Nothing quite captures the cozy essence of the holidays and chilly evenings like freshly baked sugar and spice cookies. These delightful treats combine the perfect balance of sweetness with warm, aromatic spices to create a cookie that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, a family treat, or simply to fill your home with an irresistible aroma, this sugar and spice cookie recipe will quickly become a favorite.
With a crisp exterior and a slightly chewy center, these cookies bring together classic flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, enhanced by a sprinkle of sugar for that irresistible sparkle. The best part?
They are incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into a recipe that promises warmth, sweetness, and a touch of spice in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar and spice cookie recipe is a timeless classic that ticks all the boxes for homemade goodness. Here’s why it stands out:
- Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items needed, just basics from your pantry.
- Perfect texture: Crispy edges paired with a chewy, tender center for the ultimate bite.
- Warm, inviting flavors: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a cozy spice profile that’s perfect for any season.
- Versatile: Ideal for holiday gifting, cookie swaps, or just a sweet snack with your favorite tea or coffee.
- Easy to customize: Add nuts, dried fruits, or even a chocolate drizzle for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (227 grams) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200 grams) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Additional granulated sugar (for rolling) | ½ cup |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling racks
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Rolling tray or plate for sugar coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and coat the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange on baking sheets: Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy! Serve these delightful sugar and spice cookies with a glass of milk, hot tea, or coffee.
Tips & Variations
For softer cookies, slightly underbake by a minute or two. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.
- Add-ins: Mix in ½ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Dried fruit: Fold in ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy surprise.
- Chocolate twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies or add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spice adjustment: Feel free to tweak the spices to your liking—more ginger for a zing or extra cinnamon for warmth.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend suitable for cookies.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
These sugar and spice cookies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Serve them warm alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a holiday platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary or mint. They also make wonderful edible gifts packaged in decorative tins or boxes.
If you’re looking for a snack to balance the sweetness, pair these cookies with a sharp cheese like aged cheddar or a tangy cream cheese spread for an unexpected but delightful flavor contrast.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just to indulge a sweet craving, this sugar and spice cookie recipe offers an unbeatable combination of flavor, texture, and ease. The warm spices make these cookies stand out, while the simplicity of the ingredients and steps means you can whip up a batch anytime you want a taste of comfort and joy.
Baking these cookies fills your home with an inviting aroma that instantly lifts the spirit and brings smiles to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to expand your culinary adventures!
📖 Recipe Card: Sugar and Spice Cookies
Description: Delightful cookies with a perfect blend of sweetness and warm spices. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 16g
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