The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Brace yourself for a treat that’s impossible to resist: these cookies are soft, chewy, and swirled with a gooey, cinnamon-sugar center for the ultimate twist on a classic. That’s right, this is The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe you’ll ever bake at home. If you’re a fan of all things cinnamon roll, you’ll be obsessed with these cookies from the very first bite. They’re the kind of sweet that makes you smile, and they’re surprisingly easy to pull off—no mystery ingredients, just pure, cozy deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe is just how simple the shopping list really is. Every ingredient pulls its weight—the butter brings richness, cinnamon gives the cookies warmth, and just the right hint of vanilla rounds it all out. Here’s why each element matters:

• Salted Butter (for filling): Start with softened butter—salted boosts flavor and helps create a creamy, indulgent filling.
• Brown Sugar (for filling): Brings that classic cinnamon roll molasses depth and helps the filling stay gooey.
• Cinnamon (filling and rolling): The star of the show! Gives these cookies their unmistakable cozy aroma and flavor.
• Salted Butter (for dough): Softened for easy creaming; it makes the dough rich and soft.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly and creates that signature cookie texture.
• Large Eggs: Help create structure and chewiness in every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds pure, gentle warmth and brings together all the other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for best results; creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• Baking Soda: Lifts the cookies and keeps them light, not dense.
• Kosher Salt: Balances out the sweet and brings all flavors to life.
• Cream of Tartar: Essential for that signature tang and super soft texture—don’t skip it!
• Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon (for rolling): That final cinnamon-sugar coat makes these cookies sparkle and bites extra special.

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, and beat again, scraping down the sides as needed, until you have a thick, luscious paste. This is where the signature swirl magic of The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe begins!

Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Filling

Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Scoop out small, marble-sized balls of cinnamon filling—aim for enough to tuck into each cookie. Place them on the sheet and freeze for 20 minutes (or refrigerate for an hour or two if you’re tight on freezer space) until perfectly firm.

Step 3: Prepare Your Dough

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and set up more baking sheets with parchment. In your (unwashed!) mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat for two minutes, scraping often, until everything is lighter and fluffy. Crack in those eggs and pour in the vanilla, then beat until the dough is completely smooth and homogenous—this is the base for our swoon-worthy cookies!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add your flour (remember to spoon and level!), but don’t mix yet. Sprinkle baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar into the flour. Gently beat this mixture into your wet ingredients, just until you see barely any more flour streaks. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and finish mixing—stop as soon as it’s combined so your cookies stay soft.

Step 5: Fold in the Cinnamon Filling

Once the cinnamon filling balls are solid, gently fold them into your dough by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula. Don’t use an electric mixer here; gentle folding will keep the filling hidden inside, ready to create gooey swirls as the cookies bake.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll the Cookie Dough

Scoop out large dough balls, about 2 inches across, and overfill your cookie scoop just a bit—generosity pays off here! In a separate bowl, stir together more cinnamon and sugar. Roll each ball in the mixture until coated for that sparkling, cinnamon-dusted finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your prepared sheets, leaving at least two inches between each one. Bake for 11–12 minutes at 350 degrees; don’t be alarmed if the centers look shiny and the cinnamon filling pools a bit at the edges. That’s the magic working!

Step 8: Shape While Hot!

Act fast when the cookies come out: while they’re still hot (within the first 30–60 seconds), use two spoons to nudge the soft edges back toward the center, creating thick, perfectly round cookies. This step packs all the oozing cinnamon goodness back inside for the irresistible texture that defines The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe.

Step 9: Cool, Then Enjoy

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes to set before transferring to a cooling rack. Sink your teeth into a warm cookie right away—you deserve a little cinnamon roll bliss!

How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

An extra sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar just before serving takes these cookies from amazing to unforgettable. If you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of vanilla glaze looks gorgeous and adds that “bakery window” sparkle.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is the classic combo—it’s perfect for offsetting the warm cinnamon swirls. Or, try pairing these with a creamy chai latte, hot cocoa, or even iced coffee for a delightful treat that turns snack time into an occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh berries for a punch of color, or box them up in parchment for the sweetest homemade gift. You can even turn them into dessert “sliders” by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies irresistibly soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you made a big batch, slipping a slice of bread into the container helps maintain their chewy texture by keeping everything moist.

Freezing

You can totally get ahead by freezing the cookie dough balls (after rolling in cinnamon sugar) in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time for fresh, warm cookies anytime.

Reheating

If your cookies need a little revival, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will bring back their gooey centers. For that “just baked” effect, warm them in a low oven (300 degrees F) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe without cream of tartar?

While cream of tartar is key for that signature tang and chewy texture, you can substitute with a little extra baking powder if you’re in a pinch—though the flavor might be slightly milder.

How do I keep the cinnamon filling from leaking out?

Some filling pooling is normal (and delicious!), but shaping the cookies with spoons right after baking packs all those gooey swirls back inside. This quick step is what makes The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe chewy and tidy rather than messy.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just add an extra pinch of kosher salt to both the dough and the filling to balance out the flavors.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Yes! It scales beautifully. Just keep an eye on the freezing and baking times—larger or smaller portions may set or bake a bit faster or slower.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, these cookies stay soft for days and hold up well to packaging. Presenting The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe in a pretty box or tin makes for an unforgettable homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s soft, cinnamon-swirled, and packed with nostalgic comfort, give The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe a try. They’re easy, irresistible, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Happy baking—don’t forget to save a few for yourself!

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