Cinnamon Sugar Leaves

I find Cinnamon Sugar Leaves to be the perfect snackable treat. Good for you? Well...no, but good, very much so, delicious even. Addicting maybe too! I drank some hot apple cider and snacked on these little leaves consuming more than I would like to admit. They are adorable as a fall treat and may even be perfect for Thanksgiving for people to munch on while drinking cider, hot tea, cocoa, or coffee. Of course, you could also make other shapes, maybe you fancy tiny turkeys or simple circles.

I've always loved fall leaves though. Even my wedding was in September so the fall leaf theme was obvious, to me at least. My invitations, the wedding cake (and cupcakes), and the decorations were all decorated with leaves, whether paper or made of fondant. Fall is probably my favorite time of year because it's cold enough (usually) that I can wear sweaters, but not usually so cold that I have to wear hats, gloves, and boots. Fires in the fireplace are nice too! The leaves outside are turning to bright shades of orange and yellow and the time "changes" so it gets dark earlier. Of course the getting dark earlier really messes with me baking in the evening and taking pictures that are even worth talking about. I really need to get in the habit of baking in the morning. I actually love morning baking. When I was a baker professionally I was a real morning person (not for the first 30 minutes or so though) and I like the quiet that comes with the start of the day. Occasionally I used to wake up earlyish (sure, that's a word) at home and bake something because then I also feel like I'm accomplishing more throughout the day. Baking in the evening makes me feel behind. I don't know what any of this has to do with the post, just some thoughts I suppose. 

I was trying to think of other things that could be done to these cute little leaves because you all know I love customizing recipes. I was thinking a little ginger or cloves might be a nice addition or some mini chocolate chips! Maybe some orange zest might be complimentary too. I'm sure that there are tons of ways to make these cookies even more special, but I love them just the way they are. Try them out and let me know what you think!

Cinnamon Sugar Leaves
Servings depend on the cookie cutter size

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into ½” cubes
- 1 whole egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- 2 ½ tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400F. In a food processor blend together the flour and salt. Add butter and process using pulse until crumbs are about the size of peas, about 10-15 pulses.
2. Mix together the egg, vinegar, and water in a bowl. Add the liquid mixture through the feed while pulsing the processor. Do not run the processor “on” while adding liquid because you need to be very careful to not overmix the dough then it will be tough, that’s why I only use “pulse” when making this dough.
3. Once the mixture is almost together with just a few dry crumbs in the bowl then turn it out onto a cutting board and gently work it into a ball with a few turns of the dough. If necessary, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up dough.
4. Roll dough out on a floured surface about ¼” thick. Cut out leaf shapes or other shapes with cookie cutters. Gently place the shapes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.
5. In a small bowl, blend together the sugar and cinnamon. Lightly spray the dough shapes on the cookie sheet with non-stick spray, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

Printable recipe

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· House of Hepworth's - Hookin up with HoH 

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· What's Cooking, Love? - Showcase Your Talent Thursday 

· Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo - Anything Goes Linky
· Chef in training - Tuesday Talent Show

· Dwell on Joy - Dwell on Friday 

· Six Sister's Stuff - Strut Your Stuff Saturday

· Something Swanky: Desserts & Designs - Sweet Treats Thursday 

· A Slice of Southern - Southern Sundays