Embracing the Joy of the Holiday Season: A Weekly Cookie Challenge

As we embrace the holiday season, it's the perfect time to shift our focus from the daily grind and indulge in the joy of festive celebrations. From adorning our homes with twinkling lights and colorful decorations to savoring sweet treats like cookies, the season is filled with merriment and cheer. So, let’s get ready to immerse ourselves in the holiday spirit—snacking through each day and dancing around the Christmas tree with pure satisfaction.

This year, I’m adding a special twist to my holiday traditions with a weekly bakeathon. Join me on a culinary adventure as I explore a new holiday cookie recipe each week, sharing the experience with all of you. This delightful challenge will culminate on December 31st, promising a journey filled with delectable treats and exciting culinary discoveries.

Let's kick off this cookieathon with a recipe that captures the very essence of the holiday season: Cinnamon Sugar Browned Butter Cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, making them an absolute holiday must-have.

Every time I taste the distinct flavor of cinnamon, I’m instantly transported back to cherished memories of Christmas with my family. For my readers, Christmas in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands is a joyful marathon of cooler days, vibrant Junkanoo parades, family gatherings, and lavish Christmas dinners. Picture a table overflowing with fried or baked turkey, honey-roasted ham, crack or minced lobster, fried fish, crab ‘n rice, peas ‘n rice, pumpkin soup, squash soup, candied yams, beets, garden salad, conch salad, lobster salad, coconut tarts, pineapple tarts, fruitcake, rum cake, banana bread, cheesecake, and any pie you can imagine—plus so much more. Now you can understand my deep love for Christmas, and for the incredible flavors that make this season so special.

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Cinnamon Sugar Browned Butter Cookies Recipe

Dry Ingredients:

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

- 1 cup room temperature browned butter

- 2 large eggs

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 tsp instant coffee (optional, but adds depth)

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar

For Rolling:

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon cinnamon

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Directions:

1. Prep your ingredients: Take the eggs and butter out of the fridge ahead of time to allow them to come to room temperature.

2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, measure the flour (double-check your measurements) and sift together the salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix well using a whisk or a spoon.

3. Cream the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the room-temperature browned butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and instant coffee (if using) until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until fully combined—don’t overmix.

5. Chill the dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

6. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).

7. Prepare your baking sheets: Line your cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

8. Cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until generously coated.

9. Arrange the dough: Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving at least 2 1/2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

10. Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes for medium to large cookies, or 8-10 minutes for mini cookies. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

11. Check for doneness: The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. Use oven mitts to remove the sheet from the oven.

12. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack using a metal spatula. Let them cool for another 10 minutes before serving.

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Enjoy your freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Browned Butter Cookies!

These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a festive experience in every bite. So, join me in this baking journey as we explore the magic of holiday flavors and create lasting memories through the joy of baking. Happy holidays, and happy baking!

Love,

Lady B.