These Amish Sugar Cookies are a deliciously nostalgic treat that brings traditional baking to your kitchen with ease. Made with a combination of butter and canola oil, these cookies are incredibly soft, tender, and flavorful without needing any chilling time. That means you can enjoy the sweet aroma of baking sugar cookies filling your home in no time.
The recipe is a nod to simple, heartfelt Amish baking—pure, comforting, and full of buttery goodness. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and light sweetness, they make a wonderful addition to any dessert table, potluck, or quiet evening treat. Whether you keep them plain or add a drizzle of glaze or a pinch of spice, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 cup canola oil
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup confectioners’ sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Add the eggs and beat until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
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Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
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Drop dough by small teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
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Cool on wire racks to room temperature before storing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 117 kcal per cookie | Servings: About 60 cookies (5 dozen)
The Amish Baking Legacy
The Amish are well-known for their resourceful, from-scratch style of cooking. Their baking, in particular, has gained a reputation across the United States for being both hearty and comforting. In a world filled with processed sweets and artificial flavors, Amish desserts hold firm in their traditions: real butter, natural flavors, and no shortcuts. It’s this purity of approach that gives Amish recipes such enduring appeal.
From shoofly pie to whoopie pies, molasses cookies to apple dumplings, the Amish community treats baking as a connection to heritage and family. The sugar cookie, in particular, exemplifies the community’s unpretentious yet delightful culinary values. It’s not overly complicated, flashy, or fussy — but it’s undeniably satisfying.
What Makes Amish Sugar Cookies Special?
At first glance, Amish sugar cookies may not appear very different from other sugar cookie recipes. But the magic lies in the subtle nuances. First, they’re exceptionally soft and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s often described as “pillowy.” That softness is achieved by the combination of butter and oil in the dough, which keeps the cookies tender for days.
Another defining characteristic is that these cookies require no chilling time. That’s right — unlike many traditional cookie doughs that need to rest in the fridge to firm up, Amish sugar cookie dough is ready to scoop and bake immediately. That’s a practical bonus that fits perfectly with the no-nonsense approach to baking that the Amish embrace.
The flavor of Amish sugar cookies is mild but rich, often enhanced by high-quality vanilla extract. Some bakers opt to tweak the base with additional flavors, like almond extract or citrus zest, while others leave them plain, allowing the classic buttery sweetness to shine.
A Cookie Rooted in Simplicity and Family
One of the core values of Amish culture is simplicity, and their sugar cookie recipe reflects that philosophy beautifully. There are no unnecessary extras, no elaborate frostings, and no gimmicks — just real ingredients combined with care. It’s a cookie that feels nostalgic even on the first bite.
The simplicity of the recipe also makes it ideal for family baking. Parents and children alike can enjoy making them together — measuring, mixing, scooping, and savoring the warm cookies fresh out of the oven. Because the recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment or techniques, it’s often passed down through generations as a child’s first “real” cookie recipe.
Texture is Everything
What sets Amish sugar cookies apart from many others is texture. These cookies are known for their slightly crisp edges and ultra-soft, crumbly centers that quite literally dissolve in your mouth. Achieving this texture is no accident. The butter brings richness and structure, while the oil keeps everything tender and prevents the cookies from firming up too much after baking.
Additionally, the recipe includes both granulated and confectioners’ sugar — a less common but strategic combination. The granulated sugar offers the classic sweetness and a bit of body, while the powdered sugar contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture.
Adaptability and Creative Variations
One of the reasons these cookies have remained so beloved over the decades is their versatility. While the base recipe is exceptional on its own, there’s plenty of room for personalization and creative flair.
Home bakers often enjoy adding extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to give the cookies a subtle twist. Others will glaze them with a simple icing or top them with seasonal sprinkles to match holidays or special events. A dusting of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a hint of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile while maintaining the cookie’s original charm.
The dough is forgiving and easy to work with, which means it’s also a favorite for themed cookie platters, school bake sales, or wedding cookie tables. Amish sugar cookies are adaptable without losing their core identity — a feature that adds to their staying power.
How to Store and Keep Fresh
Thanks to the oil content in the dough, Amish sugar cookies remain soft for several days when stored properly. The ideal method is to cool them completely after baking and then place them in an airtight container. A popular Amish trick for keeping cookies soft is to add a slice of bread to the container — the bread’s moisture helps maintain the cookies’ delicate texture without making them soggy.
They also freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, you can lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months and thaw quickly on the counter or in the microwave.
No Chill, No Fuss — Just Bake and Enjoy
Unlike many modern cookie recipes that require chilling the dough for several hours to achieve the right consistency, Amish sugar cookies are refreshingly straightforward. The dough is stable and scoopable right after mixing, allowing you to go from prep to baking in under 15 minutes.
This time-saving advantage makes them an ideal option for last-minute gatherings, weeknight baking sessions, or anytime you want something sweet without waiting hours for the dough to rest. It’s another example of how the Amish prioritize function and flavor over flair — and it works beautifully.
Perfect for All Occasions
Despite their humble origins, Amish sugar cookies are surprisingly versatile when it comes to occasions. They’re equally welcome on a holiday cookie platter, as an after-school treat, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their light flavor pairs well with tea or coffee, and they’re easy to pack in lunches or enjoy as a snack.
Because they’re not too sweet or overly rich, these cookies tend to be universally appealing. They’re a hit with kids, beloved by grandparents, and appreciated by everyone in between. Their familiarity and comfort evoke a sense of home, no matter where you are.
A Legacy of Love and Butter
Amish sugar cookies might not be the flashiest dessert on the table, but they earn their place with every bite. Their flavor, texture, and simplicity all combine to create a deeply comforting cookie that represents much more than just a sweet treat. These cookies are about tradition, family, love, and the joy of baking with purpose.
In today’s fast-paced world of gourmet confections and Instagram-worthy bakes, there’s something profoundly reassuring about returning to basics. And that’s what Amish sugar cookies offer — a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest.
Conclusion
Amish sugar cookies are more than just a recipe; they are a tribute to the past and a celebration of timeless home baking. With their perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness, they embody everything good about homemade desserts. Whether you’re enjoying them warm out of the oven or sharing them with friends, these cookies offer comfort, tradition, and a delightful taste of Amish hospitality.
They’re a powerful reminder that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or fancy techniques to create something truly special — just a little time, some love, and a good old-fashioned cookie sheet. So the next time you need a classic cookie that never goes out of style, look no further than Amish sugar cookies.