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Few things in baking evoke warmth and nostalgia quite like the smell of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen. These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat—soft, buttery, and delicately spiced, with that signature crackled top that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy weekend, or to pair with your favorite fall desserts and Halloween pies, this recipe delivers a cookie that’s as simple to make as it is irresistible.
They strike the perfect balance between sweetness and spice, offering the melt-in-your-mouth texture of a classic sugar cookie with the cozy warmth of cinnamon. These cookies are perfect for gift boxes, cookie exchanges, or late-night snacks with a cup of tea or cocoa.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
If you’re a fan of easy, no-fuss baking, you’ll fall in love with this recipe. These cookies combine pantry staples, require minimal effort, and taste like something straight from a professional bakery.
Here’s why they stand out:
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture: They’re buttery and tender in the center, with lightly crisp edges.
- Sweetly spiced flavor: The blend of cinnamon and sugar adds warmth and comfort in every bite.
- Simple to make: No chilling, no complicated steps—just mix, roll, and bake.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Great for any season, but especially delightful during fall and winter holidays.
- Pair beautifully with Halloween pies or autumn treats: The cinnamon notes enhance pumpkin, apple, and pecan desserts perfectly.
If you love classic sugar cookies or snickerdoodles, this recipe will easily become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of these Cinnamon Sugar Cookies is that they rely on basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s break them down so you can understand how each contributes to the texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cookies dense.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cookies their signature flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, puffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional): Adds a hint of tang and helps with that classic sugar cookie chew.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb and subtle caramel notes as they bake.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create those beautiful crackled tops.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: The extra yolk adds richness and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to complement the cinnamon.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Mix these two ingredients together in a small bowl to roll your cookie dough balls before baking. This simple step is what gives the cookies their iconic cinnamon-sugar sparkle and crisp outer layer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar (if using), and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air, creating a tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the egg, then the egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough should be smooth and slightly thick at this point.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Roll the dough balls in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets them firm up without losing their softness.
Storage Information
These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies store beautifully, which makes them ideal for advance baking or holiday gifting.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For longer storage: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven to refresh.
- Freezing dough: You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls (after rolling in cinnamon sugar). Just bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Their texture stays soft and chewy even after a few days, and the cinnamon aroma only intensifies over time.
Helpful Tips
To ensure your cookies come out perfect every time, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps the ingredients blend evenly and create a uniform dough.
- Do not overbake. Pull the cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll continue baking on the tray.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste. If you love spice, add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
- Add texture. For variation, try folding in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toffee bits.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough. A quick 30-minute chill before baking can create a puffier cookie with a softer center.
Variations
One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Cookies is their versatility. Here are a few creative ways to customize them for different occasions or flavor preferences:
- Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze for a breakfast-inspired twist.
- Brown Butter Cinnamon Cookies: Use browned butter instead of regular butter for a nutty, caramelized depth of flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg for a fall variation.
- Stuffed Cinnamon Cookies: Place a small caramel candy or chocolate piece inside each dough ball before baking for a gooey surprise.
- Holiday Sparkle Cookies: Roll the dough in colored sanding sugar for a festive touch during Christmas or Halloween.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies softer and denser with a subtle molasses flavor.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The cookies will still be chewy and delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily and is perfect for batch baking or gift boxes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
Why did my cookies come out dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Remove them from the oven while the centers are still soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you adore these Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, you’ll love trying these other cozy favorites:
- Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, tangy, and coated in cinnamon sugar.
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Perfect for fall with warm pumpkin and spice flavors.
- Sugar Cookies – Classic, buttery, and perfect for decorating.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Chewy, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cookies – Simple, nutty, and satisfying with every bite.
Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with fall beverages and holiday gatherings.
Share and Save on Pinterest
There’s nothing quite like the simplicity of Cinnamon Sugar Cookies—soft, spiced, and comforting in every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
If this recipe made your kitchen smell amazing, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest! Pin it to your “Cozy Fall Baking” or “Holiday Cookies” board to keep it handy for next time. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoons to elegant dessert platters.
PrintCinnamon Sugar Cookies
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced Cinnamon Sugar Cookies coated in cinnamon sugar — the ultimate cozy treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 11 mins
- Total Time: 26 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp cream of tartar (optional)
– ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
– 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and 1 ¼ cups sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
4. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Scoop dough, roll in cinnamon-sugar coating, and place 2 inches apart.
6. Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Optional: Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies. Store in airtight container up to 5 days.