Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar together in a soft, buttery cookie. With a simple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Their old-fashioned charm and tender texture make them a favorite for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of glaze, these cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your baking repertoire.

Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

Ingredients

Cookie

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Glaze Optional

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2-1 tablespoon milk, optional

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350º F.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and whisk together, then set aside.

In a large bowl or mixer, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy and lightened in color, then mix in egg and vanilla extract.

Slowly mix in dry ingredients until fully incorporated. If desired, chill dough for 30-40 minutes.

Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto ungreased baking sheet, 2 inches apart.

Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 10-11 minutes, or until edges are just lightly browned.

For the glaze, if using: whisk together powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl, then mix in maple syrup and whisk until smooth. Whisk in milk if necessary.

Pour over cooled cookies and let set.

Notes:

Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30-40 minutes before baking helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their flavor.

Softness: These cookies have a soft and slightly chewy texture due to the brown sugar and butter. For even softer cookies, underbake them slightly by removing them from the oven just as the edges start to brown.

Glaze Variations: The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less milk, or even experiment with different flavors like adding a hint of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract.

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Flavor Enhancements: For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Additionally, adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough can give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor.

Size Adjustments: If you prefer smaller or larger cookies, adjust the size of the dough balls and monitor the baking time accordingly.

Decorating: The glaze can be drizzled, spread, or even piped for different visual effects. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Substitutions: If you don’t have maple syrup for the glaze, you can substitute it with honey or a few drops of maple extract.

Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays.

Gifting: These cookies are perfect for gifting during the holidays or special occasions. Just package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half to avoid overly salty cookies.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough for 30-40 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

However, it’s optional.

Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?

Brown sugar gives these cookies a rich, molasses-like flavor and a chewy texture. Using white sugar will result in a lighter flavor and a crisper texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough.

Scoop it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How long will the cookies stay fresh?

The cookies will stay fresh for about 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! You can add about 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for additional flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of maple syrup in the glaze?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey, agave nectar, or even a simple milk and powdered sugar glaze.

Can I make the cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.

The texture might differ slightly, but they should still be delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Alternatively, lightly greasing the baking sheet works too.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Yes, to make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar.

To make it thinner, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.