The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

There is nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon filling your home, especially when it comes from The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. This delightful treat is a game changer—infused with a creamy cinnamon center wrapped in tender, chewy cookie dough, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment with your favorite cup of tea, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple. Prepare yourself for a cookie experience that will make you smile and crave more every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples but essential to creating that perfect texture, rich flavor, and mouthwatering aroma you expect from The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from bringing moisture and richness to adding just the right amount of cinnamon spice and sweetness.

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base for the cinnamon filling, enriching its flavor.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moist sweetness and depth to the filling with hints of molasses.
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: The signature spice that gives these cookies their iconic warm kick.
• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened: Creates a tender and rich dough perfect for holding the filling.
• 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together, adding structure and moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: The main structure that gives the cookies body and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough for a light, tender crumb.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all other flavors.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Provides a tender texture and slight tang that enhances the cinnamon’s warmth.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Used with cinnamon to create a delightful, crisp exterior on the cookies.
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (for coating): Adds a finishing sparkle of cinnamon flavor and a beautiful look.

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by beating 6 tablespoons of softened butter until it becomes creamy and smooth. This step ensures your filling will have that luscious, spreadable texture. Then add the brown sugar and the 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Beat everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and the cinnamon is evenly incorporated, creating a velvety, spiced filling that steals the show inside each cookie.

Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Filling

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and non-stick results. Using a spoon, form small marble-sized balls of your filling mixture and arrange them neatly on the pan. Freezing these little gems for about 20 minutes helps them firm up, making them much easier to fold into the dough without melting or losing shape. If you’re short on freezer space, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours as an alternative.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prep extra baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. These will accommodate your cookie dough balls later on, ensuring they bake evenly and release effortlessly.

Step 4: Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar and beat for a couple of minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy—that’s a key step for tender cookies. Then, add your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating after each addition. Scrape the bowl so everything is perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently add the 3 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar on top of your wet ingredients. Mix slowly and carefully, just until everything is incorporated—avoiding over-mixing is vital here to keep your cookies tender and soft, not tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Cinnamon Filling

Now for the magic touch: fold in the frozen cinnamon filling balls delicately using a wooden spoon or spatula. This step requires care so you don’t break apart the filling pieces and lose that lovely cinnamon core in your cookies. Avoid using an electric mixer at this stage.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls about 2 inches across. Slightly overfill the scoop if you want chunkier, more indulgent cookies—the extra size allows for a gooey center and chewy edges, exactly what you want from The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix 1/3 cup sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in this sweet cinnamon coating for a pleasant crunch and irresistible aroma when baking. This final dusting amps up the cinnamon presence beautifully.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets—try to bake 8 per large sheet for even heat circulation, which ensures uniform baking and gorgeous shape.

Step 10: Bake and Shape Immediately

Bake your cookies for about 11–12 minutes at 350°F. You want the edges to be set but not browned, and the filling centers to appear shiny and slightly underdone. As soon as they come out of the oven, within 30–60 seconds, use the edge of a spoon to gently nudge and reshape the cookies back into perfect circles, packing in any oozing filling or edges. This technique gives your cookies their signature thick, chewy texture and an evenly rounded shape.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your cookies to cool on the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets the filling set fully, locking in that gorgeous gooey center you just created. Serve them warm for a heartwarming treat, especially lovely alongside a cold glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can add an elegant touch to these rustic treats. For a more festive feel, sprinkle crushed nuts or edible gold dust on top to wow your guests visually and texturally.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like chai tea, coffee, or a creamy latte, which perfectly complement the cinnamon spice. If you want to create a dessert plate, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance warmth and coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a cinnamon-scented napkin for a cozy gift. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or cinnamon buttercream for a decadent twist that wears The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe in a whole new style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This method preserves their chewy texture while preventing them from drying out, so you can enjoy that freshly baked quality days later.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the cooked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray first then transfer to a sealed bag; bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two of cooking time. Baked cookies freeze best in airtight containers with parchment layers.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive their softness and gooey center. Alternatively, microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but be cautious to avoid overheating and drying out the cookie.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just be sure to add a pinch more salt to the dough to keep the flavor balanced, as salt enhances the sweetness and spices in the cookies.

Why do I need to freeze the cinnamon filling balls?

Freezing firms up the filling, making it easier to fold into the dough without melting or smearing. It preserves the distinct cinnamon pockets inside the cookie, giving you that delightful surprise with every bite.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling your dough before baking helps control spread. Also, avoid using melted butter and do not over-mix the dough, as that can cause the cookies to lose their shape during baking.

Can I substitute the cream of tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can omit it or replace it with lemon juice or vinegar but use very small amounts. Cream of tartar contributes to the tender texture and slight tang, so your cookies may differ slightly without it.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe traditionally uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check if additional baking adjustments are needed for texture.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a cozy, irresistibly flavorful dessert to brighten your days, you simply must try The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. It’s a recipe that truly brings joy, whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holidays, or just to treat yourself. Once you taste these soft, chewy cookies bursting with cinnamon goodness, they will surely become one of your favorites to bake and share again and again.

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