Family Favorite Amish Brown Sugar Cookies
Introduction
Amish Brown Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that have been enjoyed by generations. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture, with a rich caramel flavor from the brown sugar. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat after dinner. This recipe is simple to follow and uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as they cool.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, if they last that long!
Variations
If you want to add some extra flavors to your Amish Brown Sugar Cookies, here are a few variations you can try:
1. Chocolate Chip:
Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough before rolling them into balls. This will give you a delicious combination of brown sugar and chocolate flavors.
2. Nutty Delight:
Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the dough. This will add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the cookies.
3. Caramel Swirl:
Drizzle some caramel sauce on top of each cookie before baking. This will create a beautiful caramel swirl and enhance the caramel flavor even more.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Amish Brown Sugar Cookies turn out perfect:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create the right texture for the cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.
Conclusion
Amish Brown Sugar Cookies are a timeless recipe that will become a family favorite. With their soft and chewy texture and rich caramel flavor, they are hard to resist. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of the recipe make it a go-to choice for any baker, novice or experienced. So, gather your ingredients and start baking these delightful treats today!
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of sugar?
The brown sugar is what gives these cookies their distinct flavor and texture. However, you can experiment with different types of brown sugar, such as dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar, to add depth to the flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
