The holiday season is truly magical, and what better way to celebrate its spirit than with warm, aromatic cookies? I’m incredibly thrilled to share this special recipe as part of a delightful cookie exchange with my dear friend Carrian from Sweet Basil. In collaboration with McCormick, we’re bringing you some of our favorite festive treats. Today, I’m excited to present these wonderfully delicious Cinnamon Spice Cookies right here, while I’m also featured on Carrian’s site sharing an equally fun and irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cookie recipe. Both are truly fantastic Christmas cookies, perfect for any cookie swap and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer!

The Irresistible Allure of Holiday Baking

The air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the scent of freshly baked goods fills our homes – it’s officially the season of… cookies! While “giving” is undoubtedly at the heart of the holidays, let’s be honest, there’s a certain indulgence that cookies bring. And who needs a perfectly spotless house when there’s an endless supply of warm, spiced delights waiting to be devoured? I couldn’t be more excited to share this recipe with you today, kicking off what promises to be a truly delicious cookie swap season. Lately, my kitchen has been a whirlwind of flour, sugar, and butter, churning out batch after batch. I momentarily worried I might get “cookied out,” but then another warm, fragrant bite reminds me why I love this tradition so much. My taste buds have been particularly drawn to the warm, comforting, and spicy flavors that define the holiday season, and these Cinnamon Spice Cookies hit all the right notes.

Embracing the Festive Spirit Through Culinary Creations

There’s something profoundly special about this time of year. It seems to draw everyone back into the kitchen, reigniting a passion for home baking and cooking. The baking aisle at the grocery store buzzes with as much activity as the busiest shopping mall, a testament to the joy and tradition that baking brings. And truly, there’s nothing quite like it. Even just walking into local stores, you can immediately sense the shift in atmosphere. Aromatic cinnamon pinecones often greet you at the entrance, filling the air with that quintessential holiday fragrance. Oh, how I wish I were crafty enough to transform those beautiful pinecones into festive decorations myself!

But whether you consider yourself a seasoned baker, a creative crafter, or simply someone who appreciates delicious treats, these Cinnamon Spice Cookies are guaranteed to envelop you in the true holiday spirit. For generations, McCormick has been an indispensable part of our kitchens, providing the high-quality spices that make these festive flavors possible. Their commitment to flavor excellence ensures that every pinch of cinnamon, dash of ginger, and hint of clove transforms your baking into something truly memorable.

Why These Cinnamon Spice Cookies Will Become Your New Holiday Favorite

These aren’t just any spiced cookies; they are a celebration of holiday flavors, designed to be soft, chewy, and bursting with warmth. The combination of rich molasses, aromatic ginger, fragrant cinnamon, and a subtle touch of cloves creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exhilarating. Each bite transports you to a cozy winter evening, making them an ideal treat for family gatherings, quiet moments by the fire, or, of course, your annual cookie exchange. The cinnamon chips are a brilliant addition, melting slightly to release pockets of intense cinnamon flavor throughout the cookie, elevating them beyond the ordinary.

Crafting these Cinnamon Spice Cookies is a joy in itself. The process, from creaming butter and sugars to rolling the dough in extra sugar for that irresistible sparkle and crunch, is meditative and rewarding. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor the aromas, and anticipate the delightful outcome. Perfect for sharing, these cookies also make wonderful homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, and loved ones. There’s something uniquely personal and heartwarming about receiving a tin of homemade holiday cookies, especially ones filled with such comforting spices.

The Art of the Cookie Exchange: Sharing Sweet Traditions

Cookie exchanges are a beloved holiday tradition for good reason. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy a wide variety of holiday cookies without having to bake a dozen different recipes yourself. Imagine bringing one type of exquisite cookie and leaving with an assortment of delightful treats baked by friends and family – it’s a win-win for everyone involved! These Cinnamon Spice Cookies are an absolute standout for any cookie exchange. Their robust flavor profile and festive appearance make them a welcome addition to any holiday platter.

To ensure your cookie exchange is a success, consider a few simple tips. First, choose a recipe that travels well and holds its shape, like these spice cookies. Second, make sure to bake enough batches to share generously. Third, include a small recipe card with your cookies so others can recreate the magic at home. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! While these Cinnamon Spice Cookies are a classic, the joy of a cookie exchange lies in the discovery of new favorites and the celebration of culinary creativity amongst friends.

Cinnamon Spice Cookies

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)

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The tastes of the holidays come alive in these spiced cookies, perfect for a cookie exchange or for the cookie jar.

Ingredients

• 3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1/4 Cup plus 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 Cup plus 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Molasses
• 1 Large Egg
• 2 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger
• 1 Teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon McCormick Ground Cloves
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1 1/2 Cups Cinnamon Chips
• *Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. In a standing mixer bowl, combine the softened butter and both sugars (granulated and brown). Cream together on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Stop the mixer, add the molasses, and mix until just combined. Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, McCormick Ground Ginger, McCormick Ground Cinnamon, McCormick Ground Cloves, and sea salt until well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in the standing mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until just combined. Stir in the cinnamon chips until evenly distributed. Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
4. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough. Roll each portion between the palms of your hands to form a smooth ball, then roll the dough ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat it evenly. Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8 minutes. The cookies will look slightly soft in the center but will set as they cool. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a minute or two before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking for the Holidays: Tips for Success

To ensure your Cinnamon Spice Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips. Firstly, always use room temperature butter as specified in the recipe. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for your cookies. Secondly, be mindful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. Mixing just until combined is key.

The chilling time for the dough is not optional; it’s a crucial step for these spice cookies. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, and it also gives the flavors of the spices and molasses more time to meld together, resulting in a more complex and delicious final product. Don’t rush this step for the best results. When rolling the dough balls in sugar, press lightly to ensure a good coating. This adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful textural contrast to the soft interior of the cookie.

Finally, baking for exactly 8 minutes will yield a cookie that is perfectly soft and chewy. Keep an eye on your oven, as baking times can vary slightly. The edges should be set, and the centers might still look a little soft. They will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet after removal. Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer enjoyment. They also make excellent candidates for freezing dough balls, allowing you to bake fresh batches whenever a craving strikes!

McCormick: A Legacy of Flavor in Every Spice

Our partnership with McCormick is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and flavor, which has enriched kitchens around the world for over a century. When you choose McCormick spices, you’re not just adding ingredients; you’re infusing your baking with history, expertise, and a promise of consistent, vibrant taste. Their ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are essential for these Cinnamon Spice Cookies, providing that authentic, robust holiday flavor that we all cherish. It’s this dedication to excellence that makes McCormick a trusted name for bakers everywhere, ensuring that your festive creations are nothing short of spectacular.

From everyday meals to grand holiday feasts, McCormick’s spices elevate every dish, transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. For these Cinnamon Spice Cookies, the precise balance of their high-quality spices is what truly makes them shine, offering a comforting warmth and complexity that defines holiday baking. This enduring partnership allows us to confidently recommend their products, knowing they will bring the best possible flavor to your kitchen.

Disclosure: I am in a working partnership with McCormick, but all opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine love for their products and these delicious cookies.