Few treats deliver as much comfort as a warm, chewy cookie fresh from the oven—and these Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are a perfect example. With their soft, tender texture and rich, spiced flavor, they’re a staple for cookie lovers who appreciate simple ingredients and old-fashioned baking charm.
Brown sugar gives these cookies a deep caramel flavor and soft chew, while cinnamon adds cozy warmth. They’re easy enough for everyday baking and special enough for gatherings or holiday trays. Add a drizzle of maple glaze on top, and you’ve got a cookie that truly tastes like home.
Let’s walk through this crowd-pleasing cookie recipe step by step, including helpful tips, optional variations, and answers to common questions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, using pantry staples that come together to create cookies with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious flavor.
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Maple Glaze
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon milk (only if needed to thin the glaze)
The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar and cinnamon in the cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets. These cookies bake well on ungreased sheets, but you can also use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- Baking soda
- Salt
This blend ensures that the spices and leavening are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps keep the cookies soft and pillowy.
Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. These ingredients add structure and flavor, rounding out the richness of the dough.
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
At this stage, the dough will be soft and slightly sticky. You can bake it right away, but chilling the dough for 30 to 40 minutes will help the cookies hold their shape better and deepen the flavor.
Scoop and Shape
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Maple Glaze (Optional)
While the cookies cool, you can prepare the optional glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth. If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add milk a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
Use a spoon or fork to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let them set for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.
Tips for the Best Amish Cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture.
- Chill the dough: Especially if your kitchen is warm or your butter was very soft. Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Pull them out when the edges are just golden.
- Customize the glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple extract for extra depth.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious!
Delicious Variations
These cookies are fantastic as-is, but they also work beautifully with creative add-ins or tweaks:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty note that pairs perfectly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Stir in white chocolate chips for a creamy sweetness that balances the spice.
- Use maple extract in the dough for a stronger maple flavor without the glaze.
- Make sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting or maple buttercream between two cookies.
Perfect Occasions for These Cookies
Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are versatile and comforting, ideal for:
- Holiday cookie trays
- Afternoon tea or coffee
- Bake sales and potlucks
- Lunchbox treats
- Gifting in cookie tins
Their soft texture and nostalgic flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch or leave it out entirely.
Why use powdered sugar in the dough along with brown sugar?
Powdered sugar gives the cookies a more delicate texture and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Do I have to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. If you prefer thicker cookies, it’s a good step to take.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out.
How should I store the cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?
Use a spoon, fork, or a piping bag with the tip snipped off. Let the cookies cool completely before glazing.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are more than just a sweet snack—they’re a taste of tradition. With their soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and rich brown sugar base, they’re satisfying without being overly sweet. And the maple glaze? That’s just the cherry on top.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a batch of cookies to enjoy with coffee, this recipe is easy, rewarding, and always a hit. Keep it on hand for the holidays, rainy afternoons, or anytime you want a cozy treat.