Winter Warmth Vanilla Cloud (Print Version)

Soft, pillowy cookies infused with vanilla and winter spice, ideal for cold weather treats.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1/4 cup whole milk

→ For Rolling

12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
06 - In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon designated for rolling.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, gently roll into balls, then coat evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
08 - Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets to allow for spreading.
09 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set and tops appear slightly puffed but not browned.
10 - Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cookies stay soft and pillowy, like little clouds you can hold in your hand
  • The hint of vanilla and winter spices makes them feel extra special without being complicated
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy; cookies should look set but not browned to keep their softness
  • Adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger brings a lovely twist that transforms the cookies completely
03 -
  • Softened butter, not melted, gives the perfect dough consistency
  • Rolling cookies in cinnamon sugar before baking is the secret that creates that irresistible outer crunch

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