Description
Cinnamon Crackle Cookies are delightfully crispy treats with a perfect crackled top, infused with warm cinnamon and citrus zest. These cookies combine the sweetness of brown and granulated sugar with fragrant orange and lemon zest, creating a deliciously aromatic flavor. Rolled in sugar before baking, they offer a sweet, crunchy exterior and a tender center, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- Zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended.
- Add Flavorings and Leavening Agents: Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, orange zest, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt to the creamed mixture. Mix for 1 minute until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Flour: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a small 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into uniform balls. Roll each ball in the extra 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the cookie tops develop a characteristic crackled appearance.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies develop a crispy texture; avoid over-baking as it can make them overly hard once cooled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
