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· 4.9 from 8 reviews

If you’ve been on the lookout for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is just that—soft, sweet, and perfectly buttery with a hint of vanilla that keeps you coming back for more. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and trust me, they never disappoint. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe will soon become your go-to sugar cookie staple.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Texture: The combo of butter and vegetable oil gives you cookies that are tender but still hold their shape beautifully.
Perfect Sweetness: Using both granulated and powdered sugar creates a smooth, not-too-sweet flavor that everyone loves.
Simple Yet Flavorful: A touch of cream of tartar and baking soda helps the cookies rise just right, lending a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
No Chilling Needed: You can mix the dough and bake right away, making this a quick and satisfying bake when you’re in a hurry.

Amish Sugar Cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe, Buttery sugar 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

While the ingredient list is pretty straightforward, each one plays its part to create that classic Amish Sugar Cookies flavour and texture. I always recommend using good quality ingredients since this recipe lets their flavors shine.

Amish Sugar Cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe, Buttery sugar 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: Provides rich flavor and helps the cookies hold together with a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and moist, preventing them from drying out.
Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and slight crispness to the edges.
Powdered sugar: Contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: The soul of these cookies—it infuses them with warm, inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives shape; I like to sift mine for an even texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right without becoming cakey.
Cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the dough, elevating the cookie’s flavor.

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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 this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe invites customization. Over time, I’ve experimented a bit, and it’s really fun to make the cookie your own. You can keep it classic or add your touch to suit any occasion or mood.

Lemon Zest Variation: Adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest gives the cookies a bright twist—my family couldn’t get enough during summer barbecues.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for an easy upgrade that pleases kids and adults alike.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but keep an eye on dough consistency—it might need a bit less flour.
Decorating: Once cooled, these cookies hold frosting and sprinkles well if you’re in the mood for festive fun.

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

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by softening your butter—that really helps here, so don’t microwave it to the point of melting. Toss the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar into your mixer bowl and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. You’ll notice the sugars start dissolving and the texture looks almost creamy. This step is key to getting that tender crumb. If you’re mixing by hand, be patient and keep at it—your arms will thank you, and so will your cookies.

Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in those eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again for about two minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally. This ensures everything is well combined and your dough stays smooth. I usually find that this part is when the dough starts to come together beautifully.

Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Getting these well combined before adding ensures even distribution and a perfectly textured cookie every time.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry

With your mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients a few spoonfuls at a time. Don’t rush this—gradual mixing prevents flour clouds and helps the dough come together without becoming dense. You want a dough that’s firm enough to scoop but still soft — the kind that feels like tiny pillowy clouds when you touch it.

Step 5: Scooping and Baking

I love using a cookie dough scoop—it makes all the cookies uniform in size and guarantees even baking. Drop the dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets (or directly on ungreased ones if you prefer). The cookies bake at 375°F for 7 to 8 minutes; watch closely for those edges to turn just a tiny bit golden—that’s your cue that they’re ready. Remember, ovens vary, so start checking at 7 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cooling Down

Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps them set and keeps that perfect chewy edge with a tender middle. It’s tough to resist grabbing one warm, but trust me, patience makes the flavor and texture better.

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Pro Tips for Making Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures vary—keep an eye on the first batch for exact timing.
Parchment Paper Is Your Friend: It’s optional but makes cleanup easier and helps cookies bake evenly.
No Chilling Needed: I’ve skipped chilling dozens of times; the cookies bake up perfect every time.

How to Serve Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Amish Sugar Cookies, Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe, Buttery sugar 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

My favorite way to dress up these Amish Sugar Cookies is a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate. It adds just enough elegance without masking that classic flavor. For the holidays, colorful sprinkles or icing decorations bring a festive vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk—nothing fancy required—or a warm cup of tea or coffee to balance the sweetness. If you’re serving at a party, fresh fruit or a cheese platter with honey can complement the buttery notes nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that arranging them on a pretty platter with seasonal greenery or edible flowers instantly turns these humble cookies into showstoppers. For birthdays or showers, placing them in individual cellophane bags tied with ribbons makes for adorable gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about a week—if they last that long, that is! To maintain softness, I add a slice of bread to the container; it works like a charm.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well. I like to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies that have gone a bit firm, I warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or zap for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. They’ll come back soft, fresh, and just as delightful as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use butter only instead of butter and vegetable oil?

Yes, you can substitute all the fat with butter if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture may be a tad different—typically a bit firmer and less moist—since the oil adds tenderness. For my taste, the mix of butter and vegetable oil offers the best balance.
Do I have to chill the dough?

Nope! One of the best parts of this Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is that no chilling is necessary. You can mix the dough and bake right away, making this ideal for quick baking sessions. However, if you like, chilling won’t harm the dough either.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing or sprinkles?

Absolutely! These cookies have a sturdy yet soft texture that holds up well under icing and decorations. For the holidays, adding colored sprinkles or piping simple royal icing makes them festive and fun to share.
Why does the recipe include cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the cookie dough. It also reacts with baking soda to give a gentle rise, which results in those perfect soft but slightly crisp edges typical of Amish sugar cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those comforting classics that feels like coming home. It’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly delicious, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. I hope you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about seeing your loved ones smile with each bite. So grab your mixing bowl, put on some tunes, and get ready to make some magic in your kitchen. You’ve got this!