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+ servings
Overhead view of a batch of cookies arranged on parchment paper.

Amish Buttermilk Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Soft and tender Amish Buttermilk Cookies made with buttermilk, butter, and sugar, topped with a smooth buttermilk glaze. A nostalgic and comforting treat.
36 Servings

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 1/2 cups 540 grams all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Buttermilk Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 to 2 cups powdered sugar sifted

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Prepare the cookie dough.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined and no visible flour remains. Do not overmix.

Portion and bake the cookies.

  1. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the glaze.

  1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in the salt and buttermilk, and remove the pan from heat. Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until the glaze reaches the desired consistency. More powdered sugar may be added if a thicker glaze is preferred.

Glaze the cooled cookies.

  1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or drizzle the buttermilk glaze evenly over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Verify that the baking powder and other processed ingredients, such as powdered sugar, are also labeled gluten free to prevent cross-contamination.
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