Classic homemade cookies made with all-purpose flour, nutmeg, butter, and vanilla extract for a soft and cake-like texture.
Growing up in the South, there was always a special place in my heart for classic Southern treats. My grandmother, a true Southern belle, had a knack for baking, and her kitchen was always filled with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goods. One of my fondest memories is of her baking these Dixie Delight Cookies. She would make them for every family gathering, and they would disappear within minutes. Now, whenever I bake these cookies, I’m transported back to those warm, joyful afternoons spent in her cozy kitchen, feeling the love and care she put into each batch. These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a cherished family tradition, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.
What makes this Dixie Delight Cookies special ?
- Southern Tradition: These cookies are a beloved Southern classic, carrying the essence of traditional Southern baking.
- Cake-Like Texture: Unlike typical crispy cookies, these have a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up anytime you crave a homemade treat.
- Versatile Flavor: The subtle hint of nutmeg adds a unique twist, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are ideal for impromptu baking sessions.
What do you need to make this Dixie Delight Cookies special:
When it comes to baking these Dixie Delight Cookies, every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect soft and cake-like texture. Here are some important notes about the ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the cookies. Make sure to measure it accurately to avoid dense cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookies their light and fluffy texture.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm spice that sets these cookies apart.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies a rich, creamy flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that tender texture.
- Egg: Provides moisture and binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cookies with a classic, comforting aroma and flavor.
Steps to make this Dixie Delight Cookies
Making Dixie Delight Cookies is a breeze, and the end result is nothing short of delightful. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you get perfect cookies every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 1 stick of room temperature unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on high speed and mix for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients Reduce the mixer speed to low and add 1 large room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Shape the Cookies Preheat your oven to 325°F. Using a small ice cream scoop, melon baller, or two spoons, measure out 12 1-tablespoon portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands.
Step 7: Arrange and Flatten the Cookies Place the dough balls 1 1/2 inches apart on a lined or greased baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a cup or mug to ensure even baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown. This ensures that the centers remain soft and tender while the edges have a slight crisp.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Dixie Delight Cookies warm or at room temperature.
Dixie Delight Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. Ensure the mixture is well-combined to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Utilize an electric mixer set to high speed, and blend the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it achieves a light and fluffy texture.
- Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, and add the large egg along with the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Step 4: Integrate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix on low speed, adding the flour blend in small increments, until the dough is just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this may result in dense cookies.
- Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. This step is essential to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Using a small ice cream scoop, melon baller, or two spoons, measure out twelve 1-tablespoon portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands.
- Step 7: Arrange and Flatten the Cookies
- Arrange the dough balls on a lined or greased baking sheet, spacing them 1 1/2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a cup or mug to ensure uniform thickness and even baking.
- Step 8: Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to brown. This baking duration ensures that the centers remain soft while the edges develop a slight crispness.
- Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Dixie Delight Cookies warm or at room temperature.