Amish Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies

Okay, so you know those cookies that just feel like home? Yeah… these are it. Soft, sweet, and full of cozy vanilla flavor.

I baked a batch the other day, and oh my gosh—they were gone in minutes. The vanilla bean makes them taste kinda fancy, but they’re super simple to make. And the texture? Melt-in-your-mouth good.

They’re perfect for holidays, but honestly, I make them all year. No frosting needed—just classic, buttery goodness. You’ve gotta try them at least once.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Amish Recipe: Inspired by traditional Amish baking, these cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients for a homemade taste.
• Rich Vanilla Flavor: Using vanilla bean paste instead of extract gives these cookies an incredibly deep and aromatic vanilla taste.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: A perfect balance of tender chewiness with slightly crisp edges.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just mix, chill, and bake!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for gifting, decorating, or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we start, gather these essential kitchen tools:

✔ Mixing Bowls – You’ll need one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
✔ Hand or Stand Mixer – To cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla to perfection.
✔ Baking Sheets – Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
✔ Cookie Scoop or Spoon – For evenly sized cookies.
✔ Whisk & Spatula – To mix and scrape down the bowl.
✔ Rolling Pin (Optional) – If you prefer rolling out the dough for cut-out cookies.
✔ Wire Rack – For cooling the cookies properly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful cookies (exact measurements will be in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter – Softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy dough.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cookies tender and gives them a soft bite.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps create that perfect golden color.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar) – Adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Large Eggs – Bind the dough and add moisture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – The star ingredient! It adds deep, rich vanilla flavor and those beautiful vanilla bean specks.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, giving the cookies structure.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly while staying soft.
• Cream of Tartar – Gives these cookies a subtle tangy flavor and helps with their chewy texture.
• Sea Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may become dense.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and ensures the cookies bake with a soft texture.

Baking the Cookies

6. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you prefer, you can slightly flatten each dough ball with your palm for a thinner cookie.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

9. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations for Amish Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll the cookie dough balls in a mix of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle twist.
• Glazed Version: Drizzle with a vanilla bean glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and extra vanilla bean paste.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Stir in white chocolate chips or drizzle the baked cookies with melted chocolate.

Storing Amish Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container.
• Refrigerator: While not necessary, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

These Amish Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with these serving and decoration ideas:

1. Classic Powdered Sugar Dusting

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness.

2. Vanilla Bean Glaze

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste to create a silky glaze. Drizzle over the cookies for a bakery-style finish.

3. Sandwich Cookies

Spread a layer of vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

4. Holiday & Special Occasion Decorations

• For Christmas: Add festive sprinkles or dip half the cookie in white chocolate.
• For Weddings or Baby Showers: Use pastel-colored royal icing and edible pearls.
• For Tea Parties: Pair with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delicate, flavorful pairing.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	160
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	70mg
Carbohydrates	20g
Sugar	12g
Protein	2g

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Amish Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies FAQs

1. Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes! You can substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for the vanilla bean paste. However, you’ll miss out on the rich vanilla specks and depth of flavor.

2. Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps develop the flavors. If you skip this step, the cookies may turn out flat and less chewy.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake whenever you need fresh cookies.

4. How do I get the perfect soft and chewy texture?

• Don’t overmix the dough—stir just until combined.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
• Take them out of the oven slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

And that’s it—simple, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. These Amish Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies bring that old-fashioned, homemade goodness we all crave. Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just need a cozy treat, these cookies always hit the spot. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a forever favorite in your kitchen.