Cinnamon is the star ingredient of our cookies. Its warm, sweet, and woody aroma complements the richness of baked goods, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide. But cinnamon is not just about flavor; it comes with health benefits, which is why you MUST try this delicious recipe.
A Timeless Recipe
If you like desserts like homemade muffins and cakes, you’ll adore these cookies as well:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Shape the cookies. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the cinnamon sugar coating, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to perfection. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Craft the Perfect Soft Chewy Texture?
The secret to achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture lies in the balance of ingredients and the baking technique. Moisture is key – too little, and the cookies will be hard; too much, and they’ll spread too thin.
The type of sugar, the fat used, and the baking time all play crucial roles in ensuring your cookies have that desirable soft center and slightly crisp edge.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 158 Calories |
| Calories from Fat | 58 Calories |
| Total Fat | 6.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9g |
| Cholesterol | 24mg |
| Sodium | 126mg |
| Potassium | 45mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23.9g |
| Fiber | 0.6g |
| Sugar | 12.9g |
| Protein | 1.8g |
| Calcium | 21mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Why You Should Consume Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only adds a unique flavor to dishes but also comes with several health benefits:
- Antioxidant Properties: Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support overall health.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: It contains substances that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, brain disorders, and more by reducing inflammation throughout the body.
- Blood Sugar Control: It can significantly lower blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity, which makes it easier for your body to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. This aspect is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Heart Health: Regular consumption of cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. It can decrease levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining or even increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Fights Bacterial and Fungal Infections: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that can help fight various kinds of infection. Cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active components of cinnamon, can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels, and improve motor function, which could potentially benefit conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- May Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Although more research is needed, some laboratory and animal studies suggest that cinnamon extracts may have anti-cancer properties, including reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors.
- Helps Fight HIV: Some laboratory studies have shown that cinnamon extracted from Cassia varieties can help fight against HIV-1, the most common strain of the HIV virus in humans, by preventing the virus from entering cells.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for these cookies?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour to make these cookies, but it will affect the texture, making them denser. You might want to start by substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to see how it affects the texture and taste.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan cinnamon cookies, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 15 minutes) instead of a regular egg, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it according to the package’s recommendation to help with the texture.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, the cookie dough freezes well. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies can spread too much if the dough is too warm before baking, the baking sheet is too warm, or there’s too much butter in the dough. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven before serving.
Summary
With their sweet aroma and soft, chewy texture, these cinnamon cookies are sure to become a favorite for both casual snacking and special occasions. Successful baking often involves a bit of experimentation, so feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs.