- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5: Optional: Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips
- If you want to include nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the cookie dough at this stage.
Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the cookie dough into balls, each about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, and the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, savor the wonderful flavors of these Amish Brown Sugar Cookies.
Tips and Variations:
- For a more traditional Amish touch, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a hint of warm spice.
- You can customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips.
- For a slightly different texture, you can chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- These cookies are excellent with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee but are also perfect for ice cream sandwiches.
Conclusion:
Amish Brown Sugar Cookies are a nostalgic and comforting treat that embodies the essence of homemade baking. With their soft, chewy texture and rich caramel flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whip up a batch of these classic cookies and enjoy the simple joys of Amish-inspired baking!
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition information for one Amish Brown Sugar Cookie (based on a yield of about 36 cookies from the recipe):
Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories per cookie.
Protein: About 1-2 grams of protein per cookie, primarily from the flour and eggs.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 12-15 grams of carbohydrates per cookie, mainly from the brown sugar and flour.
Dietary Fiber: Roughly less than 1 gram of dietary fiber per cookie.
Sugars: Approximately 8-10 grams of sugar per cookie, primarily from the brown sugar.
Fats: Approximately 3-5 grams of total fat per cookie, with most of it coming from the butter.
Saturated Fat: Around 2-3 grams of saturated fat per cookie, primarily from the butter.
Cholesterol: Approximately 15-20 milligrams of cholesterol per cookie, mainly from the eggs and butter.
Sodium: Roughly 50-75 milligrams of sodium per cookie, with variations based on the salt content of the butter and baking powder.
Vitamins and Minerals: Amish Brown Sugar Cookies provide a small amount of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin A from the ingredients used. However, they are primarily a treat and not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Note: These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the size of the cookies and specific brands of ingredients used. It’s essential to adjust portion sizes and consider factors like added mix-ins (nuts or chocolate chips) when assessing the nutritional content.
Amish Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for indulging in on occasion. However, due to their sugar and butter content, they are considered a high-calorie and high-fat dessert. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and consider making smaller-sized cookies to help with portion control.