Southwestern Sugar Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these bold and unique Southwestern Sugar Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic treat! These soft and buttery cookies feature a zesty hint of orange zest paired with the warming spices of cinnamon and a subtle kick of cayenne pepper, creating a flavor profile that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and citrusy. Rolled in a light brown sugar coating for a delightful caramelized finish, these cookies are perfect for adventurous snackers or anyone looking to spice up their dessert table. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for holidays, cookie swaps, or weeknight baking. Bring a taste of the Southwest into your kitchen with these crowd-pleasing treats!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 unit large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cayenne pepper.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and an additional pinch of ground cinnamon (optional) for rolling.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball lightly in the brown sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3183 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.4 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.1 g | 290% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 434 mg | 145% | |
| Sodium | 844 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 535.2 g | 195% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 276.7 g | ||
| Protein | 41.6 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 16.8 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 535 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
