Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Recipe Perfect Today
Freshly baked cookies fill the air with a cozy warmth. This instantly brings back memories of winter afternoons and family gatherings. When you crave a classic treat, this cinnamon sugar cookie recipe is perfect. It’s soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, making it a favorite that will make you feel happy.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Holiday Cookie Introduction
When the holiday season comes, nothing beats the joy of baking cinnamon sugar cookies. These treats are a classic favorite for anyone who loves buttery cookies or enjoys Christmas baking. Their soft centers and crisp edges make them ideal for winter gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a thoughtful gift.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
Cinnamon sugar cookies offer a perfect mix of flavors and textures. The cinnamon adds warmth to the buttery dough, making them a comforting treat. Plus, they’re easy to make, needing no chilling and using common pantry ingredients.
Classic Flavors for Every Season
- These versatile cookies can be enjoyed all year, with their cinnamon-sugar coating adding a seasonal touch.
- During the holidays, they’re a great addition to cookie platters and make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
- In spring and summer, they pair well with lemonade or iced tea, offering a cozy flavor in warmer months.
- And in fall, their spiced aroma and taste go well with hot apple cider or a warm coffee.
No matter the season, these classic cinnamon sugar cookies will always delight and satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready to bake and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet and spice.
Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Recipe
To bake delicious cinnamon sugar cookies at home, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, cream of tartar for a chewy texture, and baking soda for the cookies to rise. Unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract add rich flavors. Eggs are also important for structure and moisture.
The main ingredient is ground cinnamon. It gives these spiced sweets their unique aroma and taste. Some prefer bread flour for an extra chewy cookie. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | Provides structure and texture |
| Cream of tartar | 1 teaspoon | Adds tanginess and chewiness |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Helps the cookies rise and develop color |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup, softened | Contributes rich flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens the cookies |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the overall flavor |
| Eggs | 2 large | Provide structure and moisture |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon | Gives the cookies their signature taste |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake delicious cinnamon sugar cookies. They will delight your senses and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Preparing family recipes or holiday treats is easier with the right tools. From must-have baking items to optional gadgets, we’ll cover what you need. This includes everything for making irresistible cinnamon sugar cookies.
Basic Baking Essentials
- Mixing bowls in various sizes
- A hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
- Baking sheets or trays
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling racks
Optional Helpful Tools
Some tools are not essential but can make baking easier and improve your cookie’s look:
- An ice cream scoop or cookie disher for uniform dough portions
- An airtight container for storing your freshly baked family recipes and holiday treats
Measuring Equipment
Accurate measurements are key in baking. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients
- Measuring spoons for accurate portioning of spices and extracts
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make delicious cinnamon sugar cookies. They’ll impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Baking delicious cookie baking guide and festive desserts begins with mixing. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect cinnamon sugar cookie dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This resting period helps the flavors develop and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Chilling the dough is key in this cookie baking guide. It lets the ingredients meld together, making the cookies soft and chewy. Baking them right away is okay, but chilling them first makes them even better.
“Kelsi’s first batch of cookies turned out wonderful, loved by her boyfriend.”
With these easy mixing steps and chilling, you’re ready to bake irresistible festive desserts. Now, let’s move on to the next step: mastering the cinnamon sugar coating!
Mastering the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Getting the cinnamon sugar coating right is crucial for your homemade spiced sweets. The perfect mix is 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon. This combo brings together sweetness and a warm spice that makes your taste buds happy.
Perfect Sugar-to-Cinnamon Ratio
For the cinnamon sugar coating, use 1/2 cup sugar to 2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. This mix gives your sweet snacks a balanced flavor. It enhances the cookie dough without being too much.
Coating Techniques for Best Results
- Roll dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking for a classic, evenly coated look and texture.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the dough balls on the baking sheet for a crackled, crispy top.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can also lightly dust the baked cookies with the cinnamon sugar after they’ve cooled.
Choose any technique, but make sure the cookies are well-coated. This way, you get cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite. With a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of making perfect spiced sweets coatings.
Baking Tips for Soft and Chewy Texture
Creating the perfect buttery cookies means getting that soft and chewy texture right. Here are some expert cookie baking guide tips to help your cinnamon sugar cookies turn out just right every time.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned. This temperature and baking time gives you soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This gentle cooling helps them set and stay chewy.
