Amish Sugar Cookies

Food is often a big part of the Christmas season. From cookies to family feasts, what we eat is often a large part of what makes the season so special. For me, this sugar cookie recipe signals the Christmas season. An easy, simple cookie that’s always a crowd-pleaser, Amish sugar cookies were a staple in our house during the Christmas season growing up. The recipe makes a ton, and we’d often make them, package them and distribute them to friends and family on Christmas Eve.

I still make this recipe today—and I still make it to give away. Cookies are often the gift I make for coworkers during the holiday season. The very act of making them makes me happy, and it doesn’t feel like Christmas until I’ve baked my first batch.

A note: if you’re looking for a sugar cookie dough to roll out and decorate, this isn’t your recipe. These sugar cookies are soft, puffy, bite-sized delights that don’t need icing or decoration. They’re a perfect complement to coffee, spiced cider, wassail or hot tea. My mom often serves them alongside fruit salad for a light dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup butter (creamed)

• 1 cup cooking oil (I use canola)

• 2 eggs

• 4 ½ cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Cream butter, then cream together with granulated sugar, powdered sugar and oil.

3. Add two eggs and mix well.

4. Add flour, baking soda, Cream of Tartar and vanilla to the sugar/egg mixture. Mix well.

5. Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized cookies. Form each into a small ball. I roll mine in extra granulated sugar before placing the balls on the baking sheet. You can use granulated sugar or colored sugars if you’d like.

6. Flatten cookies slightly with a fork.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should be puffy and lightly browned on top. Store tightly covered for about a week, if they last that long.

If you add this recipe to your Christmas traditions, let me know! Tell me your thoughts in the comments.