These crunchy cinnamon sugar cookie sticks are a nostalgic treat, perfectly blending buttery richness with a delicate crispness. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a warm, comforting spice that makes each bite melt in your mouth, creating a simple yet unforgettable snack.
Ideal for sharing during festive gatherings or enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, these cookie sticks are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Their golden hue and slender shape make them an elegant addition to any dessert tray or snack table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
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Shape the dough into 1-inch thick logs, about 10 inches long.
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Combine the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each dough log in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
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Place the coated logs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Remove from oven and immediately cut each log into 1/2-inch wide sticks while still warm. Let cool completely on wire racks before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
Why Cinnamon Sugar is a Timeless Flavor Combination
Cinnamon and sugar have been paired together for centuries because they complement each other perfectly. The spicy warmth of cinnamon enhances the sweetness of sugar, creating a flavor that feels both indulgent and cozy. This combination is often associated with comfort foods and holiday baking, making it especially popular during fall and winter seasons. Yet, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round.
Cinnamon has health benefits as well; it’s known to have antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels, though in small quantities used in baking, these benefits are subtle. Beyond health, cinnamon sugar is just plain delicious and taps into deep-rooted culinary traditions across many cultures, from American classic desserts to Middle Eastern and European treats.
The Perfect Texture: Crunchy Yet Tender
One of the highlights of these cookie sticks is their distinctive texture. Unlike soft and chewy cookies, these sticks deliver a satisfying crunch that adds a tactile pleasure to eating. The key to achieving this lies in the method of preparation and baking. Rolling the dough into logs and then slicing them after baking ensures that the edges crisp up nicely while the inside remains tender but firm enough to hold their shape.
This crunchy texture makes them ideal for dunking into drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. They don’t crumble easily, which means less mess and more enjoyment. The cinnamon sugar coating caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a delicate crust that enhances the overall eating experience.
Versatility and Serving Ideas
Cinnamon sugar cookie sticks are extremely versatile. They can be served as a simple snack with a warm beverage or dressed up as part of a dessert platter. You can pair them with fruit preserves, cream cheese frosting, or dip them in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. They also work wonderfully as a crunchy element in ice cream sundaes or yogurt parfaits.
For festive occasions, you can customize the cinnamon sugar mixture by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more complex spice profile. Sprinkling a little coarse sugar on top before baking can add an attractive sparkle and an extra crunch.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Sticks Every Time
To ensure success, it’s important to use softened butter for proper creaming, which helps create a tender dough. Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added, or the cookies might become tough. When shaping the logs, try to keep them uniform in thickness so they bake evenly.
Rolling the logs thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture is essential for a consistent coating and flavor in every bite. Cutting the logs into sticks while still warm allows clean, even slices, preventing crumbling.
Baking for Different Occasions
These cookie sticks are great for everyday snacking but shine during holidays or special gatherings. They make fantastic homemade gifts when packaged in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Their long, elegant shape lends a touch of sophistication to any cookie tray, impressing guests without requiring complex ingredients or techniques.
Because they store well in airtight containers, you can prepare them ahead of time and have a ready-to-serve treat on hand for unexpected visitors or last-minute celebrations.
Healthier Adaptations
While these cookies are a classic sweet treat, they can be adapted for different dietary preferences. For example, swapping regular butter for a plant-based alternative can make them dairy-free. Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners like coconut sugar can make the recipe a bit healthier without sacrificing too much flavor. Adding finely ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the dough can introduce omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber, giving the cookies a slight nutritional boost.
Why Homemade Cookies Are Worth the Effort
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making cookies from scratch. The process fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives often found in store-bought snacks. Homemade cookie sticks bring a personal touch to your baking, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Plus, baking cookies like these can be a fun activity to enjoy with children or friends, turning simple ingredients into a delicious reward. The result is not just a tasty treat, but also memories and moments of joy around the kitchen table.
Conclusion
Crunchy cinnamon sugar cookie sticks are a delightful classic that never goes out of style. Their buttery base, crisp texture, and warm cinnamon sugar coating make them an irresistible treat for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or a special gift, these cookie sticks offer a perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and elegance.
Their versatility allows endless adaptations and serving options, so you can tailor them to your taste and occasion. The satisfaction of homemade cookies, combined with the comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar, makes this recipe a timeless favorite that you’ll want to keep coming back to.
So go ahead, bake a batch of these golden, crunchy cookie sticks, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a classic sweet treat made with love.