A Taste of Home: 5 Beloved Amish Cookie Recipes for Your Kitchen
Amish homes are known for their warmth, hospitality, and of course, delicious food. Among their culinary treasures are their cookies, simple yet incredibly flavorful treats passed down through generations. Today, we delve into five favorite Amish cookie recipes, each offering a unique taste of tradition and comfort.
1. Amish Snickerdoodles: These classic cookies are a staple in many Amish kitchens. The soft and chewy dough is rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, creating a delightful textural and flavor contrast. The hint of cinnamon adds a touch of warmth that makes these cookies perfect for any occasion.
These Amish Snickerdoodles capture the essence of homestyle comfort food with their soft and chewy texture, delicate sweetness, and a warm sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a shallow dish, combine the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For a chewier cookie, bake for 10 minutes. For a crispier cookie, bake for 12 minutes.
- You can substitute 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for 1/2 cup of the butter for a slightly lighter cookie.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an additional layer of warmth.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy these Amish Snickerdoodles with a warm glass of milk for a heartwarming and delicious treat!
2. Shoofly Pie Cookies: This unique cookie recipe originates from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and is a favorite among the Amish. The dough is made with molasses, brown sugar, and spices like ginger and cinnamon, resulting in a deeply flavorful and slightly chewy cookie. Traditionally served alongside shoofly pie, these cookies can be enjoyed on their own for a taste of Amish comfort.
Amish Shoofly Pie Cookies: A Molasses Delight
These cookies capture the essence of the classic Amish Shoofly Pie in a portable and delightful treat. They boast a rich molasses flavor balanced by warm spices and a satisfying chewy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, milk, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For a chewier cookie, bake for 10 minutes. For a crispier cookie, bake for 12 minutes.
- You can substitute vegan butter for the regular butter for a vegan option.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy these Amish Shoofly Pie Cookies for a unique and flavorful taste of Amish tradition!
3. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: These hearty cookies combine the richness of peanut butter with the wholesome goodness of oats. The addition of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the chopped peanuts provide a satisfying crunch. These cookies are perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying treat after a long day.
These Amish Peanut Butter Oatmeal Crunch Cookies offer a delightful twist on the traditional recipe. They combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and oats with a touch of brown sugar for added depth and a sprinkling of crunchy chopped peanuts for an irresistible textural contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped peanuts.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Gently press down on the dough balls with a fork to flatten them slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For chewier cookies, bake for 10 minutes. For crispier cookies with a more pronounced crunch, bake for 12 minutes.
- You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different flavor twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for added warmth.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy these Amish Peanut Butter Oatmeal Crunch Cookies as a satisfying snack or a delightful dessert. Their combination of comforting flavors and delightful textures is sure to become a family favorite!
4. Coconut Washboard Cookies: Don’t be fooled by the name – these cookies are anything but bland! The dough is packed with shredded coconut, which adds a delightful texture and sweetness. The tops are typically pressed with a fork to create a washboard-like pattern, adding a touch of rustic charm. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a tropical twist on a classic treat.
These Amish Coconut Washboard Cookies capture the essence of tradition with their simple ingredients, delightful coconut flavor, and a unique checkered pattern.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract (optional).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Dip the tines of a fork in milk and gently press the fork across the top of each cookie in a crisscross pattern, creating a washboard effect.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- (Optional) Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips:
- For chewier cookies, bake for 10 minutes. For crispier cookies, bake for 12 minutes.
- You can substitute coconut oil for the butter for a vegan option.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for added warmth.
- Experiment with different nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter for a unique twist.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy these Amish Coconut Washboard Cookies with a glass of cold milk for a delightful and nostalgic treat!
5. Amish Sugar Cookies: No list of Amish cookies would be complete without mentioning their beloved sugar cookies. These simple yet versatile cookies are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. The soft and fluffy dough can be rolled out and shaped into various forms, making them a fun activity for the whole family.
These Amish Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic, offering a blank canvas for your creativity and a delightful treat for any occasion. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Sprinkles or colored sugars, for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat for at least 2 minutes to ensure air is incorporated, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- For classic round cookies, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- For cut-out cookies, lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to a desired thickness (¼ inch is ideal). Use cookie cutters to shape the dough and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets.
- (Optional) Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar, sprinkles, or colored sugars for decoration.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For chewier cookies, bake for 8 minutes. For crispier cookies, bake for 10 minutes.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- You can substitute 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce for 1/2 cup of the butter for a slightly healthier option.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique flavor twist.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy these Amish Sugar Cookies plain, decorated, or sandwiched with your favorite jam or frosting for a delightful homemade treat!
These are just a few examples of the many delicious Amish cookie recipes waiting to be explored. With their simple ingredients and timeless flavors, these cookies offer a taste of home and tradition that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So preheat your oven, gather your loved ones, and embark on a baking adventure filled with the warmth and sweetness of Amish cookies!
