Bring Joy to Your Holidays with Amish Christmas Cookies
As the festive season draws near, nothing encapsulates the spirit of Christmas quite like homemade cookies. This year, why not try your hand at Amish Christmas Cookies? These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their soft texture and sweet frosting, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup plain shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 to 6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the eggs, followed by the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.
- Shape the Cookies: After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a well-greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare your frosting by beating together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk or cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Decorate Your Cookies: Once cooled, frost each cookie with your prepared icing. If you’d like to add some festive flair, divide the frosting into bowls and mix in food coloring for different shades. Top with sprinkles if desired.
Share and Enjoy
These Amish Christmas Cookies are not just a treat; they are a way to share love and joy during the holiday season. Package them in decorative tins or plates and give them as gifts to neighbors, friends, or family members. The soft texture and sweet frosting will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Three more Christmas recipes:
- Decadent Amish Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Amish Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Walnut Horn Cookies: A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Tradition
Final Thoughts
Baking these cookies is more than just making a delicious dessert; it’s about creating memories with loved ones during this special time of year. So gather your family in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this delightful Amish recipe that will surely become a beloved tradition in your home!
Citations:
[1] https://www.twopinkpeonies.com/amish-christmas-cookies/
[2] https://bird-in-hand.com/blog/pennsylvania-dutch-recipes-for-delicious-christmas-treats/
[3] https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/amish-christmas-recipes/
[4] https://www.amish365.com/amish-christmas-cut-out-cookies/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkOEyYTZeBw