These Amish Sand Tarts are delightfully crisp, buttery cookies with a simple cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for holiday baking or an everyday sweet treat!
If there’s one cookie that instantly takes me back to my childhood, it’s Amish Sand Tarts. The moment that warm, cinnamon-sugar scent fills the kitchen, I’m transported straight to my grandmother’s house, where a batch of these delicate cookies was almost always cooling on the counter.
She had this effortless way of rolling out the dough paper-thin—like, how did she even do that? I remember trying to help, only to have my dough stick to the rolling pin or fall apart completely. She’d just laugh, dust some more flour on the counter, and remind me that practice makes perfect.
These cookies are a staple in Amish baking, known for their light, crisp texture and simple, classic flavors. While they’re especially popular around the holidays, let’s be real—I’d eat them any time of the year. They’re the kind of cookies that don’t demand attention, but before you know it, you’ve eaten half the batch.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Sand Tarts Recipe?
- Perfectly crisp & buttery – If you love thin cookies with a satisfying crunch, these are for you.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – Just butter, sugar, flour, egg, and cinnamon create something magical.
- Classic, old-fashioned charm – These cookies have been passed down for generations, and for good reason.
- Ideal for holiday baking – They make a great addition to any Christmas cookie tray.
- No-fuss recipe – If you can roll out dough, you can make these.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something delicious.
- Unsalted butter – The key to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and gives the topping that lovely crunch.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- All-purpose flour – The base of the dough, giving it just enough structure while staying delicate.
- Milk – Used to help the cinnamon-sugar topping stick to the cookies.
- Cinnamon & sugar – The finishing touch that gives these cookies their signature warm, spiced flavor.
How To Make Amish Sand Tarts?
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfectly crisp but tender texture. Once combined, mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
Next, gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. It might feel a little sticky at this stage, but that’s okay!
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This makes it easier to roll out and prevents it from sticking everywhere (trust me on this one).
Step 2: Roll It Thin (Like, REALLY Thin)
Once the dough is properly chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly flour your work surface.
Roll out the dough as thin as humanly possible—about 1/16 inch. If you think it’s thin enough, go thinner. The magic of sand tarts is in their delicate crispness, and that only happens when the dough is super thin.
Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Add the Topping
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Brush the tops of each cookie with a little milk—this helps the cinnamon-sugar topping stick.
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it generously over each cookie. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor really shines!
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Crisp
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack—this is when they reach their signature crispiness.
Pro tip: If they’re not crisp enough for you, bake them a minute or two longer. But keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to oops, burnt real fast!
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (though they never last that long in my house).
- Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temp before eating.
- Dough Storage: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on these Amish Sand Tarts? Here are some fun ideas:
- Add nuts – Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or almonds on top for a nutty crunch.
- Try different spices – Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Make them chocolatey – A drizzle of melted chocolate on top never hurt anyone.
- Use a fun cookie cutter – Go beyond circles and try hearts, stars, or festive holiday shapes.
What to Serve with Amish Sand Tarts?
These delicate, buttery cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your cookie-eating experience:
- Coffee or tea – The crisp texture makes them perfect for dunking.
- Hot cocoa – A classic pairing, especially around the holidays.
- Ice cream – Crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream for an easy, crunchy topping.
- Apple cider – The cinnamon-sugar topping pairs beautifully with warm cider.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are they called Sand Tarts?
The name comes from their delicate, crumbly texture—they practically dissolve in your mouth like sand (but in the best way possible).
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yep! Brown sugar will give a deeper flavor, but white sugar keeps it classic.
Do I really need to roll them out that thin?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! If they’re too thick, they won’t have that signature crisp texture.
If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss cookie that’s crisp, buttery, and slightly spiced, Amish Sand Tarts are where it’s at. They’re perfect for the holidays, tea time, or any time you just want a sweet little something.
So tell me—are you a thin and crispy cookie lover, or do you prefer soft and chewy? Either way, you need to give these a try! Let me know if you do—I’d love to hear how they turn out.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Amish Sand Tarts Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well until fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow it to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/16 inch thickness. Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, cut the dough into circles and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Apply the Topping:
- Lightly brush each cookie with milk using a pastry brush. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then generously sprinkle over the cookies.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, the cookies should be crisp and snap easily when broken in half. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
