The Ultimate Thanksgiving Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food! While the turkey might be the star of the show, the desserts are what truly steal the heart. And what better way to end a Thanksgiving feast than with warm, fragrant cinnamon cookies? This Thanksgiving Cinnamon Cookie Recipe will become a new family favorite, I guarantee it!

Why This Thanksgiving Cinnamon Cookie Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t just any cinnamon cookie recipe; it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving cinnamon cookie recipe. It combines the warm spice of cinnamon with a perfectly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Forget dry, crumbly cookies – this recipe delivers a cookie that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s simple enough for even beginner bakers to tackle, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these cookies bake is pure Thanksgiving magic!

Thanksgiving Cinnamon Cookies Baking in the Oven

Ingredients for Your Thanksgiving Cinnamon Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success. For this Thanksgiving cinnamon cookie recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Having high-quality cinnamon is crucial for the best flavor. Look for Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, less intense cinnamon flavor. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to enhance the warm spice notes.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get baking! This Thanksgiving cinnamon cookie recipe is surprisingly easy to follow:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a light and airy texture in the cookies.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using. Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Perfectly Golden Brown Cinnamon Cookies on a Cooling Rack

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Cookies

Here are a few baking tips from my years of experience to ensure your Thanksgiving cinnamon cookies are absolutely perfect:

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create the perfect cookie texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This is particularly helpful if your kitchen is warm.
• Cooling Rack: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

These simple tips can make a big difference in the final result!

Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Treats

These Thanksgiving cinnamon cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also elevate them with a simple glaze. Just whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or cream until smooth, and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Similar to our Thanksgiving cupcake recipe, a touch of cinnamon in the glaze adds an extra layer of flavor. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

“The secret to a truly memorable cinnamon cookie is using high-quality cinnamon and not overbaking,” says renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois. “A touch of nutmeg enhances the warm spice notes, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast.”

Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Treat to Treasure

This Thanksgiving cinnamon cookie recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and create lasting memories. From the warm aroma filling your kitchen to the first delicious bite, these cookies are a true celebration of the season. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these delightful treats for a Thanksgiving to remember. This Thanksgiving cinnamon cookie recipe will become a tradition you’ll cherish for years to come!

FAQ

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While you can substitute margarine, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.

2. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done? The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should be set.

4. Can I add other spices to the cookies? Absolutely! Ground cloves, allspice, or ginger would be delicious additions.

5. What can I substitute for pecans or walnuts? You can use other nuts, such as almonds or macadamia nuts, or omit them altogether.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.

7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent spreading.