Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Cuisine: American / Dessert / Snack
Category: Cookies / Dessert

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for extra warmth

• Optional: Extra cinnamon sugar for rolling (1 tablespoon sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

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Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Electric mixer or hand whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Cooling rack

• Spoon or cookie scoop

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 2 min)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Tip: Using parchment or silicone prevents sticking and allows cookies to bake evenly.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar (Intensity: Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and brown sugar.

2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed (or a hand whisk) to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy.

3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Tip: Creaming properly ensures your cookies have a tender, soft texture.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients (Intensity: Easy, Time: 2 min)

1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.

2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined.

Tip: Avoid overmixing at this stage; overworked dough can lead to dense cookies.

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Step 4: Shape the Cookies (Intensity: Medium, Time: 5 min)

1. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out 1.5–2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.

2. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms.

3. Optional: Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers for even baking.

Tip: Keep cookies spaced about 2 inches apart; they spread slightly while baking.

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Step 5: Bake the Cookies (Intensity: Medium, Time: 12–15 min)

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.

3. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Tip: Baking slightly less than you think ensures soft, chewy centers.

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Step 6: Cool and Serve (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack for the best texture.

2. Serve warm for a soft, buttery experience or at room temperature.

Tip: Store in an airtight container once fully cooled to maintain softness.

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Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or tea.

• Serve as part of a holiday cookie platter or snack tray.

• Perfect for lunchboxes, dessert plates, or afternoon snacks.

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

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Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Freezing Dough: Roll into balls and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.

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Nutrition Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on butter, sugar, and optional toppings.

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Cooking Intensities Recap

• Preheat Oven: Very Easy – 2 minutes, minimal effort.

• Cream Butter and Sugar: Easy – 5 minutes, requires mixing.

• Combine Dry Ingredients: Easy – 2 minutes, simple whisking.

• Shape Cookies: Medium – 5 minutes, rolling and flattening.

• Bake: Medium – 12–15 minutes, careful monitoring for golden edges.

• Cool and Serve: Very Easy – 5 minutes, minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.

• Sweet and Spiced: Brown sugar and cinnamon provide warmth and sweetness.

• Tender and Buttery: Soft centers with lightly crisp edges.

• Customizable: Add nutmeg, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of icing for extra flair.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Holiday parties, afternoon treats, or everyday indulgence.

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Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensures smooth, creamy dough.

2. Do Not Overmix: Overworking dough can create tough cookies.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Optional but adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.

4. Spacing on Baking Sheet: Leave room for spreading; about 2 inches apart works best.

5. Check Early: Ovens vary—start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.

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Optional Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Twist: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a classic variation.

2. Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.

3. Iced Cinnamon Butter Cookies: Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

4. Holiday Spiced: Add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or allspice for seasonal flavor.

5. Mini Version: Use a teaspoon-sized scoop to make bite-sized cookies for parties.

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These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced. The brown sugar gives them a rich, caramel-like flavor while the cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making them ideal for cozy breakfasts, snacks, or holiday desserts.

The recipe is straightforward and approachable, with a balance of very easy, easy, and medium steps that make it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll achieve crispy edges with soft, tender centers, the hallmark of a perfectly baked butter cookie.

These cookies are versatile, customizable, and kid-approved, making them a staple for your cookie jar. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver sweet satisfaction with minimal effort.

With approximately 120 calories per cookie, they’re indulgent yet reasonable for a small treat, and their simple ingredient list makes them accessible for home bakers.

Enjoy these cookies with family, friends, or a warm drink, and savor the comforting flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttery goodness in every bite.