Baking is a delightful activity that brings joy to many, especially when it involves making cookies. Today, we will share a wonderful recipe for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have the perfect hint of cinnamon that creates a warm and cozy flavor. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.
Why Make This Recipe
One of the best things about Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies is their irresistible flavor. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon gives these cookies a unique sweetness that is hard to resist. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor, while cinnamon brings warmth and spice, making these cookies perfect for any time of year.
Additionally, this recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. If you are new to baking, this recipe is a great way to get started. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are clear. Even if you are an experienced baker, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake. They are ideal for family gatherings, coffee breaks, or just a sweet snack at home.
Another reason to make these cookies is how customizable they are. You can enjoy them as they are, or add your favorite ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. They also make fantastic gifts when packaged nicely.
With so many great reasons to bake these cookies, let’s dive into how to make them.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Ingredients:
To bake Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting, optional)
These ingredients work together to create delicious cookies that are sure to please. Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing, and use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Directions:
Now, let’s go through the steps to make these tasty cookies:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and come out soft and chewy.
Cream the sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and light in color. This step is important as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Next, beat in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Vanilla adds a lovely flavor to the cookies, making them even more delicious.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and ensures that the cookies rise properly.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Scoop cookie dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to scoop out dough portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set but still soft.
Make the frosting (optional): If you want to add a sweet glaze, mix the powdered sugar with a little water or milk to create a smooth consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or let them cool completely.
Now that your cookies are baked and delicious, let’s move on to how to serve and store them.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. You can eat them plain or with the optional glaze for added sweetness. They pair well with coffee, tea, or milk, making them a perfect snack any time of day.
For gatherings, serve them on a big platter and watch them disappear. You can also package them in a cute box or bag with a ribbon if you want to give them as gifts. They are a great treat for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
If you want to get creative, try adding some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for extra crunch. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a delightful contrast of flavors.
How to Store Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Storing Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies is easy! Once they are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them.
To freeze the cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay good for about two to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and spices are fresh. Old ingredients can affect the taste and texture of your cookies.
Don’t skip chilling the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help improve the texture of the cookies. It prevents spreading during baking.
Check your oven temperature: Every oven is different. If you find your cookies are browning too quickly or not baking evenly, it may help to invest in an oven thermometer to check accurate temperatures.
Be careful with mixing: Gently mix the dough until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to try different spices, nuts, or even dried fruits to customize your cookies.
Variation
If you love variations, consider transforming this cookie recipe into Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. Simply add 1 to 1.5 cups of rolled oats to the mixture before baking. The oats add a lovely chewy texture that complements the flavors perfectly.
Another fun twist is to make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Snickerdoodles. Once you’ve formed your cookie dough balls, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking. It adds a delicious crunch and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
FAQs
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar as a substitute for dark brown sugar in this recipe. The cookies will still taste great, but dark brown sugar adds a richer flavor due to its higher molasses content.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by using plant-based butter and substituting the eggs with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. This may result in slight changes in texture but will still yield tasty cookies.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your cookie dough appears too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water and mix it in. This should help achieve the right consistency for scooping.
By following these guidelines, you can create delicious Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies that will enchant your taste buds. Happy baking!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter until smooth and light in color.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Scoop cookie dough portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Mix the powdered sugar with a little water or milk to create a smooth consistency and drizzle over cooled cookies, if desired.