Pin It Experience the comforting blend of cinnamon and vanilla in these buttery sugar cookies, perfect for chilly days. The soft dough combines all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of salt with smooth butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Rolled in cinnamon-sugar, each cookie bakes to a delicate golden edge in just over ten minutes. Enjoy them fresh, paired with chai or hot chocolate, or store in an airtight container to maintain their tender texture for up to a week.
Discovering these cinnamon drift sugar cookies was like stumbling upon a cozy secret on a chilly winter afternoon. The delicate buttery bite combined with a warm whisper of cinnamon and vanilla took me back to those quiet moments spent baking with my grandma.
I remember the first time unexpected guests showed up just as I pulled these cookies from the oven — the warm scent floating through the house instantly lifted everyone's spirits and made for an unforgettable evening.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I always reach for a finely sifted all-purpose flour to ensure the cookies come out tender yet hold their shape nicely.
- Baking powder: Adds the light lift that keeps these cookies from feeling too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that warms everything up, freshly ground if possible for the best flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to just the right temperature so it creams perfectly with the sugar.
- Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness with a little crunch on top when rolled.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a bit of richness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Always choose pure vanilla for the richest, most natural flavor.
- Additional cinnamon and sugar: Mixed for rolling to give that beautiful crackled cinnamon sugar crust.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together until thoroughly combined, inhaling the warm cinnamon scent as the foundation of your cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture lightens and becomes fluffy, about 2 minutes; the texture here sets the stage for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth, aromatic batter that promises deliciousness.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently just until everything is incorporated to keep the dough tender.
- Prepare Rolling Mixture:
- Mix the extra granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating the dough balls, which will give each cookie a delightful crunch and spicy note.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll each dough piece into a ball, then generously coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture—it’s a fun, tactile step that adds character.
- Arrange and Flatten:
- Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, then gently press each one with the bottom of a glass to create a flattened disc ready to bake.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the trays into your oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden color, filling your kitchen with intoxicating aromas.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack; this little pause lets them set perfectly so you can savor every bite.
Pin It These cookies quickly became more than just a treat — they are now my go-to comfort whenever I need a warm nostalgic moment, whether during the holidays or a quiet evening in.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pairing these cookies with chai tea or hot chocolate turns a simple snack into a cozy ritual, perfect for sharing with friends or after a day in the snow.
Keeping It Fresh
Storing your cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to a week, though I suspect they won’t last that long once people get a whiff of that cinnamon aroma.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
When last minute guests arrived unexpectedly, pulling these cookies from the oven was like offering a warm smile — a quick way to make everyone feel at home and turned an ordinary evening into a special memory.
- Always keep extra cinnamon sugar on hand, it’s a game changer for texture and taste.
- Don’t rush the cooling step; patience here keeps your cookies from crumbling too soon.
- If you want to mix things up, a pinch of nutmeg or swapping vanilla with almond extract adds a lovely twist.
Pin It Thanks for spending some kitchen time with me — may these cinnamon drift sugar cookies bring warmth and sweet memories to your home.
