Aunt Opal'S Crisp Cinnamon Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Crisp cinnamon cookies with a tender interior, featuring warm cinnamon sugar coating—perfect for sweet snack lovers and ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cups sifted flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • melted butter or margarine
  • cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening, sugar, and eggs together.
  2. Mix dry ingredients; stir into the creamed mixture.
  3. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
  4. Make into small balls about the size of walnuts.
  5. Dip each ball in melted butter; roll in cinnamon sugar.
  6. Flatten on a cookie sheet using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you want a healthier twist, substitute part of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey. Ensure your dough is well-chilled; this helps prevent spreading during baking. If you prefer a thicker cookie, shape the balls slightly larger. Experiment with adding nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat and pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Ice Cream(Hand Crank) for dessert. They also make great additions to holiday cookie platters or can be gifted in decorative tins during the festive season.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Opal'S Crisp Cinnamon Cookies contains roughly 196 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.

196 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 6.7g 9% DV
Carbs 32.5g 12% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 186.2mg 8% DV
Potassium 240mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 77.8mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Calcium 87.1mg 7% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider using a blend of both flours for a lighter cookie that still has the nutritional benefits of whole grains.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for an additional 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands and the work surface to help shape the dough into balls without it sticking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed cookie balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →