Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of pure, nostalgic delight with these heavenly Amish Sand Tarts Cut Out Cookies! These aren't just any ordinary cookies - they're a slice of traditional American baking magic that will have your family and friends begging for more. Imagine delicate, buttery cookies with a perfect crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that whispers stories of generations-old Amish kitchen secrets. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks.
- Once the dough is combined, divide it into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out.
- On a lightly floured surface, take one portion of the chilled dough and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie for sweetness and a nice crunch. If desired, you can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Amish Sand Tarts Cut Out Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment!
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate your dough for at least 15 minutes before rolling. This prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie's shape.
- Flour Your Surface: Use a light dusting of flour when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cut-outs.
- Consistent Thickness: Roll the dough to an even 1/8 inch thickness for uniform baking and a delicate texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave about 1 inch between cookies on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.
- Watch Carefully: These cookies can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone. Start checking at 8 minutes.
- Customize Your Topping: Experiment with different sugars or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Cool Completely: Let cookies cool entirely on a wire rack to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
