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–+ servings
Amish Sugar Cookies from Shirley Hittle
Amish Sugar Cookies are a classic, buttery treat beloved for their soft texture and delicate sweetness. Originating from traditional Amish kitchens, these cookies reflect simple, wholesome baking , focusing on pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour. The result is a cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and lightly crisped edges. Unlike rolled sugar cookies, this drop-style version requires no fancy tools or decorations, just comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or a cozy weekend bake, this recipe captures the timeless essence of home baking at its best.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 36 Cookies
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup confectioner's sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 4 ½ cups All-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • Cream butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs

  • Beat in eggs until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Flavorings and Dry Ingredients

  • Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, cream of tartar, and salt; beat until smooth.

Step 4: Add Oil and Flour

  • Alternately beat in oil and flour, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

  • Cover and refrigerate dough for about 2 hours or until firm.

Step 6: Shape and Prepare for Baking

  • Roll dough into rounded tablespoons and place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 8: Cool

  • Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for a warm, spiced twist.
  • Substitute almond extract for half the vanilla for a nutty aroma.
  • For crispier cookies, bake an extra minute or two.
  • Use colored sugar for festive occasions like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword Amish, buttery, comfort food, dessert, easy cookies, holiday baking, sugar cookies, vintage recipe
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