Winter Spice Cinnamon Drift (Print Version)

Soft, warmly spiced cookies with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—perfect for cozy winter days.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
09 - 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
10 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
11 - 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat)
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and melted coconut oil until smooth. Add applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
05 - Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create rolling mixture.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
07 - Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Gently flatten each with the palm of your hand.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked.
09 - Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The perfect balance of spices makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
  • Simple ingredients that come together quickly for an easy, satisfying treat.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender and soft.
  • Rolling the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking creates a delightful crisp layer that balances the chewy inside.
03 -
  • Using melted coconut oil chilled just right ensures the dough isn’t greasy but stays moist.
  • The secret is not overbaking—edges set with soft centers keep the magic of soft cookies alive.