30-Minute Soft Amish Sugar Cookies
These traditional Amish sugar cookies combine butter and oil for an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's impossible to resist. The dual fat approach creates cookies that are both rich and light, with a delicate sweetness from granulated and powdered sugars. Perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or whenever you crave a classic homestyle treat. The simple ingredient list and foolproof method make these cookies accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while the authentic Amish technique ensures bakery-quality results every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
- 2
Beat together softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth
- 3
Add eggs and vanilla extract and continue beating until well incorporated
- 4
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in separate bowl
- 5
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, beating until just combined to form fluffy dough
- 6
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing to allow for spreading
- 7
Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges and bottoms are lightly browned
- 8
Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool before serving
Tips
Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better incorporation with the oil and sugars.
Don't overbake - cookies should be just lightly golden on the bottom for that signature tender texture.
Chill dough for 30 minutes if it seems too soft to handle for easier shaping.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, or shaped cookies can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months
Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake to avoid dry, hard cookies
Ensure butter is properly softened to avoid lumpy dough
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these cookies without oil?
Yes, you can replace the oil with an equal amount of softened butter, though the texture will be slightly different.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit after combining wet and dry ingredients.