Name: Spiced Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines warmth, sweetness, and just a hint of spice, these Spiced Sugar Cookies are pure magic. They’re the kind of cookies that fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and bring a cozy feeling with every bite. Perfect for the festive season or any time you want to add a little extra cheer, this recipe balances classic sugar cookie sweetness with an uplifting blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Whether shared at a holiday gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, Spiced Sugar Cookies never fail to make moments memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and that every ingredient plays an essential role in building the perfect flavor, texture, and appearance. You’ll find that basic pantry staples come alive with the addition of aromatic spices and creamy butter, creating cookies that are tender yet satisfying.

All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Provides the structure and base for the cookies, giving them their classic crumbly texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough without flattening out too much.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a slight lift and lightness to the dough.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): This warm spice is the star that delivers comforting flavor and aroma.
Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely subtle zing that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a hint of earthiness and depth to the spice blend.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the spices with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Keeps the cookies rich, moist, and tender.
White sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and helps create that delicate crisp edge when baked.
Egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.

How to Make Spiced Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Spices

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is shaped. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and the aromatic blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This dry spice mixture will be the soul of your Spiced Sugar Cookies, infusing every bite with warmth and comfort.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Smooth

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter and white sugar. This step is key for a light, tender cookie since it creates air pockets that help the dough expand slightly during baking. Keep mixing until the texture is smooth and fluffy—this is when you know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one egg and the vanilla extract into your buttery mixture. The egg brings everything together while adding richness, and the vanilla adds a sweet, fragrant background note that makes these cookies truly addictive.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually add the flour and spice blend to your wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to over-mix; you want all the ingredients just combined to maintain softness and tenderness in the final cookie.

Step 5: Roll, Shape, and Sugar-Coat

Using a rounded teaspoon or small cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, spaced apart to give them room to spread. For that extra sparkle and a little crunch, dip the bottom of a glass into sugar and gently press each cookie ball flat before baking. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the finished texture and appearance.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are golden around the edges. Keep a close eye near the end—once the aroma starts filling your kitchen and you see that light golden color, they’re ready. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks so they set perfectly and retain their tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

How to Serve Spiced Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

The natural warmth of these cookies shines on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze can take them to the next level. For festive occasions, try decorating with colorful sprinkles or a spiced icing that mirrors the cookie’s cozy flavors.

Side Dishes

Spiced Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced cider, as the complementary spices and warmth create an inviting harmony. They also work wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a mug of creamy coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, arrange your Spiced Sugar Cookies in a festive tin or stack them tied with a rustic ribbon as a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an irresistible treat that adds richness and dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked Spiced Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain softness by keeping moisture balanced.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with rolling and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy your Spiced Sugar Cookies warm, simply heat them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and aroma, perfect for an indulgent snack.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for Spiced Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Brown sugar will add extra moisture and a slight caramel flavor that complements the spices beautifully. You may want to slightly reduce the amount or adjust baking time, but it’s a delicious variation.

How do I prevent Spiced Sugar Cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better texture.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries add lovely texture and extra festive flavor. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients, about 1/2 cup, to keep the balance just right.

Are Spiced Sugar Cookies suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses butter and egg, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you can experiment with vegan butter substitutes and flax eggs for an animal-free version, but results might vary slightly in texture.

Why do the cookies sometimes turn out dry?

Overbaking can quickly dry out these delicate cookies, so watch the time closely and remove them when edges just start to turn golden. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to keep them tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

Making Spiced Sugar Cookies is like handing yourself a warm, comforting hug from the oven. They are easy, satisfying, and have just the right balance of sweet and spice that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten any day and fill your home with cozy memories. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie recipe.