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; 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 36 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that melts in your mouth with a buttery, soft bite and just the right touch of sweetness, you’ve got to try my Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies have been a family staple for years, and honestly, once you bake a batch, you’ll understand why—they’re that good. Soft, simple, and downright comforting, they’re perfect for afternoon tea, cookie exchanges, or just a little homemade treat to brighten your day. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get these from your oven to your plate flawlessly.

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Why This Recipe Works

Delightfully Soft Texture: The combination of butter and oil keeps these cookies irresistibly tender and chewy.
Balanced Sweetness: Using both granulated and powdered sugar creates the perfect sweetness without being overpowering.
Simple Ingredients: All pantry staples come together for an easy, approachable recipe anyone can master.
No Chilling Required: Ready to bake as soon as you mix, saving you time and energy in the kitchen.

Amish Sugar Cookies, soft Amish sugar cookies, homemade Amish sugar cookies, classic Amish cookie recipe, buttery sugar cookies - 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 lies in its humble ingredients and how they create a cookie that’s both soft and flavorful. Each item has a role, and I’ll share some tips so you can pick the best options at the store for the tastiest results.

Amish Sugar Cookies, soft Amish sugar cookies, homemade Amish sugar cookies, classic Amish cookie recipe, buttery sugar cookies - 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: Using softened, not melted butter ensures the dough flecks well for that classic crumbly texture.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and softness making the cookies less dense and more tender than just butter alone.
Granulated sugar: Provides structure and a subtle crunch at the edges when baked.
Powdered sugar: Adds extra sweetness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the rise and softness.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with warm, familiar notes. Always opt for pure vanilla extract if you can!
All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough — measure carefully to avoid tough cookies.
Baking soda: Provides a gentle lift and subtle chewiness.
Cream of tartar: Helps tenderize the cookies and keeps them soft, a classic for sugar cookies.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal tastes. I often experiment with little tweaks or add-ons to suit the season or what’s on hand—don’t hesitate to get creative yourself!

Variation: My favorite twist is adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla—it offers a lovely nutty depth that’s unexpected but delightful.
Dietary Modification: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, swapping the butter with coconut oil works surprisingly well, though the flavor shifts slightly.
Seasonal Change: Toss in some cinnamon or nutmeg during cooler months for a warm, cozy vibe.
Difficulty Level: Even beginners can nail this recipe, as the dough is forgiving and doesn’t need chilling or complicated handling.

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

Step 1: Creaming Together the Good Stuff

Start by beating the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together in a mixer. I find beating on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes yields a creamy, fluffy mixture that’s key for the cookies’ texture. Don’t rush this step—getting it right sets the foundation for soft cookies with perfect crumb.

Step 2: Eggs and Vanilla Join the Party

Next, add your eggs and vanilla extract. I like to beat for an additional couple of minutes to fully incorporate everything. Make sure to scrape down the bowl sides periodically so no pockets of unmixed ingredients remain—this helps maintain an even, smooth dough consistency.

Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This ensures they’re evenly distributed so your cookies get consistent texture and gentle lift.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

With your mixer on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture in spoonfuls. This slow addition prevents flour clouds in the kitchen and helps the dough form evenly. When it looks just combined and pulls away from the sides, you’re good to go!

Step 5: Scooping and Baking – The Moment of Truth

I use a cookie dough scoop for uniform, round cookies that bake evenly. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets (or ungreased if you prefer). Bake at 375°F for 7 to 8 minutes, watching for a lightly golden-brown edge on the bottom—this signals perfect doneness. The tops will stay pale, but that’s how these cookies stay soft.

Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying

Move the cookies to a cooling rack as soon as they’re out of the oven so they don’t keep cooking on the hot pan. This helps lock in that soft texture and keeps them from getting too crisp. I often sneak one (or two!) once cooled, and I bet you will too.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Soft Butter is Key: Don’t microwave your butter to soften it—let it sit on the counter for about an hour for best results.
Watch Your Oven: My oven runs a little hot, so check your first batch at 7 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Scoop With Confidence: Using a cookie scoop helps keep sizes consistent, giving you even baking every time.
Skip Chilling, Save Time: This dough doesn’t require chilling, which is a lifesaver when you’re craving fresh cookies pronto.

How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Amish Sugar Cookies, soft Amish sugar cookies, homemade Amish sugar cookies, classic Amish cookie recipe, buttery sugar cookies - 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 like to keep it classic with these cookies, so I usually serve them plain. But if I want a little flair, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk adds a nice touch—especially around the holidays. Sprinkles on top before baking are fun too, and kids go wild for them.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a mid-morning or afternoon snack. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait for a sweet twist in brunch spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I arrange them on a tiered cookie stand with seasonal garnishes like cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or edible flowers. You can stack them neatly tied with a pretty ribbon as charming little gifts, too—people love receiving homemade biscuits that look as good as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store my Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week—perfect for enjoying throughout the week or taking to work as a sweet little treat.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I often freeze them. They freeze beautifully! Just freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you want a cookie fix, thaw at room temp or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked softness, I pop a cookie or two in a 300°F oven for about 3-4 minutes. If you’re in a real hurry, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works, but be careful—not too long or they’ll get hard.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening in the Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine or shortening, but keep in mind that butter adds flavor and richness that margarine or shortening may not fully replicate. The texture might also change slightly, with margarine sometimes producing softer cookies and shortening creating a crumblier texture.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

For this particular Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe, chilling the dough isn’t necessary. The cookies come out tender and soft without chilling, which saves you time. However, if you prefer, chilling won’t harm the dough and can be done if you want to prep ahead.
Why is cream of tartar included in this recipe?

Cream of tartar acts as a leavening acid and stabilizer, helping to keep the cookies soft and tender. It also contributes to that classic sugar cookie flavor and chewiness many people love.
Can I decorate these Amish sugar cookies with frosting or icing?

Absolutely! These cookies provide a perfect base for any frosting or icing. Just allow them to cool completely before decorating to avoid melting. Royal icing or simple glaze icing works great for adding color and design.

Final Thoughts

These Amish Sugar Cookies hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of cozy afternoons spent with family, sharing simple joys. I’ve made them countless times and each batch still brings smiles and warm memories. If you’re craving a cookie that’s straightforward but utterly satisfying, give this recipe a go—you’ll be rewarded with a batch of soft, tender cookies that taste like home. Trust me, once you try this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe, it might just become one of your favorites too.