The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
If you adore the magical warmth of cinnamon, prepare to meet your new obsession: The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. Imagine golden, tender cookies with soft, chewy centers — all wrapped in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust that melts right into every bite. These cookies are a celebration of simple comforts and crowd-pleasing flavor, making them absolutely perfect for sharing (if you don’t eat them all first!). Whether you’re a long-time baker or just starting out, you’re about to discover how easy and rewarding it can be to whip up a batch of cookies that look as inviting as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy for The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe — just pantry staples, each with a job to do. The soft butter, rich brown sugar, and signature spice create layers of comfort, while the cinnamon-sugar finish delivers that irresistible sparkle. Every item here builds the perfect cookie, so don’t skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor as the foundation for your dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a hint of molasses and ensures a wonderful chewy middle.
- Large eggs (2): Create structure and moisture; always use room-temperature eggs for best blending.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Balances the spice with a deep, cozy background note.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The backbone of these cookies, lending structure without heaviness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star player, delivering warm, aromatic intensity in every bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives your cookies just the right amount of lift for that dreamy soft-crisp edge.
- Cream of tartar (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for tenderness and the snickerdoodle signature texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
- For cinnamon-sugar coating: 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — this is what gives your cookies their classic glittering finish.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookie dough is ready. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper — this makes cleanup a breeze and helps your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it turns fluffy and pale — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is what gives The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe its pillowy soft crumb, so take your time!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure your dough stays smooth and glossy. Pour in the vanilla extract, and give everything one last good mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This is where the deep, toasty aroma of cinnamon infuses the entire batch. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Don’t rush — add about a third at a time, mixing gently, until you’re left with a soft, cohesive dough.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Grab a small bowl and stir together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This sweet, crunchy sprinkle is the signature touch for The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe, making every bite sparkle!
Step 6: Shape and Coat Your Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Next, gently roll each dough ball through the cinnamon-sugar until thoroughly coated. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden — the centers should still look barely set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, guaranteeing that coveted soft and chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This makes sure they hold their shape and develop that just-right consistency in the middle. Once cooled, dive in while the kitchen still smells like sweet cinnamon heaven!
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly special touch, dust your cookies with a little extra cinnamon-sugar just after baking, or add a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze. A pinch of flaky sea salt can also add a delightful contrast that will surprise and delight anyone lucky enough to snag a bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with cold milk, a hot latte, or even warm mulled cider for the ultimate cozy afternoon. If you’d like something a bit more indulgent, serve alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream or a rich mug of spiced hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment for easy gifting, or arrange them on a vintage cake stand for the dessert table. For parties, sandwich a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create unforgettable homemade ice cream sandwiches — guaranteed to turn The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe into a memory-maker!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, these cookies will stay wonderfully soft for several days. Transfer them to an airtight container, layering parchment between if you’re stacking, to keep everything fresh and prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For maximum freshness, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you’d like to bake fresh cookies later, scoop and roll the dough balls (before cinnamon-sugar coating), freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Just coat and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This brings back a hint of chewiness and makes the cinnamon aroma bloom all over again.
FAQs
Can I double The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe for a bigger batch?
Absolutely! Just double each ingredient and mix everything in a large bowl or stand mixer. You’ll want to bake in several batches, but the recipe scales up beautifully and the cookies stay just as soft and flavorful.
Do I really need to use cream of tartar?
Yes, if you want that classic soft-yet-chewy texture that’s essential for The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe! Cream of tartar keeps your cookies tender and gives them the perfect bite. If you must substitute, use a touch of lemon juice or vinegar, but the texture may change slightly.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! You can lightly grease your baking sheets instead. However, parchment helps with even baking and easy cleanup, so it’s worth stocking for future cookie projects.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for several hours (or overnight) before baking, which can even improve the flavor and texture. Or, freeze dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
How do I keep my cookies soft for days?
For ultra-soft cookies, always store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain moisture, so your batch of The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe stays perfectly chewy.
Final Thoughts
If you love the comfort of cinnamon, you simply have to try The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe for yourself. They’re everything a classic cookie should be: sweet, warm, soft, and full of flavor that brings people together. Trust me, these will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen — so don’t wait, gather your ingredients and bake up a batch today!
Print
The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of these chewy cinnamon cookies made with a perfect blend of warm spices and sweet goodness.
Ingredients
Main Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For cinnamon-sugar coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing to form a soft dough.
- Prepare Coating: Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Shape and Coat Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place coated dough balls on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
