Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are the perfect answer. They're a delightful blend of sweet and spicy, with a delicate texture that will melt in your mouth. Perfect for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or simply a delicious afternoon pick-me-up, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step. This creates air pockets, resulting in a lighter cookie.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Mexican Cinnamon Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure that it creams properly with the sugar.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle heat.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lime for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These delicious Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that are also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake. They're an easy recipe, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.