Description
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with warm, comforting flavors. These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies are exactly that – a perfect blend of buttery goodness, sweet brown sugar, a hint of cinnamon spice, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. They’re perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday treat, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day. The optional addition of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds – optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon) until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture for a smooth batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the baking soda and cinnamon evenly throughout the flour.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or with a spatula) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. If using nuts, gently fold them into the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Watch the cookies carefully to prevent them from overbaking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart while they are still soft.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginner bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: A warm, comforting combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Irresistibly soft and chewy with slightly crispy edges.
- Versatile: Can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Enjoy as a dessert after a comforting meal.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
- Bring to potlucks or bake sales – they’re always a hit!
- Stack them high on a platter for holiday gatherings.
Tips:
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them.
- If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a variation, add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie size for even baking.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie (depending on size and ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 2g per cookie
- Sodium: Approximately 50mg per cookie
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Their warm, comforting flavors and soft, chewy texture make them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with your loved ones!
Questions and Answers
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, you can use salted butter. However, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to prevent the cookies from being too salty.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What can I use if I don’t have brown sugar?
- You can make your own brown sugar by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Mix well until the molasses is evenly distributed.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add about ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients to help bind the cookies.
- My cookies spread too thin while baking. What did I do wrong?
- This can happen if the butter was too soft or melted. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
