Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

Brown Sugar Amish Cookies offer a delightful blend of tradition and comfort, making them a go-to treat for both everyday snacking and special occasions. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a wonderfully aromatic dough that bakes into soft, chewy cookies—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the cookies, helping to keep them soft and chewy.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: The key to a tender, buttery crumb, which melts in your mouth with each bite.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and contributes to the slightly crisp edges of the cookies.
• 1 large egg: Essential for binding the ingredients together, adding richness, and ensuring a smooth texture.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, aromatic notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: The base for the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth, silky texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the cookies.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds a subtle hint of maple, enhancing the flavor and richness of the glaze.
• 1/2-1 tablespoon milk (optional): Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to your preference, whether you like it thick and creamy or thin and drizzly.

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Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

1. Classic Flavor: These cookies capture the essence of traditional Amish baking, known for its simplicity and reliance on natural ingredients. The brown sugar and cinnamon combination offers a comforting, nostalgic flavor that’s hard to resist.

2. Versatility: Whether you enjoy them plain or with the optional glaze, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can customize the glaze by adding different extracts or even a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.

3. Easy to Make: With simple, straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. They come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for last-minute baking projects.

4. Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or box, and they make a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors. The glaze adds a beautiful touch that makes them look as good as they taste.

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Instructions: How to Make Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to achieving a consistent texture throughout the cookies.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the 1 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creaming process is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Portion the Dough

• Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each dough ball onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly, with plenty of room to expand without merging into each other.

2. Bake the Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. The centers should still appear soft, as they will continue to set while cooling. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in cookies that are too crisp rather than soft and chewy. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Optional Step: Prepare the Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare an optional glaze to drizzle over the top. This glaze adds a touch of sweetness and an extra layer of flavor, making the cookies even more irresistible.

1. Mix the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. The glaze should be smooth and slightly thick. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of milk until you reach your desired consistency.

2. Drizzle the Glaze

• Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over each one. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control. Allow the glaze to set before serving, which should only take a few minutes. The glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, spicy notes of the cinnamon.

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Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
• For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Storage Tips:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The glaze will set and harden slightly, but the cookies will remain soft and chewy.
• If you want to keep the cookies fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled, unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh glaze if desired.

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Variations

1. Nutty Twist:

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon-flavored dough.

2. Chocolate Drizzle:

• For a decadent twist, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate instead of or in addition to the glaze. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon is truly irresistible.

3. Citrus Zest:

• Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the brown sugar and cinnamon.

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FAQs

1. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

• Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar in this recipe. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, which will result in a deeper, more robust flavor and a slightly darker color.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

• Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the baking soda and powdered sugar, are also gluten-free.

3. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the dough?

• If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar. However, the texture may be slightly different, as powdered sugar adds a finer, smoother texture to the cookies.

4. How can I make the cookies more festive for the holidays?

• To make these cookies more festive, you can add a sprinkle of colored sugar or edible glitter to the glaze before it sets. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the dough into holiday-themed shapes before baking.

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Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a warm, comforting flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make them a joy to bake, while the rich, buttery taste makes them a joy to eat. Enjoy baking, glazing, and sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones!

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