Cinnamon Crackle Cookies
Cinnamon Crackle Cookies offer a delightful combination of warm spices and a crisp exterior, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
- Combine all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground nutmeg, grated orange peel, and grated lemon peel.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in sugar to coat.
- Place the coated balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening, or substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as using maple or coconut extract instead of almond. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Crackle Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet treat during gatherings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to regain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Crackle Cookies contains roughly 689 calories, with 3g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of potassium (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 924mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
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 margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for the butter, but the cookies may have a slightly different texture and flavor. Make sure to use a stick margarine for the best results, as tub margarine contains more water and can affect the dough consistency.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. You can also add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the desired consistency for rolling into balls.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cinnamon Crackle Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps to bind the ingredients together. You might also need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the blend used.
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).