Cozy Autumn Harmony: Ina Garten’s Cinnamon Shortbread Recipe

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread gets a delightful twist with Ina Garten’s cinnamon-spiced recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Her touch brings warmth and comfort to every delicate bite.

Rich, golden-brown edges hint at the magic waiting inside these delectable treats.

The gentle sprinkle of cinnamon creates an aromatic symphony that dances across your senses.

Perfectly crisp yet tender, these shortbread cookies capture the essence of cozy afternoons and sweet moments.

Each carefully crafted cookie delivers a delicate balance of butter and spice that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet spectacular dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 167 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread Magic

• Butter: Creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a luxurious flavor that defines shortbread's classic character.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a delicate, crisp structure in the cookie.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth, complementing the cinnamon's spicy notes.
• Warm Water: Helps bind ingredients smoothly without compromising the dough's delicate texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Delivers the fundamental structure and tender crumb of the shortbread.
• Cinnamon: Brings warming, aromatic spice that transforms a simple shortbread into a cozy treat.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances the cookie's sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Creates a fragrant, sparkling exterior that adds extra layers of spicy-sweet crunch, making each bite more exciting and complex.

Baking Tools for Ina Garten’s Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread

• Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for mixing dough smoothly and evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Baking Sheets: Two sheets for baking the shortbread cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Star Cutter (or Cookie Cutter): Used to shape the shortbread into decorative pieces.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll the dough to the perfect ½-inch thickness.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Perfect for evenly distributing flour and spices.
• Medium Bowl: Used for preparing the sugar coating mixture.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps chill and wrap the dough before rolling.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and transferring dough.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.

How to Craft Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread by Ina Garten

• Sugar Cookie Foundation

A delightful shortbread adventure begins with creating a soft, buttery base that promises rich flavor and delicate texture. The magic starts with room temperature butter blended smoothly with sugar.

• Flavor Symphony

Warm cinnamon and subtle spices dance through the dough, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience. Careful mixing ensures a harmonious blend without overworking the delicate mixture.

• Dough Crafting

Gently shape the dough into a smooth disk, allowing it to rest and develop deeper flavors. A brief chill helps create crisp, elegant edges when cutting into beautiful star or classic shapes.

• Baking Ritual

Slide the cookies into a warm oven, watching carefully as golden edges signal perfect doneness. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of sweet butter and warm spices.

• Sugar Celebration

Immediately after baking, generously dust the warm cookies with a sparkling blend of sugar and aromatic spices. This final touch creates a delicate, crystalline coating that elevates the shortbread from simple to spectacular.

Flavor Tips for Ina Garten’s Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread

• Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom, ginger, or Chinese five-spice powder to create your signature shortbread flavor profile.
• Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 1 month for spontaneous baking moments.
• Use decorative cookie cutters like hearts, flowers, or seasonal shapes to make these shortbread cookies extra special for holidays or gift-giving occasions.
• Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the dough for an unexpected crunch, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a luxurious finish.

Serve Up Ina Garten’s Cinnamon Shortbread in Style

• Pair with Afternoon Tea: Serve these cinnamon-spiced shortbread cookies alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful mid-afternoon treat that melts in your mouth.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, a small dish of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an elegant and inviting dessert presentation.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends and family during Christmas or winter celebrations.
• Breakfast Companion: Enjoy these shortbread cookies as a sweet morning indulgence with a rich cappuccino or alongside creamy Greek yogurt for a delightful start to your day.

Make-Ahead Ideas for Ina Garten’s Cinnamon Shortbread

• Refrigerate with Care: Store these delicate cinnamon shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their crisp texture and rich flavor.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to preserve their original taste and texture.
• Prepare Ahead Strategy: Mix the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. This technique allows flavors to develop and makes baking day much easier. Simply remove the dough, let it soften slightly, then roll and cut as directed.
• Handle with Gentleness: Use parchment paper between layers when stacking cookies to prevent breakage. Separate each layer carefully to keep the delicate shortbread intact and maintain their beautiful star-shaped design.

Buttery Shortbread Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cinnamon-spiced shortbread provides a delightful twist on classic cookie flavors. Warm spices and buttery texture create an irresistible treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 3.5 cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups (300 g) sugar
• 0.75 pound (340 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2.5 teaspoons (12.5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating an optimal baking environment.
2. Creaming Process: Blend softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and warm water in a stand mixer using paddle attachment until smoothly integrated, avoiding over-mixing.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, cinnamon, and kosher salt together, ensuring a uniform, lump-free mixture that will seamlessly incorporate into the butter base.
4. Dough Formation: Merge dry ingredients into butter mixture on low speed, developing a cohesive dough that forms large, sturdy clumps with minimal handling.
5. Chilling Phase: Shape dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor complexity and structural integrity.
6. Shaping and Cutting: Roll chilled dough to ½-inch thickness on a floured surface, using a star-shaped cookie cutter to create precise, uniform cookies with clean edges.
7. Baking Technique: Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets, ensuring adequate spacing for even heat distribution and consistent browning.
8. Baking and Coating: Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges turn golden-brown, then immediately dust with a spiced sugar mixture combining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves while cookies are still hot.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheets, gently removing excess sugar before serving or storing for maximum visual and textural appeal.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Perfection: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps develop rich flavors and prevents spreading during baking.
• Precise Cutting Technique: Roll dough to exactly ½-inch thickness for consistent cookie texture and even baking.
• Immediate Sugar Coating: Dust cookies with spiced sugar while they’re still hot to ensure maximum flavor absorption and coating adherence.
• Gentle Cooling Protocol: Let cookies cool completely on baking sheets to maintain their delicate structure and prevent crumbling.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 167
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg