The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a chewy, buttery delight oozing with a dreamy cinnamon swirl, let me welcome you to The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe! These cookies are outrageously soft, thanks to their pillowy dough and hidden cinnamon-sugar centers. Effortlessly combining the nostalgic magic of a snickerdoodle with the warm hug of a cinnamon roll, this is the sweet treat you’ll crave for every occasion. Trust me, one bite and you’ll taste why this is a treasured favorite in my kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe only requires a handful of pantry staples, yet each one is absolutely essential. From the richness of real butter to the heady spice of cinnamon, every ingredient plays a role in building those irresistible layers of taste and texture.

• Salted Butter (6 tablespoons, softened): This forms the base of the glorious cinnamon filling, creating a creamy consistency and rich taste.
• Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Its deep, molasses-y flavor is the secret to the lush cinnamon swirl in every bite.
• Cinnamon (1 and 1/2 tablespoons, plus 1 and 1/2 tablespoons): Divided for the filling and the coating, this spice is the star, adding warmth and unmistakable personality throughout.
• Salted Butter (1 cup, softened): Makes up the base of the cookie dough, guaranteeing a supremely tender crumb and decadent flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (1 and 2/3 cups, plus 1/3 cup): Used for both sweetening and creating that classic crackled sugar exterior.
• Eggs (2 large): These bind everything together and lend that quintessential chewiness you want in the ultimate cinnamon cookie.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A classic flavor enhancer that brings balance and subtle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 and 1/2 cups): Spoon and leveled for accurate measurement, this is the structure that holds our cookies tall and proud.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures each bite is lifted and perfectly textured.
• Kosher Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Punches up all the sweet notes and keeps the cookies from being cloying.
• Cream of Tartar (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): The classic snickerdoodle twist! This tangy ingredient keeps the cookies ultra-soft and adds unique flavor.

How to Make The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Start by creaming together 6 tablespoons of softened, salted butter in a stand mixer or large bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add the packed brown sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon, then beat everything until it’s completely homogeneous. With a spoon, portion out marble-sized balls of filling and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until hardened. This step is the magic behind those oozy, swirly centers that make The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe unforgettable!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pans

While your cinnamon filling chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—get them ready for cookie action! If pantry space is limited, just use the pan from the freezer later for baking, too.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In your stand mixer’s bowl (no need to wash it after making the filling, promise!), beat 1 cup of softened, salted butter until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed. Gradually add 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar, then keep beating for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step guarantees cookies with an ultra-soft bite.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Introduce your eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Beat well between each addition and scrape the bowl to catch any sneaky bits. Once the batter is creamy and perfectly blended, you know you’re on track to the tastiest cookies!

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

To ensure even leavening and flavor throughout the dough, stir the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar together before mixing them in. This step takes just a minute and saves you from dreaded flour pockets. Gently beat the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stopping as soon as you see only a few flour streaks remaining so you don’t overwork the dough.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cinnamon Filling

By now, your cinnamon-filling balls should be nice and firm. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, fold these treasures into the dough. Avoid your mixer here—this is a gentler process, ensuring every bite of The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe includes that gooey, sweet swirl without breaking the cinnamon balls apart.

Step 7: Shape the Dough Balls

With a large cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into generous 2-inch balls. If you want extra wow-factor, overfill your scoop just a smidge! Place the portioned dough onto a sheet, keeping them about two inches apart to account for spreading.

Step 8: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix 1/3 cup granulated sugar with another 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon in a bowl. Gently roll each dough ball in this aromatic blend until it’s totally coated. This finishing step is what gives The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe its signature sparkle and spiced aroma.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookie balls spaced apart (around 8–12 per pan) and bake at 350 degrees for 11 to 12 minutes. Don’t stress if they look a touch underdone or if the cinnamon filling looks shiny. The magic happens in the next step!

Step 10: Shape While Warm

As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven—seriously, don’t wait—grab two spoons and gently coax the edges inward to form thick, round cookies. This keeps the cinnamon swirl inside and makes each cookie irresistibly chewy and tall. The gooey bits on the edges? Press them right back in for extra cinnamon glory!

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least five minutes to set. Then transfer to a wire rack and, if patience allows, let them cool a bit more. But honestly, I always eat one warm with a cold glass of milk for instant cinnamon roll bliss!

How to Serve The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon-sugar on top, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty bakery-style finish. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of vanilla glaze makes these cookies absolutely swoon-worthy!

Side Dishes

The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe shines alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a frothy latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair them with fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries for a lovely balance to their rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these beauties in a clear cookie jar for an irresistibly homey centerpiece, or bundle them in parchment and twine for a heartfelt homemade gift. Try sandwiching marshmallow fluff or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an over-the-top treat at your next party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They actually stay wonderfully soft, and the cinnamon filling keeps the centers chewy and moist—no sad, stale cookies here!

Freezing

The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe is a freezer champion! Shape the dough balls, roll them in cinnamon sugar, and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen (add a minute or two to the baking time) for fresh, warm cookies whenever you need a treat.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked magic, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives the gooey cinnamon swirl and gives you that warm, bakery-fresh bite all over again.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?

You can, but cream of tartar really gives The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe its unique tang and texture. If you’re out, substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar for a similar result, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?

The secret is in the spoon technique! Right after baking, gently nudge the soft edges inward with two spoons to reshape the cookies. This creates that perfect, bakery-style roundness—don’t skip it!

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe easily doubles for a crowd. Just freeze the filling balls in batches if your freezer space is limited, and use extra baking sheets to keep the cookies well-spaced when baking multiple trays.

Why do I need to freeze the cinnamon filling?

Chilling the filling ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t just melt into the dough while baking. Freezing keeps those cinnamon swirls thick, gooey, and exactly where you want them—inside every cookie!

How can I tell when the cookies are done?

They won’t look completely set in the center! The edges should look firm (but not browned), and only the cinnamon filling should be shiny. Trust the bake time and let the cookies finish setting on the tray. If you like softer cookies, aim for the lower bake time; for slightly crispier edges, go closer to 12 minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing warm, cinnamon-swirled cookies with loved ones, and The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe is guaranteed to win hearts at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to experience the gooey centers, sparkling sugar crust, and irresistible aroma that fill the kitchen when you make these. Grab your apron and give them a try—you’ll be hooked on that cinnamon bliss after the very first bite!

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