Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
If you’re like me and swoon at the very thought of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, let me introduce you to the Best Cinnamon Cookie. This isn’t just another cinnamon sugar treat; it’s a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a dreamy soft center, crackly edges, and a flavor so warm and inviting, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—if not thirds. The secret lies in the perfect blend of spice, just the right amount of sweetness, and a cinnamon-sugar crust that makes each bite pure joy. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight bake or want to impress a friend with a plate of homemade comfort, these cookies hit all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Best Cinnamon Cookie doesn’t call for anything fancy, but each ingredient has a special role to play. Together, they create the classic chewiness, the irresistible cinnamon aroma, and the golden hue that makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookie structure and just the right amount of chew without getting cakey.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cookies puff up ever so slightly for soft, thick centers.
- Baking powder: Adds an extra lift, helping the cookies stay light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of this recipe, delivering that instantly recognizable warmth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds buttery flavor throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and gives the cookies their signature crackly tops.
- Egg: Binds everything together while keeping the cookies soft.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of aromatic depth that makes the flavors pop.
- Extra sugar and cinnamon for rolling: Forms the sparkling, cinnamon-laced crust you’ll crave in every bite.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Cookie
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F, making sure it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready. Meanwhile, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake up golden, not stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Don’t rush this step! Whisking evenly distributes the leaveners and ensures every cookie gets the same lovely rise and flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Creaming creates those tiny air pockets that lead to a tender, soft-baked Best Cinnamon Cookie.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until everything is beautifully combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while vanilla gives each cookie a rich, cozy aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamy butter mixture. Mix on low or with a spatula just until you see no more streaks of flour; stopping here keeps the cookies perfectly soft.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Rolling
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Roll the dough into 1-inch-sized balls, then give each one a nice tumble in your cinnamon sugar until fully coated. This is that magical step where the Best Cinnamon Cookie gets its signature sparkly crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This is the secret to cookies that stay moist and chewy! Let them hang out on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool—if you can wait, that is.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Cookie
Garnishes
For a special touch, sprinkle your warm cookies with a pinch of extra cinnamon sugar right as they come out of the oven—this amplifies the spice and adds a lovely sparkle. If you want to get even fancier, a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar can transform your Best Cinnamon Cookie into a coffee-shop-worthy treat.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cup of strong coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or even homemade chai. During the holidays, try serving with mugs of spiced hot chocolate or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these treats in a glass jar and tie with a ribbon for an edible gift, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand at your next get-together. For parties, sandwich vanilla ice cream or cinnamon buttercream between two cookies for decadent, crowd-pleasing ice cream sandwiches that will disappear in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Best Cinnamon Cookie in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully chewy and fresh for up to 5 days. Pop a piece of bread in the container to help them maintain their softness longer.
Freezing
If you want to keep cookie cravings at bay, freeze dough balls (already coated in cinnamon sugar) on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. You can also freeze the baked cookies. Either way, they’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring leftover cookies back to warm, gooey glory, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. They’ll emerge soft and fragrant, as if freshly baked. A few seconds in the microwave also works for a quick treat.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to keep your Best Cinnamon Cookie balanced and not overly salty.
What’s the best way to get perfectly even cookies?
Using a small cookie scoop ensures each dough ball is the same size, which helps every cookie bake up evenly—for consistency and beautiful presentation.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! A handful of chopped pecans or white chocolate chips makes an extra-special twist, though the classic Best Cinnamon Cookie is still a top favorite all on its own.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should look set and just lightly golden, but the centers will still appear soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want that chewy texture.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight?
Definitely! Chilling the dough overnight can deepen the flavors and make the cookies a bit thicker—just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling and baking.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sharing a batch with friends or sneaking a cookie (or two) for yourself, I’m convinced these will become your go-to for every cinnamon craving. Give this Best Cinnamon Cookie a try and prepare to fall in love with just how easy, cozy, and downright delicious homemade can be!
Print
Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of these Best Cinnamon Cookies. Soft, chewy, and generously coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
- Shape and Coat Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
