Ina Garten’s Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread Recipe with Cozy Vibes

Cinnamon-spiced shortbread captures the essence of comfort and warmth in a single, crumbly bite.

Delicate and buttery, this classic treat transforms simple ingredients into a magical culinary experience.

Sweet aromatic notes dance across your palate with each delectable morsel.

Classic baking techniques merge seamlessly with rustic charm, creating a sensory delight that whispers of home and tradition.

Rich, golden-edged cookies promise a moment of pure indulgence that transcends ordinary desserts.

Subtle spices weave through tender crumb, elevating a humble recipe into something extraordinary.

The secret lies in balancing delicate flavors and achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture: prepare to be enchanted.

Finishing Notes on Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread

Cinnamon-spiced shortbread cookies whisper sweet memories of comfort and elegance.

Ina Garten’s recipe elevates classic shortbread with warm, aromatic spices that dance across taste buds.

Delicate star-shaped cookies emerge from ovens, promising a sensory journey through rich buttery layers and complex cinnamon notes.

Mediterranean kitchens could not craft a more sophisticated treat that balances sweet indulgence with refined technique.

Crisp edges and delicate centers make these cookies an irresistible companion for afternoon tea or midnight snacking.

Friends will marvel at your baking prowess, eager to savor each crumbly, spice-laden morsel—so grab mixing bowls, share this recipe, comment with your baking adventures, and spread delicious joy across social networks.

Reasons You’ll Crave Ina Garten’s Cinnamon Shortbread

• Spice Up Your Baking: Dive into a world of warm, aromatic cinnamon that transforms ordinary shortbread into an extraordinary treat, filling your kitchen with irresistible fragrance.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: Experience the luxurious texture of perfectly crafted shortbread – crumbly yet tender, with a delicate richness that practically dissolves on your tongue.
• Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Master this simple recipe in under an hour, creating stunning star-shaped cookies that look professionally made with minimal effort and maximum wow factor.

Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread Ingredient Lineup

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides tender texture and deep flavor.
• Sugar: Sweet component that helps create crisp edges and golden color.
• Flour: Structural ingredient that gives shortbread its classic crumbly consistency.

• Vanilla: Warm, aromatic extract that adds depth and complexity to the shortbread.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm, fragrant spices that create a cozy, aromatic profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavor notes.

• Warm Water: Helps bind ingredients and create a smooth dough consistency.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy cookie removal and even baking.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Sweet and spicy mixture for dusting warm cookies, adding extra flavor and texture.

Bake Your Own Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Magical Dough

• Softened butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Warm water

• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture until large dough clumps form.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Transfer dough to a flour-dusted surface. Shape into a flat disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Roll out the dough to a half-inch thickness on a floured board. Use a star-shaped cutter or your favorite cookie cutter to create delightful shapes.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookies an inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes until edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Spectacular Sugar Coating

• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

The moment cookies emerge from the oven, generously sprinkle with the spiced sugar mixture. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets. Gently shake off any excess sugar before serving.

Hints for Flawless Cinnamon Shortbread

• Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency without melting, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture for your shortbread dough.
• Handle Dough Gently: Treat the mixture like a delicate dance, mixing just until ingredients combine to prevent tough cookies and maintain that signature melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
• Chill for Precision Cutting: Refrigerating the dough transforms it from sticky to manageable, allowing clean, crisp edges and preventing spread during baking.
• Roll with Consistent Care: Use a ruler or guide to create uniform ½-inch thickness, guaranteeing each cookie bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden-brown color.
• Capture Flavor at Peak Moment: Dust warm cookies with cinnamon sugar immediately after baking, letting the residual heat create a delightful, slightly caramelized coating that locks in maximum taste.

How to Store Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread

• Airtight Container Method: Seal cooled shortbread in a sturdy, moisture-resistant container with a tight-fitting lid. Place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture. Choose containers with minimal air exposure to maintain crispness and protect from absorbing refrigerator odors.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Wrap individual shortbread cookies in plastic wrap, then nestle them inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking. Frozen shortbread stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Room Temperature Storage Method: Keep cookies in a cool, dry pantry or kitchen cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Select a container with good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Sweet Swaps for Cinnamon Shortbread

• Rustic Spice Trail: Replace cinnamon with a blend of warming Middle Eastern spices like cardamom, ginger, and allspice for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired shortbread experience.
• Nutty Winter Charm: Fold in finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the dough before chilling, adding rich texture and complementary crunch to the classic shortbread.
• Citrus Warmth Edition: Incorporate fresh orange or lemon zest directly into the dough, creating a bright, zingy counterpoint to the traditional cinnamon profile while maintaining the cookie's buttery essence.
• Dark Chocolate Whisper: After cooling the cookies, dip half of each shortbread into melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, transforming the classic recipe into an elegant, sophisticated treat.

Ina Garten Cinnamon-spiced Shortbread Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cinnamon-spiced shortbread beckons with warm, buttery comfort straight from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Delicate crumbles melt on your palate, delivering rich cinnamon notes that whisper of homemade charm and effortless elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 0.75 pound (340 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• Kosher salt

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Create the base mixture by combining softened butter, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and warm water in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding excessive aeration.
3. Separately, sift together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon (), and kosher salt () to ensure smooth incorporation and eliminate potential lumps.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough forms large, cohesive clumps.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a compact disk. Wrap completely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
6. After chilling, roll the dough to a consistent ½-inch thickness on a floured work surface. Use a 3½-inch star-shaped cookie cutter (or preferred shape) to cut out precise cookie shapes.
7. Arrange cut cookies approximately 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets to allow even heat circulation and prevent merging during baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, watching for subtle golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
9. While cookies bake, prepare the coating mixture by combining additional granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and ground cloves in a medium bowl.
10. Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, generously dust them with the spiced sugar coating while still hot to ensure maximum adherence.
11. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets, then gently shake off any excess sugar coating before serving or storing.

Notes

• Warm cookies absorb sugar coating best when removed straight from the oven, creating a delightful caramelized surface that locks in rich, sweet flavors.
• Rolling dough consistently helps ensure each shortbread cookie bakes evenly, preventing burnt edges or raw centers during the baking process.
• Preparing butter at room temperature allows smoother blending with dry ingredients, guaranteeing a silky-smooth texture that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Mixing ingredients gently prevents developing tough gluten strands, which can transform delicate shortbread into dense, chewy disappointments.
• Refrigerating dough before shaping helps solidify butter, enabling cleaner cuts and maintaining precise shapes during baking.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (out of 24 cookies)
• Calories: 252
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg