Cinnamon Cookies: A Delightful Treat

Cinnamon cookies are a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. They are made with a simple dough flavored with cinnamon and sugar, and are often cut into shapes before being baked. Cinnamon cookies are a popular choice for holiday baking, but they can be enjoyed year-round.

History of Cinnamon Cookies

The origins of cinnamon cookies are unknown, but they are thought to have originated in Europe. The first known recipe for cinnamon cookies was published in 1796 in the cookbook "The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy" by Hannah Glasse. Cinnamon cookies quickly became a popular treat, and they were often served at tea parties and other social gatherings.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Cookies

The main ingredients in cinnamon cookies are flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cinnamon. Some recipes also call for milk, vanilla extract, or nutmeg. The dough is typically rolled out and cut into shapes before being baked.

Cinnamon Cookies Variations

There are many different variations on the classic cinnamon cookie recipe. Some popular variations include: * Snickerdoodles: Snickerdoodles are a type of cinnamon cookie that is rolled in cinnamon sugar before being baked. This gives them a distinctive crackled appearance and a sweet, cinnamon flavor. * Oatmeal Cinnamon Cookies: Oatmeal cinnamon cookies are made with a combination of flour and oatmeal. This gives them a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. * Gingerbread Cookies: Gingerbread cookies are a type of cinnamon cookie that is flavored with gingerbread spices, such as ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. They are often cut into shapes of gingerbread men or other holiday symbols.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that has been shown to have a number of health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon has also been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and improve brain function.

Enjoying Cinnamon Cookies

Cinnamon cookies are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round. They can be served with coffee or tea, or they can be eaten on their own. Cinnamon cookies are also a popular choice for holiday baking, and they can be decorated with frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings.

Recipe for Cinnamon Cookies

Here is a simple recipe for cinnamon cookies: Ingredients: * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened * 3/4 cup granulated sugar * 1 large egg * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 4. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut out cookies using a 2-inch cookie cutter. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. 5. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the cinnamon. Roll the edges of the cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture. 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. 7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

Cinnamon cookies are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat, reach for a cinnamon cookie.