Amish Sugar Cookies

There’s a reason Amish Sugar Cookies are a classic. These aren’t your average sugar cookies; they’re incredibly soft, slightly chewy, and possess a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. And with the holidays right around the corner, what better way to spread some joy than with a batch of these delightful treats? I’ve been making these cookies for years, tweaking the recipe to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness. They’re unbelievably easy to make, relying on simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. My family requests them every Christmas, and they disappear in record time! These cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a slice of homemade happiness.

I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different baking techniques and ingredients to ensure these Amish Sugar Cookies are foolproof and absolutely delicious. My expertise in baking, combined with the timeless appeal of this recipe, makes it a perfect choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners looking to create a memorable treat.

Ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookies

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to make these incredible Amish Sugar Cookies. The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm, but understanding each ingredient’s role is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups. The foundation of our cookies. Make sure to measure accurately! Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. For a slightly softer texture, try using cake flour, but reduce the amount by 2 tablespoons.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups. Sweetness and structure! Granulated sugar helps create that slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside soft.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Our leavening agent. Baking powder creates a light and airy texture. Make sure it’s fresh; old baking powder won’t work as effectively.
• Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon. Works in tandem with baking powder to provide lift and create a tender crumb.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Don’t skip it!
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened. Adds richness and flavor, creating a tender crumb. Make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted.
• Shortening: ½ cup. This is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies so tender! Shortening has a higher fat content than butter and helps prevent gluten development, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Sour Cream: ¼ cup. Another secret ingredient! Sour cream adds moisture and tang, resulting in a super soft and flavorful cookie. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt if needed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Amish Sugar Cookies

These tips are born from my own kitchen trials and tribulations. Follow them for guaranteed success!

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This is crucial for maintaining their shape.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures uniform cookie size, so they bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be pale and slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to bake on the hot cookie sheet.
• Powdered Sugar Finish: A light dusting of powdered sugar after they cool adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. A few drops of almond extract can also be a delicious addition.
• Proper Butter Softening: Softened butter should be pliable and yield easily to pressure, but not greasy or melted. Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour, or use the microwave in very short bursts, checking frequently.

Storage & Substitutions

Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and some ideas for ingredient swaps if you’re in a pinch.

• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or even mayonnaise (yes, really!). The tanginess is what we’re after.
• Shortening Substitute: While shortening is key to the texture, you can substitute it with butter in a pinch. However, the cookies may spread more and be slightly less tender.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan butter substitute, an egg replacer (like flax eggs), and a vegan sour cream alternative.

FAQ About Amish Sugar Cookies

Why are my Amish Sugar Cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by several factors: using melted butter instead of softened, not chilling the dough, overmixing, or using too much sugar. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

How do I keep my sugar cookies soft?

The key to soft sugar cookies is using shortening and sour cream in the recipe. Also, be careful not to overbake them. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. Storing them in an airtight container also helps maintain their moisture.

Can I freeze Amish Sugar Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

What makes Amish Sugar Cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

Amish Sugar Cookies typically include shortening and sour cream, which contribute to their incredibly soft and tender texture. Regular sugar cookies may rely more on butter and not include sour cream, resulting in a slightly different texture.

Can I add frosting to these cookies?

Absolutely! While these cookies are delicious on their own, a simple glaze or frosting can add extra sweetness and flavor. A basic powdered sugar glaze is a great option.

Why is my cookie dough crumbly?

Crumbly dough is usually caused by not having enough moisture or too much flour. Make sure you’re measuring your flour accurately and that your butter is properly softened. Adding a tablespoon or two of milk can help bring the dough together if it’s too dry.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can, but you’ll want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to about 1/8 teaspoon to compensate.

These Amish Sugar Cookies are a testament to the beauty of simple baking. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a batch of cookies that are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Now that you’ve mastered this classic recipe, why not try my Peanut Butter Blossoms for another crowd-pleasing treat? Or perhaps my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for something a little more decadent? Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Amish Sugar Cookies turned out! And if you love this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!

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