If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s simple to make and packed with flavor, look no further than Brown Sugar Amish Cookies. These cookies are a delightful combination of rich brown sugar, butter, and warm spices that create a soft, chewy texture with a touch of cinnamon. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Amish Cookies
Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are a staple in many Amish households, known for their comforting, homemade taste. What sets them apart from other cookies is the use of brown sugar as the main sweetener, which gives these cookies a deeper, more caramelized flavor. The soft and chewy texture of the cookies makes them a perfect snack for any time of the day.
Here are just a few reasons why you should try this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake.
- Versatile: You can customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Amish Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This provides the base for your cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter gives the cookies their rich, decadent flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar creates the signature chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This will help the cookies rise and become soft.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – A touch of spice to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – To enhance the overall flavor.
Optionally, you can add:
- ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips – For extra sweetness and texture.
How to Make Brown Sugar Amish Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the dough, ensuring the cookies are light and chewy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. The egg helps to bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you’re adding raisins or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Tips for Perfect Amish Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix the dough until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter will cream better with the sugar and result in a smoother dough.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store your Brown Sugar Amish Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well if you want to save them for later!
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are a perfect treat to share with friends and family or to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates a flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will quickly become a beloved part of your recipe collection.
Serving and Storage Tips for Brown Sugar Amish Cookies
Serving Tips
- Warm and Fresh: For an extra comforting experience, serve your Brown Sugar Amish Cookies warm. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness. Pair them with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee for a delightful treat.
- With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies as a base for an ice cream sandwich. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a deliciously indulgent dessert.
- Holiday Platters: These cookies make a fantastic addition to holiday dessert trays. Their soft, chewy texture and inviting flavor will complement other baked goods like pies and brownies.
- Packed for Gifts: Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are perfect for gifting! Arrange them in a pretty tin or box for a homemade touch during the holidays or as a thoughtful present for any occasion.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: To keep your cookies fresh for several days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time, Brown Sugar Amish Cookies freeze wonderfully. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen cookies, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds until soft and warm again.
- Cookie Dough Freezing: If you want to bake the cookies fresh later, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes—no thawing required.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Brown Sugar Amish Cookies fresh, soft, and flavorful for days or even weeks!
1. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar is essential for achieving the signature flavor and chewy texture of these Amish cookies, you can substitute white sugar in a pinch. However, the cookies may not have the same rich, caramelized taste that brown sugar provides. For the best results, stick with brown sugar if possible.
2. Can I add mix-ins to these cookies?
Absolutely! You can personalize your Brown Sugar Amish Cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even shredded coconut. Just fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
3. How can I make these cookies thicker or thinner?
If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which will help the cookies hold their shape better. For thinner cookies, you can slightly flatten the dough balls before baking, which will cause them to spread more as they cook.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly soft but not raw. If the centers are still glossy, they may need a few extra minutes. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies too crisp instead of soft and chewy.
PrintBrown Sugar Amish Cookies
Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are tender, buttery, and soft cookies with a slightly crisp edge and a caramel-like sweetness from brown sugar. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to whip up and are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them an instant favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a slight twist, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a hint of warmth.
- You can also sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar or a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for extra flavor.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.