Oh my goodness, let me tell you about classic Amish sugar cookies! These little gems are the epitome of soft, sweet perfection, and they bring back so many fond memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons. Each bite is like a warm hug, with a delightful buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. What I love most about these cookies is their simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create something truly special. Trust me, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just because you want a sweet treat, these classic Amish sugar cookies are always a hit. They’re so versatile too! You can dress them up with sprinkles or enjoy them plain. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
Ingredients for Classic Amish Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this helps create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture! And don’t skimp on the vanilla; it adds a lovely depth of flavor. Once you have everything ready, you’ll be just a step away from baking up a batch of these sweet classics!
How to Prepare Classic Amish Sugar Cookies
Now that you’ve got your ingredients all lined up, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious classic Amish sugar cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of lovely cookies in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake perfectly right from the start!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined—this is where your dough starts to come together!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is super important for the texture of your cookies!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I usually do this in batches, mixing just until combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your cookies might not be as soft!
- Now, stir in the milk until the dough is smooth. This is the moment when it all comes together, and you’ll just want to take a bite!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they’ll spread a bit while baking.
- Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them—it’s so easy to get distracted by the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, but I promise it’s worth the wait!
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with soft, sweet classic Amish sugar cookies that are sure to delight anyone who gets their hands on them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin with why you’re going to adore these classic Amish sugar cookies? They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness! Here are some reasons why you’ll find yourself making these time and time again:
- Soft and Chewy: The texture is out of this world! They’re soft and chewy, just like a cookie should be, making them irresistible.
- Sweet Perfection: With just the right amount of sweetness, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without being overwhelming.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in!
- Fun to Customize: Want to jazz them up? Add sprinkles, or a drizzle of icing, or even swap in almond extract for a twist—endless possibilities!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a batch ready in no time!
- Perfect for Sharing: They’re a great treat to share with friends and family, or to keep all to yourself—no judgment here!
Seriously, once you try these classic Amish sugar cookies, I promise they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to create these delightful classic Amish sugar cookies, let me share some of my best tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, baking is as much about the little details as it is about the ingredients.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together smoothly, giving you that fluffy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want soft and chewy, right?
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge can help prevent spreading and enhance the flavors. Just be sure to let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary quite a bit! If you notice your cookies are baking too quickly or too slowly, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Letting your cookies cool on a wire rack helps them maintain their texture. If you leave them on the baking sheet too long, they can become soggy.
- Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious! If you’re worried about them getting stale, you can pop them in the fridge for extra freshness.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight at room temperature!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a storm of classic Amish sugar cookies that will impress everyone around you. Happy baking!
Variations of Classic Amish Sugar Cookies
One of the best things about classic Amish sugar cookies is how easy they are to customize! You can have so much fun experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Here are a few delightful variations to try:
- Almond Extract: Swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a lovely nutty flavor. It adds a nice twist that’s simply irresistible!
- Chocolate Chip: Mix in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a classic chocolate chip twist. The melty chocolate paired with the soft cookie is pure bliss!
- Sprinkle Topping: Before baking, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top of the dough. It adds a festive touch, making them perfect for parties and celebrations!
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor. It brightens up the cookies beautifully!
- Maple Flavor: Substitute maple extract for vanilla for a warm, cozy flavor. You can even drizzle a little maple glaze on top after they cool for an extra treat!
- Brown Sugar Variation: For a deeper flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. It gives the cookies a touch of caramel flavor and a chewier texture.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own creative twists! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking so much fun. Enjoy discovering your favorite variation of these classic Amish sugar cookies!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for these classic Amish sugar cookies is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the size of the cookies and any variations you make to the recipe can also affect the final nutritional values. So, while I strive to give you the best information possible, it’s always a good idea to do your own calculations if you’re tracking your intake closely. Happy baking and enjoy those delicious cookies!
FAQ Section
Got questions about classic Amish sugar cookies? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with their answers to help you bake with confidence!
Common Questions About Classic Amish Sugar Cookies
1. How should I store my classic Amish sugar cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to a week! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months—just follow my freezing tips from earlier!
2. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re out of something, feel free to substitute. For example, you can use margarine instead of butter or almond milk in place of regular milk. Just keep in mind that different ingredients can slightly change the texture and flavor, but it’s all about experimenting!
3. What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Sometimes, humidity can affect the dough, so don’t hesitate to adjust as needed!
4. Can I make these classic Amish sugar cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping it onto your baking sheet. This helps the cookies bake evenly!
5. Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
There are a couple of reasons this might happen! If your butter was too warm or if you didn’t chill the dough, your cookies may spread more than intended. To combat this, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for a bit before baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful classic Amish sugar cookies, you’ll want to know how to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store and reheat your cookies so they stay just as delicious as the day they came out of the oven.
First off, to store your cookies, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is super important! If you store them while they’re still warm, they can become soggy, and nobody wants that. Once cooled, place your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week—just try to keep them hidden from any cookie monsters in your house!
If you’d like to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours until they’re firm. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
As for reheating, if you prefer your cookies warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give them that soft, just-baked feel. But be careful not to overdo it, or they might become too chewy! And if you want them warm and slightly crispy, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You’ll love how they come out—just like fresh from the oven!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your classic Amish sugar cookies for days on end. Happy snacking!
Print
Classic Amish Sugar Cookies: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Amish sugar cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in the milk until the dough is smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- For added flavor, consider adding almond extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: classic amish sugar cookies
