Snowy Day Cinnamon Drift Cookies (Print Version)

Soft, buttery cookies with cinnamon and a light powdered sugar dusting, ideal for chilly days.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ For Dusting

10 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully blended.
05 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
06 - Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls; place on baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden and centers remain slightly soft.
08 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Mix powdered sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once cookies have cooled, dust generously with the mixture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're buttery and soft without being cake-like, with just enough chew to make you reach for another.
  • The cinnamon-sugar coating is addictive, and you can make them in under an hour from start to finish.
  • They stay fresh for days, making them perfect for giving away or sneaking a few with morning coffee.
02 -
  • Don't overbake—pulling them out when the edges are golden but centers still look soft is what keeps them tender and chewy instead of crispy.
  • Room-temperature butter creams properly; cold butter won't incorporate air, and melted butter creates a different texture entirely.
  • Dust the cooled cookies right before serving, as the powder sugar will absorb moisture and become less visible if done too early.
03 -
  • Measure flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling with a knife—scooping directly adds weight and density that changes texture.
  • If your butter is cold, cut it into cubes and let it sit for 10 minutes; it creams faster and more thoroughly than rock-hard butter.

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