Spiced Butter Cookies

I made these spiced butter cookies the other day, and wow, they made my whole place smell so warm. The smell was so cozy. I knew I had to share it with you.

I love how simple they are. Like, you mix a few things, and it just works. The spice hits soft, and the butter feels smooth.

I wanted another bite right away. And then another. You might feel the same once you try them.

So, yeah, I thought I would walk you through it. It’s easy. Let’s make these cookies together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Spice Blend: The mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla creates a balance of warmth and sweetness that’s hard to resist.
• Buttery Texture: Thanks to the generous amount of butter, these cookies have a tender and crumbly texture that simply melts in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to enjoy in less than an hour!
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a gift for loved ones, or just a treat for yourself, these spiced butter cookies are ideal for any event.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these spiced butter cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream together the butter and sugar.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies on.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Cookie Cutter (Optional): If you want to shape the cookies, this is optional depending on whether you prefer round cookies or fun shapes.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these spiced butter cookies:

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened)
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (light or dark)
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (unsifted)
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp
• Ground Ginger: 1/2 tsp
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp
• Egg: 1 large (room temperature)

For the Icing (Optional):

• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (sifted)
• Milk: 2-3 tsp (or more for desired consistency)
• Cinnamon: 1/4 tsp (for sprinkling on top)

Variations for Spiced Butter Cookies

While this recipe is perfect as is, here are a few variations you can try to switch things up:

• Add Chopped Nuts: For extra crunch, fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
• Use Brown Butter: For a deeper, nutty flavor, brown the butter before incorporating it into the dough.
• Add Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can bring a fresh citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
• Dip in Chocolate: For a decadent touch, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it set for a festive look.
• Add Raisins or Currants: If you love dried fruits, add 1/4 cup of raisins or currants for extra chewiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. The air that’s incorporated will give the cookies a soft, delicate texture.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The egg helps to bind the ingredients and gives the cookies a rich texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure everything is incorporated.

3. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. The spices will create the warm flavor profile that makes these cookies so delicious, while the baking powder helps the cookies to rise slightly while baking.

4. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. If the dough seems too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before shaping.

5. Roll and Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into small balls about 1 tablespoon in size. If you prefer to use a cookie cutter, you can roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and use your favorite shapes. Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

6. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.

7. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the cookies firm up and hold their shape.

8. Add Icing (Optional)

If you want to add a sweet finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

How to Serve Spiced Butter Cookies

These spiced butter cookies are so versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them on their own with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative tin and gift them to family or friends for special occasions like holidays or birthdays.
• With Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a festive treat.
• As a Dessert Platter: Serve them alongside other cookies, fruit, or even small pastries at a party or family gathering.
• For a Cozy Treat: Perfect for cozy afternoons by the fireplace or as a comfort snack after a busy day.

Storing Spiced Butter Cookies

These cookies stay fresh for several days if stored properly. Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay soft and delicious.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• For Longer Storage: Baked cookies can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Carbohydrates	20g
Protein	1g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	50mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Conclusion

These spiced butter cookies are the perfect combination of buttery goodness and warm, cozy spices. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply enjoying them as a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious flavor, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. You can easily customize them to suit your tastes and share them with friends and family for any gathering.