery Texture
The combination of butter and oil creates cookies that stay soft for days.
Pantry Ingredients
Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies work for holidays, parties, or everyday desserts.
Great for Large Batches
This recipe makes plenty of cookies, making it ideal for sharing.
Ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookies
One of the reasons these cookies are so popular is their simple ingredient list.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Why These Ingredients Work
Understanding the ingredients helps ensure perfect cookies every time.
Butter adds rich flavor and helps create soft cookies.
Vegetable oil keeps the cookies tender and moist for longer.
Powdered sugar contributes to the delicate texture.
Cream of tartar gives the cookies their signature softness and slight tang.
Eggs provide structure and help bind the dough.
How to Make Amish Sugar Cookies
Follow these simple steps for perfectly soft homemade cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Salt
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Do not overmix the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Leave about 2 inches of space between cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
The centers will look soft, which is exactly what you want.
Step 8: Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips for Perfect Amish Sugar Cookies
Even simple recipes benefit from a few expert baking tips.
Use Room Temperature Butter
Soft butter creams better with sugar, creating a smoother dough.
Measure Flour Properly
Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method.
Do Not Overbake
These cookies should remain pale and soft.
Use Parchment Paper
This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
Allow Cookies to Rest
They continue to set as they cool.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try experimenting with different flavors.
Lemon Amish Sugar Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough.
Almond Sugar Cookies
Replace vanilla extract with almond extract.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Add colorful sprinkles to the dough for a festive look.
Decorating Ideas
Although Amish sugar cookies are traditionally plain, they can easily be decorated.
Powdered Sugar Dusting
Lightly dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
Vanilla Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over cookies.
Holiday Sprinkles
Add festive sprinkles before baking.
Frosted Cookies
Spread a thin layer of buttercream frosting on top.
How to Store Amish Sugar Cookies
These cookies stay soft for several days when stored properly.
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week, though room temperature storage is best.
Freezing
Freeze cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing the Dough
You can also freeze the cookie dough.
How to Freeze
- Scoop dough into balls.
- Place on a baking sheet and freeze.
- Transfer to a freezer bag.
Frozen dough can be baked directly from the freezer — just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Perfect Occasions for These Cookies
Amish sugar cookies are incredibly versatile.
They are perfect for:
- Christmas cookie trays
- Bake sales
- Holiday parties
- Lunchbox treats
- Afternoon coffee snacks
Their classic flavor appeals to both kids and adults.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple cookies can go wrong if you’re not careful.
Using Too Much Flour
This can make cookies dense.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing can make cookies tough.
Overbaking
These cookies should remain soft in the center.
Skipping Cream of Tartar
It contributes to the classic texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Amish sugar cookies so soft?
The combination of butter, oil, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar creates a very tender cookie.
Can I chill the dough?
Yes, but it’s not required. Chilling will create slightly thicker cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Possible causes include:
- Butter too warm
- Not enough flour
- Baking sheet too hot
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Adding ½ to 1 cup chocolate chips works well.
Recipe Card
Amish Sugar Cookies
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
36 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Drop dough by tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Amish Sugar Cookies are a beautiful reminder that the best desserts are often the simplest. With their soft texture, buttery flavor, and easy preparation, they are the kind of cookies you’ll want to bake again and again.
Whether you’re preparing holiday treats, baking with family, or simply craving homemade cookies, this recipe delivers comforting, old-fashioned goodness every time.
Print
Amish Sugar Cookies (Soft, Buttery, and Easy Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream wet ingredients: Beat butter and 1¼ cups sugar until light and fluffy (~2–3 min). Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Add dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Shape: Scoop 1-tbsp portions of dough. Roll into balls, then roll each in granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.
- Cool on pan 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
💡 Pro Tips:
– Cream of tartar gives these cookies their signature slight tang and soft texture—don’t skip it!
– For extra softness, slightly underbake (they’ll firm up as they cool).
– Store in an airtight container up to 5 days—they stay wonderfully tender!
Prep Time & Nutrition (per cookie, makes 24):
Servings: 24 | Calories: 90 | Net Carbs: 14g | Fats: 4g | Protein: 1g