Amish Sugar Cookies

Amish Sugar Cookies - made October 13, 2021 from Taste of Home 

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup confectioners' sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and granulated sugar until well combined and no butter lumps remain. Add vegetable oil and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla, mixing after each addition just until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Add dry ingredients to mixing bowl in 3 separate additions, mixing until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
3. Portion dough into golf-ball-size dough balls, cover and chill for several hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and evenly space dough balls. Bake until edges are lightly browned and middles are set, 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to wire cooling rack to cool completely.

I can't testify as to the authenticity of whether these really are Amish or not since I've never been to Amish country or tried any of their baked goods (although I'm a fan of Amish quilts). But that's what the recipe title says so I'm going with it.

This is a simple, basic sugar cookie. The vegetable oil adds to the airy crispness around the edges while the butter contributes to the chewy texture of the middle and the overall flavor of the cookie. I changed the directions slightly to make beating the butter and oil a little easier. To avoid butter lumps, beat the butter only with the granulated sugar first to get a mixture that's easier to incorporate with the oil. Then add everything else.

I always like a classic vanilla or butter cookie and this one delivers.