If you’re on the hunt for a treat that wraps you up in cozy, nostalgic flavor, look no further than The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. These cookies are soft in the center, perfectly crisp around the edges, and absolutely brimming with the irresistible warmth of cinnamon. Every batch comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that draws everyone in—whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just your own afternoon pick-me-up. If you love a cookie that’s chewy, spiced just right, and easy to bake from scratch, The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe deserves a top spot in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe comes from its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the sweet, spicy, and tender experience that makes these cookies an instant classic.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Ensures a rich, creamy base and the classic chewy cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of crispness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds flavor depth and extra moisture for softness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and contribute to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the spice with a warm, fragrant finish.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Lays the foundation for just the right bite—never too dense or too crumbly.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star of the show, delivering bold flavor in every bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Lifts the cookies, ensuring a soft center and gentle rise.
- Cream of tartar (1/2 teaspoon): A secret weapon for the signature chewy texture and subtle tang.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens the sweetness, letting the spices truly shine.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Forms a sweet, sparkly crust on every cookie.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for rolling): Adds a double hit of spice for truly “wow” flavor.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this makes for even baking and prevents sticking so your cookies release effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat everything together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This essential step gives the cookies their crave-worthy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one by one. Mix just until each egg is incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of warmth that enhances the cinnamon spice.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, measured ground cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures the spices and leaveners are nicely dispersed, setting you up for perfectly even cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand, stopping as soon as the flour streaks disappear—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them tender and soft!
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar For Rolling
In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. You’ll use this spiced sugar to coat your dough balls, giving each cookie its signature crackled, sparkly finish.
Step 7: Shape and Roll Dough Balls
Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Gently toss each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until every surface is covered. Arrange them spaced 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets—these beauties need space to spread!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should turn golden while the centers are just set. For super chewy results, take them out right as the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll finish setting up while they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This short wait ensures your cookies keep their soft, chewy center. Once cooled, dive right in—you’ve officially made The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe!
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet beautiful finish, dust your cookies with a little extra cinnamon sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with a touch of vanilla glaze or add a sprinkle of flaked sea salt to highlight those warm spices.
Side Dishes
The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk, hot spiced cider, or even a creamy latte. For a decadent dessert platter, serve alongside slices of apple or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the cookie jar! Stack these cookies in a pretty tin for gifting, layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream for an easy “cookie trifle,” or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a spiced frozen treat. They’re sure to draw “oohs” and “aahs” however you share them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll maintain their beautifully chewy texture and spicy-sweet aroma, staying just as tempting as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you’d like to save cookies for later, freeze baked cookies in a zipper bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. For even fresher flavor, freeze unbaked dough balls. Simply thaw and roll them in cinnamon sugar just before baking for hot-from-the-oven results anytime you crave them.
Reheating
Bring cookies back to life by reheating in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will revive their softness and enhance the aroma, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking blend. The cookies remain chewy and delicious, with all the cinnamon-y flavor you love.
What makes cinnamon cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar, proper creaming, and just the right baking time keeps your cookies extra chewy. Slightly underbaking and letting them set on the sheet works wonders.
Can I add other spices to The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe?
Yes! While classic cinnamon reigns supreme, a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can give your cookies a fun twist without overpowering the star ingredient. Just keep the extra spices light to let the cinnamon shine through.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for lightly golden edges and centers that are just set but not dry. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake—they’re meant to be soft and chewy!
What’s the easiest way to roll cookie dough into balls?
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon helps portion the dough for even baking. Dampen your hands if the dough sticks, then gently roll before coating in cinnamon sugar for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got cinnamon in your spice rack and a craving for homemade comfort, give The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe a try. With their nostalgic flavor, beautiful crackle tops, and irresistibly chewy bite, these cookies will charm you at first taste. Happy baking—and don’t be surprised if your kitchen becomes everyone’s favorite spot in the house!
