How to Create Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Shortbread Cookies
There’s nothing as comforting as the warm, buttery smell of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen. If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers delicious results every time, buttery cinnamon sugar shortbread cookies are the perfect treat. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are soft, sweet, and have a buttery texture with a hint of cinnamon spice. Whether you’re baking for your family or yourself, let’s dive into how to make these delightful cookies!
What Makes Shortbread Cookies Special?
Shortbread cookies are known for their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. Unlike other cookies, they don’t require eggs or leavening agents (like baking powder or soda), making them simpler to prepare. Adding cinnamon sugar gives them a warm, cozy flavor, turning them into the ideal dessert or snack for any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen already:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (cold, but slightly softened for easy mixing)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (for a lighter texture)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
1. Granulated sugar: 3 tablespoons
2. Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before starting, make sure your butter is cold but slightly softened. This helps create the perfect crumbly shortbread texture when mixed. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well and set aside. Adding cornstarch helps create a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your cookies—it’s worth the extra step!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once mixed, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Blend until everything is fully combined and smells heavenly.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. (You can switch to using your hands to knead the dough gently if the mixer struggles to combine everything.) Don’t overmix—shortbread dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your countertop or a flat surface. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness with a rolling pin. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes or simply cut the dough into rectangles or squares with a knife for a more classic look.
Step 6: Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Dip or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each cookie to add that perfect sweet and spicy layer on top. If you want an extra kick, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar before baking and after baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place your cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; shortbread cookies should be pale and soft in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’ll be wonderfully crisp around the edges but tender inside.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s the secret behind the irresistible texture.
- Use quality butter: Since butter is the star ingredient, high-quality butter makes all the difference.
- Chill the dough (optional): If your dough feels warm or sticky after mixing, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes. This helps keep cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Add a drizzle or dip: For an extra treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies or dip the edges into a cinnamon glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These buttery cinnamon sugar shortbread cookies are everything a cookie should be—simple, flavorful, and versatile! They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. Plus, they’re easy to make and require no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is a reliable go-to. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself… we won’t judge!
Storing Your Cookies
If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw before serving for that same irresistible texture and flavor.
Now you’re ready to bake! This buttery cinnamon sugar shortbread cookie recipe is so simple that even beginner bakers will feel confident whipping up a batch. Enjoy the process, savor the warm aroma while baking, and, most importantly, delight in every bite!
