These classic American cookies are a must around here at this time of year. Not only does the cinnamon “taste like Christmas” according to my youngest, but they are quick and easy and make a wonderful homemade gift.

Makes about 4 dozen

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
225g butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs

1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar for rolling

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper.

Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and set aside.

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Stir in flour mixture to just combine.

In a shallow dish, mix extra cinnamon and sugar for rolling. Form walnut-sized balls of dough and roll in sugar mixture before placing on cookie sheet about 5cm apart.

Bake for about 12 minutes, until edges are just starting to brown. Cool 5 minutes on sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.