- Don’t overbake the cookies, as it can make them dry and crumbly. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter, is key for a soft and chewy cookie. Softened butter adds air to the dough for a tender crumb.
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking also helps. This lets the gluten relax, making the cookie more tender.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 cookie |
| Calories | 177 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 16mg |
| Sodium | 207mg |
| Potassium | 27mg |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 14g |
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of buttery cookies with the perfect soft and chewy texture. You’ll delight your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate cookie baking guide experience!
Storage and Freshness Guidelines
Keeping your homemade holiday treats fresh is crucial. Whether you plan to enjoy them now or save them for later, storing them right is key.
Room Temperature Storage
After your cinnamon sugar cookies cool down, store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy, preventing them from drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate them for 12-14 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze the cookie dough by rolling it into 1 1/2 inch balls and coating them in cinnamon sugar.
- Put the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, put the dough balls in an airtight freezer bag or container. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing the dough means you can bake holiday treats whenever you want. The cinnamon sugar coating stays flavorful and textured, even after freezing.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Baking delicious homemade cookies, like the classic cinnamon sugar cookies, needs careful attention. To make sure your cookie baking guide and Christmas baking go well, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature. This helps with even mixing and the right cookie texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. This prevents tough, dense cookies.
- Skipping the chilling step: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Overbaking: Take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet.
- Not allowing proper cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them. This prevents sticking and crumbling.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to baking perfectly soft, chewy, and delicious cinnamon sugar cookies. They will surely delight your family and friends.
“Baking is like washing dishes, you just have to do it. It’s van element of art, but it’s also an exact science.”
– Nathan Myhrvold
Recipe Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Make your homemade spiced sweets even better with new twists on the classic cinnamon sugar cookie recipe. Explore a world of festive desserts that go beyond the traditional. This lets you customize these treats for any occasion.
Want to add more warmth and complexity? Try adding a bit of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix. These spices will enhance the buttery dough perfectly.
Looking for more texture? Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the dough. These mix-ins bring delightful pockets of flavor and a crunchy bite.
Craving a deeper flavor? Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the coating. The molasses in brown sugar adds a cozy, comforting aroma to the cookies.
- During the holidays, add a festive touch by rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, to create unique flavor profiles that will delight your taste buds.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these festive desserts. Unleash your creativity and discover new ways to make the cinnamon sugar cookie recipe your own.
Conclusion
This easy cinnamon sugar cookie recipe is perfect for any time. It’s great for holidays, family gatherings, or just a tasty snack. The soft, chewy cookie with a cinnamon sugar coating is irresistible. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and clear steps, making it a favorite for all.
The chilling process is key to making these cookies just right. Letting the dough rest overnight makes them moist and full of flavor. Whether you eat them warm or later, they’re sure to please and become a family favorite.
So, why wait? Get your ingredients ready, preheat your oven, and start baking! This recipe lets you make delicious treats that bring joy to any moment. Enjoy the flavors and textures of these classic cinnamon sugar cookie recipe and make them a part of your holiday traditions or everyday treats.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this cinnamon sugar cookie recipe?
The main ingredients are all-purpose flour and cream of tartar for chewiness. Baking soda helps with rise and color. Unsalted butter and granulated sugar add flavor.
Vanilla extract brings richness, eggs provide structure and moisture. Cinnamon is key for the signature coating.
What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls and a mixer with a paddle attachment. Baking sheets, parchment paper, and cooling racks are also essential. An ice cream scoop helps with cookie size.
An airtight container is good for storing. Accurate measuring tools like cups and spoons are crucial for great results.
How do you properly coat the cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture?
Use 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for the coating. Roll the dough balls in it before baking for a soft coating.
Or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the dough balls on the baking sheet for a crispy texture.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture?
Use room temperature ingredients and chill the dough. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the center is still soft. They will cook a bit more on the hot baking sheet.
How can the basic recipe be enhanced with additional flavors?
Add nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts for texture.
Try brown sugar in the coating for a different taste. Experiment with almond or maple extracts for unique flavors.
How long can the baked cookies and the dough be stored?
Store baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Or refrigerate for 12-14 days.
Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.