Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat: 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

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the soft texture of the cookies.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
2. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

1. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten Slightly: Gently press down on the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This helps them spread evenly during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. The cookies may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
2. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve: Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Amish Cookies

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to ensure the best rise and texture in your cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
• Add-Ins: For a twist, consider adding in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to the dough.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Amish Cookies are a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that showcases the beauty of homemade, from-scratch baking. With their soft, chewy texture and deep brown sugar flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them on your own, they’re sure to bring a little bit of comfort and sweetness to your day. Enjoy the timeless appeal of these classic cookies!