Cinnamon-Candy Cookies

Name: Cinnamon-Candy Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: about 5 dozen.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup Red Hots; 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; FROSTING:; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or cinnamon extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 4 to 6 tablespoons 2% milk

I was trying to make a unique Christmas cookie inspired by my brother's love of red-hots. I used the candies in these lace-like cookies for cinnamon flavor. —Wendy Rusch, Cameron, Wisconsin

Ingredients

2/3 cup Red Hots
2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FROSTING:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or cinnamon extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 to 6 tablespoons 2% milk

Directions

Place Red Hots in a food processor; process until fine and powdery. Add flour; pulse to combine.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat flour mixture into creamed mixture.
Shape into two 8-in. rolls; wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap and cut into 1/4-in. slices. Place 2-in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 7-9 minutes or until edges are just light brown. Cool on pans 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a small bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, butter, extract, salt and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Decorate cookies as desired.
Freeze option: Place wrapped logs in resealable plastic freezer bags; return to freezer. To use, unwrap frozen logs and cut into slices. If necessary, let dough stand a few minutes at room temperature before cutting. Prepare, bake and decorate cookies as directed.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 98 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

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Originally published as Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies in Ultimate Cookie Swap 2015

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Ellen

Jul 27, 2019

Note from experience. I'll try these at the holidays, but will be sure to buy Brach's redhots. I use them for a glaze on valentine cookies, and store-brand redhots don't melt the same.
randcbruns

Jan 2, 2017

These are great crispy and thin with amazing cinnamon flavor. These are great change from the typical holiday cookies. These will be a staple from now on.
bevy21

Dec 12, 2016

I wanted to love this cookie. It 's different, looks nice but was disappointing. Too flat, too crispy. Tried to back off on the cook time, but then undercooked. I might try to tweak it because the concept of a cinnamon hearts cookie is great, just not what I expected it to be.
Zuker

Dec 8, 2016

A friend gave me this recipe a while back. I will admit I was a little skeptical about trying it, but it turned out very good and unique. Don't skip the frosting. This cookie definitely adds a unique element to a holiday cookie tray. It will find a place on mine. Worth making. I rated it a 4 because it didn't hit the list of my favorite cookies that I would make routinely to have around the house, but good enough to make for "special" occasions (such as holiday gifts).
mrsk6770

Dec 2, 2015

Delicious! A light crispy alternative to the usual holiday treats. Destined to become a holiday tradition in our family! I used almond extract in this recipe and it was amazing!