Soft Amish Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Classic Amish-style sugar cookies featuring a unique dual-butter technique that creates incredibly soft, tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of melted and softened butter, plus cream of tartar, gives these cookies their signature pillowy softness. Topped with a rich almond-scented cream cheese frosting, they're perfect for holidays, bake sales, or any time you want a cookie that stays soft for days. The dough chills beautifully and can be made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temp
- 2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temp
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temp
- 1 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted then measured
Instructions
- 1
Beat butter and sugars until combined, scrape sides and combine again
- 2
Beat in eggs and almond extract, scrape sides and combine again
- 3
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in separate bowl
- 4
Add flour mixture to butter mixture in two additions, beating until just combined without overmixing
- 5
Chill dough for at least one hour
- 6
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
- 7
Drop dough using spring-release scoop onto prepared sheets
- 8
Press dough slightly flat with palm or bottom of glass
- 9
Bake until edges and bottoms are very lightly browned
- 10
Cool for 2 minutes on sheet pan before transferring to wire rack
- 11
Beat butter, cream cheese, and almond extract for frosting
- 12
Gradually add powdered sugar and cream until desired consistency
- 13
Frost cooled cookies
Tips
Chill dough for at least one hour to prevent spreading and maintain soft texture during baking
Use a spring-release scoop for uniform cookies and press slightly flat for even browning
Store unfrosted cookies in airtight container for up to 5 days; frosted cookies need refrigeration
Good to Know
Unfrosted cookies keep 5 days in airtight container at room temperature. Frosted cookies must be refrigerated.
Cookie dough freezes well. Can be made and chilled up to 2 days before baking.
Serve at room temperature. If frosted and refrigerated, let sit 10 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix flour to avoid tough cookies
Chill dough fully to prevent spreading
Don't overbake or cookies will lose softness
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Mix powdered sugar with milk for lighter option
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the dough freezes great. Shape into balls, freeze on trays, then store in bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
What if I don't have cream of tartar?
You can substitute with 2 teaspoons baking powder total instead of the baking soda and cream of tartar, but cookies may be slightly less tender.
How long do frosted cookies keep?
Frosted cookies must be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for 3-4 days. The frosting may soften at room temperature.