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!

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 24

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully incorporated.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cayenne pepper.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and an additional pinch of ground cinnamon (optional) for rolling.

Step 7

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball lightly in the brown sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Step 8

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 9

Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Step 10

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 11

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12

Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(799.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3182.6

Total Fat 104.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 434mg	0%
Sodium 844.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 535.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.9g	0%
Total Sugars 276.7g
Protein 41.6g	0%

Vitamin D 41IU	0%
Calcium 149.3mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 535.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.9%

Protein: 5.1%

Carbs: 65.9%