Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are the epitome of cozy comfort. With their warm spices and sweet, buttery base, they're perfect for any season but truly shine in the cooler months. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
The foundation of our cookies is butter, which gives them their rich, tender crumb. Softening it is key for proper creaming with sugar. Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps in creating that light, airy texture. The eggs act as a binder and contribute to the cookies' moistness. For our dry ingredients, all-purpose flour provides structure, while cream of tartar adds a subtle tang and helps with leavening alongside baking soda. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, our star, cinnamon, creates the warm, inviting aroma and taste that sets these cookies apart.
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies. For a more festive feel, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. They also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai or hot chocolate.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go as soon as your dough is prepared. In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure everything is fully incorporated. This gradual addition helps maintain the emulsion of the batter.
Now, grab another bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for even baking.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix here; you want to keep the dough tender.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the cinnamon. This will be the coating for your cookie dough balls.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a spoon or a small cookie scoop for even sizing. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. This allows room for spreading as they bake.
Bake them in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You're looking for golden-brown edges. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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