Name: Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Soft & Chewy Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Is there anything more comforting than the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home? I think not! These aren't just any cookies; they're a nostalgic trip back to childhood, a simple pleasure that transcends generations. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, its surface glistening with a delicate shimmer of cinnamon and sugar. The gentle warmth of the cinnamon perfectly complements the sweet, buttery dough, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue.

While the exact origins of Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are a bit hazy, the combination of cinnamon and sugar has been cherished for centuries. Cinnamon, a spice prized since ancient times, was often associated with luxury and celebration. Sugar, once a rare and expensive commodity, gradually became more accessible, leading to its widespread use in baking. The marriage of these two ingredients in a simple cookie dough was a stroke of genius, offering a taste of indulgence that everyone could enjoy.

People adore these cookies for their simplicity and satisfying flavor. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them perfect for a quick treat or a fun baking project with kids. The soft, slightly chewy texture is incredibly appealing, and the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. Whether you're enjoying them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or simply on their own, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, let's get baking and create some sweet memories!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Preparing the Dough:

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don't rush this step! Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the dough, which will result in a lighter, more tender cookie. You'll know it's ready when the mixture is pale in color and has a whipped texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture might look a little curdled at this point, but don't worry, it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, which will ensure the cookies rise properly and have a consistent flavor.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows the gluten to relax, which will result in more tender cookies. Second, it firms up the butter, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Third, it allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. You can even chill the dough overnight if you want to bake the cookies the next day.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: While the dough is chilling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until evenly combined. Set aside.

Baking the Cookies:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper or silicone mats will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and will make cleanup much easier.
Shape the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop to ensure that the cookies are all the same size. This will help them bake evenly.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure it's completely coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will still look slightly soft in the center, but they will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cookies from breaking as you move them.

Tips and Variations:

Softening the Butter: The butter needs to be properly softened for this recipe. Take the butter out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to bake, or you can soften it in the microwave in short bursts, being careful not to melt it. The butter should be soft enough to easily press your finger into, but it should still hold its shape.
Measuring Flour: The best way to measure flour is to use a kitchen scale. However, if you don't have a scale, you can use the spoon and level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it's overflowing, and then level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this will compact the flour and result in too much flour in your cookies.
Adding Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the dough. A pinch of ground cloves or cardamom would also be delicious.
Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips to the dough.
Icing: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting:

Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading too much in the oven, it could be due to several factors. First, make sure your oven is properly preheated. Second, make sure your butter is not too soft. Third, try chilling the dough for a longer period of time. Fourth, make sure you are not overmixing the dough.
Cookies Too Dry: If your cookies are too dry, it could be because you overbaked them. Be sure to watch them carefully and remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden brown. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the dough.
Cookies Too Tough: If your cookies are too tough, it could be because you overmixed the dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough, and mix until the flour is just incorporated.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cookies! They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are truly a must-try for anyone who loves a simple, comforting treat. From the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to the perfectly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, every bite is pure bliss. I've made countless batches of these over the years, and they never fail to bring a smile to everyone's face. But why are they so special? It's the perfect balance of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer versatility that makes these cookies a winner. The warm cinnamon spice perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar, creating a flavor profile that's both familiar and utterly irresistible. Plus, the recipe is so straightforward that even beginner bakers can achieve cookie perfection. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required! Beyond the basic recipe, there's so much room for experimentation. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of warmth. For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter. Or, if you're a chocolate lover, fold in some chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent twist. Serving suggestions are endless! These cookies are fantastic on their own, enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. They're also a delightful addition to any dessert platter, perfect for parties, holidays, or simply a cozy night in. Crumble them over ice cream for a quick and easy sundae, or use them to make a delicious cookie crust for a cheesecake. For a festive touch, decorate them with royal icing or sprinkles. I personally love to serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food experience! Another favorite variation of mine is to add a hint of orange zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. Don't be afraid to get creative and make these cookies your own! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Whether you prefer them thin and crispy or thick and chewy, you can easily adjust the baking time to achieve your desired texture. I truly believe that everyone should have a reliable Cinnamon Sugar Cookies recipe in their repertoire, and this one is definitely a keeper. It's a classic for a reason, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. I promise you won't regret it! And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Once you've tried the recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Any tips or tricks to share with other bakers? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to improve my recipes and create even more delicious content for you. Happy baking! Let me know how your Cinnamon Sugar Cookies turn out!