Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Amish Christmas cookies with green or red frosting and sprinkles on a white backbground. There is a knife with frosting on it in the background.
Print Recipe
5 from 35 votes

Amish Christmas Cookies

These Amish Christmas Cookies are an easy way to get in the Christmas spirit. This old fashioned recipe is delicious and uses just a few ingredients!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Chill Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 18 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Amish
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Audrey Wood
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Mixer
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients

For the cookies

  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup shortening *
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting

  • ½ cup butter room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • food coloring
  • sprinkles optional

Instructions

For the cookies

  • Cream together the shortening, butter, vanilla, and sugar.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup shortening, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Next, mix in the other cookie ingredients. Mix until well incorporated (do not over mix).
    3 large eggs, 3 ½ cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • Chill for at least one hour.
  • Form cookie dough balls and place on a well greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let rest for five minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting

  • While the cookies are cooling, mix together the ingredients for the frosting. Beat until fluffy and well combined.
    ½ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 cups powdered sugar, 4 to 6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • Divide the frosting into different bowls for your desired colors. Stir in food coloring. I recommend starting with less then adding more until you get the desired color.
    food coloring
  • Frost each cookie. Next, add sprinkles (optional) on top!
    sprinkles

Notes

Any nutritional information is an estimate by online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
*I recommend plain shortening and not butter flavored shortening.
Storage:
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container. They will be good for up three days after making. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to store them in your refrigerator.
Tips:
  • Be sure to chill the dough. Without chilling, the cookies may spread too much.
  • Let your cookies cool completely before frosting them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg