Cinnamon Twist Cookies bring a delightful blend of warm spices and buttery sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. These charming treats combine the comforting aroma of cinnamon with a tender, flaky texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies never fail to impress.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Cinnamon Twist Cookie, it is essential to gather fresh, quality ingredients that blend warm spices with rich buttery flavor. Below we break down the components into dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and optional add-ins or toppings for customization.
Dry Ingredients
We start by assembling our base dry ingredients which contribute to the cookie’s structure and signature cinnamon flavor:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that warm, spicy twist)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, enhances depth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
Next, we combine our wet ingredients to create a smooth, tender dough that delivers buttery richness and moisture:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (adds subtle tang and moistness)
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
To customize and elevate our Cinnamon Twist Cookies, we offer the following extras you can fold in or sprinkle on top:
| Add-in/Topping | Purpose | Suggested Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped pecans or walnuts | Adds crunch and nutty flavor | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | Enhances caramelized sweetness | 2 tablespoons (sprinkled) |
| Cinnamon sugar blend | For dusting before baking | 3 tablespoons |
| Cream cheese glaze | For sweetness and tangy finish | As desired |
These ingredients combine warm cinnamon aroma with rich buttery sweetness, guaranteeing the authentic taste and flaky texture that make our Cinnamon Twist Cookies uniquely irresistible.
Equipment Needed
To create our delicious Cinnamon Twist Cookies with ease and precision, having the right equipment is essential. Below is a list of tools we recommend using to ensure every step goes smoothly and our cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Mixing Bowls
Use at least two: one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients. This keeps the mixing process organized and prevents overmixing.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
An electric mixer helps cream butter and sugar together thoroughly, delivering that light, fluffy texture essential for our cookies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements ensure consistency in flavor and texture. Use dry and liquid measuring cups accordingly.
- Rolling Pin
To roll out the dough evenly, a rolling pin is indispensable for achieving the right thickness and a smooth surface.
- Baking Sheet
Use a heavy-duty baking sheet or cookie tray to bake the cookies evenly without burning the bottoms.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter
For creating the characteristic twist shape, a sharp knife or pizza cutter allows us to cut precise strips.
- Cooling Rack
Once baked, cookies should cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and maintain their crisp edges.
Equipment at a Glance
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Mix dry and wet ingredients | Use separate bowls |
| Electric or Stand Mixer | Creaming butter and sugar | Optional but recommended |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Ensures accurate ingredient amounts | Essential for all recipes |
| Rolling Pin | Roll dough evenly | Helps achieve consistent thickness |
| Baking Sheet | Bake cookies | Choose heavy-duty for even heat |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Prevents sticking and burning | Reusable mats eco-friendly option |
| Sharp Knife / Pizza Cutter | Shape dough strips | Precise cutting for twists |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies evenly | Maintains crispness |
Each piece of equipment contributes to the success of our Cinnamon Twist Cookie Recipe. We recommend preparing all these tools before starting to streamline the baking process and maintain a smooth workflow.
Prep
Proper preparation sets the foundation for our Cinnamon Twist Cookie masterpiece. Let’s ensure every step is precise for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Preparing the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Start by placing 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air making our cookies tender.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
Crack 1 large egg into the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ cup sour cream. Mix on low speed until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients Separately:
In another bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Mix Dry into Wet:
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Beat on low until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender yet sturdy.
- Chill the Dough:
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This prevents spreading during baking and enhances the flavors.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
The cozy heart of our Cinnamon Twist Cookies lies in the rich cinnamon filling.
- Mix the Filling Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Blend to a Spreadable Consistency:
Stir thoroughly until the sugar and cinnamon are evenly moistened by the butter forming a fragrant, granulated paste.
- Prepare for Spreading:
Set the filling aside at room temperature while the dough chills. This ensures it remains easy to spread when assembling the twists.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) | Creaming base for dough |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness and structure |
| Egg | 1 large | Binding and moisture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | Moisture and tenderness |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Dough structure |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Leavening and tenderness |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Spice flavor in dough |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon | Warm spice accent |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balance and flavor |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (packed) | Filling sweetness |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons | Filling spice |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons (melted) | Filling binding/moisture |
With dough chilled and cinnamon filling ready, we can move confidently to the next steps of rolling shaping and baking these delightful twists.
Instructions
Let’s bring all the components together to create our irresistible Cinnamon Twist Cookies. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every cookie comes out perfectly tender, flaky, and bursting with cinnamon flavor.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aerates the dough and contributes to a tender texture.
- Add one large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of sour cream to the creamed butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently. Stop once the dough just comes together as a soft ball. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading and enhances the flavor.
Rolling Out the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and place it on the floured surface.
- Roll the dough out evenly to about ¼-inch thickness (approximately 6 mm). An even thickness ensures uniform baking.
- If the dough becomes too soft during rolling, return it to the fridge for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
Adding the Cinnamon Filling
- Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
| Melted unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
- Spread this cinnamon mixture evenly over the rolled dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
- The filling should form a smooth, thick layer without soaking the dough to maintain flaky layers.
Twisting the Dough
- Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the cinnamon layers.
- Hold each strip carefully and twist them around each other to create the signature cinnamon twist.
- Place the twisted dough seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cutting and Shaping Cookies
- Using the pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the twisted log into 1-inch pieces. This size balances crispy edges with a tender center.
- Gently press each piece to flatten slightly, ensuring even baking and good expansion.
- Space the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to retain crispness once baked.
By following these precise instructions, our Cinnamon Twist Cookies will achieve their hallmark tender, flaky layers with rich cinnamon sweetness in every bite.
Baking Directions
To achieve the perfect Cinnamon Twist Cookies, precise control of baking temperature and timing is essential. Let’s break down the key steps to ensure every cookie bakes evenly with tender, flaky layers and that signature warm cinnamon aroma.
Oven Temperature and Timing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the cookies to bake through without burning the cinnamon sugar twist or drying out the dough.
Place the twisted cookie pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers appear just set but not dry.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 350°F (175°C) | – | Critical for even baking |
| Bake Cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 12 to 15 mins | Edges golden, centers set |
| Check Doneness | N/A | Around 12 mins | Avoid overbaking for tenderness |
Pro Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for uniform color and texture. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking, which can toughen the flaky layers.
Cooling Process
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack immediately using a spatula. This step allows air to circulate around each cookie, preventing sogginess and maintaining crisp edges.
Cool the Cinnamon Twist Cookies for at least 15 minutes before serving or storing. Cooling fully helps the buttery layers set so the cookies hold their shape when handled.
If opting to add a cream cheese glaze or dust cinnamon sugar on top, wait until cookies are completely cooled to ensure toppings don’t melt or slide off.
“Allowing cookies to cool properly unlocks the full flavor and texture of our Cinnamon Twist Cookies. The aroma deepens, and each bite reveals delicate layers of buttery sweetness and warm spices.”
By following these baking directions closely we ensure our Cinnamon Twist Cookies bake to perfection every time.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Twist Cookies truly shine when paired thoughtfully, enhancing their warm spice and buttery sweetness. Here are several excellent ways to serve and enjoy these delightful treats.
Classic Pairings
- Serve freshly baked Cinnamon Twist Cookies with a steaming cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. The warm spices harmonize beautifully with these beverages, creating a cozy experience.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies for a luscious contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Offer a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a dusting of cinnamon sugar atop the cookies to amplify the cinnamon flavor and add visual appeal.
Presentation Ideas
- Arrange the cookies in a spiral pattern on a decorative platter to highlight their twist shape, enticing guests visually.
- Stack cookies in small towers tied with a rustic ribbon for gift-giving or party favors.
- Pair with fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears, which complement the cinnamon notes with their natural sweetness and crunch.
Serving Temperature & Storage Tips
| Serving Temperature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Warm | Heat cookies for 10 seconds in a microwave for a soft melt-in-the-mouth experience. |
| Room Temperature | Ideal for maintaining crisp edges and flaky layers to savor fully. |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to preserve freshness. |
| Freezing | Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. |
Creative Variations
- Spread softened cream cheese or nut butter on cookies for added richness.
- Use as a base for a cookie sandwich by adding a dollop of whipped cream or fruit preserves between two cookies.
- Crush cookies and sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal to add a crunchy, spicy twist.
By following these Serving Suggestions, we elevate our Cinnamon Twist Cookie experience, making every bite memorable and perfectly suited to any occasion.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep our Cinnamon Twist Cookies fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. After the cookies have completely cooled on a rack (allow at least 15 minutes), store them following these guidelines:
Room Temperature Storage
- Place the cookies in an airtight container.
- Use parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Refrigeration
- Transfer the cookies to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate to extend shelf life, especially in warm or humid environments.
- Allow cookies to return to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Shelf life extends to up to 1 week refrigerated.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
- Individually wrap each cookie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place wrapped cookies in a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Label with the date for reference.
- Freeze cookies for up to 3 months to maintain maximum flavor.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving — do not microwave to avoid losing crispness.
| Storage Method | Container Type | Storage Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight Container | 3 to 4 Days | Use parchment between layers |
| Refrigeration | Airtight Container/Bag | Up to 1 Week | Bring to room temp before serving |
| Freezing | Wrapped + Airtight Bag | Up to 3 Months | Thaw at room temp, no microwave |
Pro Tip: If you want to preserve the cookies’ signature flaky texture and cinnamon aroma, avoid storing them in humid environments or uncovered.
By following these Storage and Shelf Life practices, we can savor our Cinnamon Twist Cookies longer while retaining their crisp edges and rich, buttery cinnamon flavor.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Twist Cookies bring together the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness that everyone loves. With the right ingredients and techniques, these cookies become a delightful treat for any occasion.
By paying attention to each step—from mixing to baking and storing—we ensure every bite stays fresh and flavorful. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared as a thoughtful gift, these cookies never fail to impress.
We’re confident that once you try this recipe, Cinnamon Twist Cookies will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Twist Cookies?
Cinnamon Twist Cookies are sweet, flaky cookies flavored with warm cinnamon and spices. They have a tender texture and a buttery sweetness, perfect for holidays, snacks, or gifts.
What ingredients do I need to make Cinnamon Twist Cookies?
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and optional add-ins like nuts or cream cheese glaze.
What equipment is essential for baking these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone mat, a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and a cooling rack.
How do I prepare the dough for Cinnamon Twist Cookies?
Cream softened butter and sugar, add egg, vanilla, and sour cream, then combine with dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Chill the dough before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
How is the cinnamon filling made?
Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create a spreadable paste used inside the dough before twisting and shaping.
What is the baking temperature and time for these cookies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even results.
How should I cool Cinnamon Twist Cookies?
Place cookies on a cooling rack immediately after baking to keep edges crisp and avoid sogginess. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving or adding toppings.
What are some good serving suggestions?
Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, chai tea, vanilla ice cream, or a cream cheese glaze. Arrange creatively for gifts or parties.
How do I store Cinnamon Twist Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid humid storage to maintain texture and flavor.
Can I customize Cinnamon Twist Cookies?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, top with cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with cream cheese glaze. You can also use them in sandwiches or as yogurt toppings for creative variations.