The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting flavors in cookie form, you are going to adore The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender, chewy dough and a cinnamony sweet filling that melts ever so slightly as they bake. Each bite bursts with the cozy spice of cinnamon nestled inside a buttery cookie, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cinnamon cookies will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and warm cinnamon flavor we all crave. From the richness of butter to the subtle tang of cream of tartar, these ingredients come together for something truly delightful.

• Salted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and filling, helping create that soft, chewy texture.
• Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes in the cinnamon filling and keeps the cookies tender.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that delivers warmth and aromatic sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crunch on the cookie surface.
• Large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to cookie structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving a lovely depth to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie and provides the necessary structure.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, keeping them soft but not too dense.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• Cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and helps achieve the perfect chewiness.
• Cinnamon sugar mix: For rolling the dough balls and giving a sweet, spiced crust on each cookie.

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Begin by creaming 6 tablespoons of softened butter with 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon until the mixture is completely smooth. This rich filling will be the secret surprise inside each cookie, offering a molten burst of flavor.

Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Filling

Spoon the filling into small marble-sized balls onto a parchment-lined tray. Freezing these balls for around 20 minutes ensures they stay intact when folded into the dough, creating those luscious cinnamon pockets after baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prep Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line additional trays with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked, non-stick cookies.

Step 4: Make the Cookie Dough

In the same mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This creates a tender and rich dough that’s the foundation of The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar over the wet mixture. Gently mix just until everything is incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in the Frozen Cinnamon Filling Balls

Once firm, carefully fold the frozen cinnamon filling balls into the dough by hand using a spatula or wooden spoon. This gentle folding helps maintain the filling’s shape so each bite is filled with cinnamon goodness.

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough

Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls roughly 2 inches across. Slightly overfilling your scoop will give you chunkier, more satisfying cookies.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Roll each dough ball in a mix of 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. This sweet, spiced crust adds texture and an extra burst of cinnamon flavor to every cookie’s surface.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice the edges set while the center stays glossy with cinnamon filling, signaling the ideal chewiness.

Step 10: Shape Immediately After Baking

Right after removing from the oven, use the edge of a spoon to gently reshape the cookies by nudging any oozing filling back into place. This step ensures thick, chewy cookies with soft centers – a delightful texture surprise.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Warm with a glass of milk or your preferred beverage for a cozy, irresistible treat.

How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest touches make all the difference. Sprinkle freshly ground cinnamon on top or add a light dusting of powdered sugar to amp up the visual appeal and enhance the cozy flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a latte with just a hint of cinnamon to double down on the spice for a comforting experience that feels like a warm hug.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a decadent dessert sandwich. Alternatively, serve them alongside seasonal fruit or whipped cream for a festive touch at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready for a quick snack any time you need a cinnamon boost.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

For freshly baked warmth, microwave a frozen or refrigerated cookie for about 15 seconds. This revives the gooey filling and soft dough, making every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes! Just be sure to add a pinch of extra salt to balance the flavors since salted butter adds a bit of savory contrast that enhances the sweetness and cinnamon.

What makes these cookies chewy rather than crispy?

The combination of cream of tartar, the right balance of sugars, and gentle mixing helps achieve the perfect chewy texture that sets The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe apart.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and frozen cinnamon filling balls in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. Just keep the dough refrigerated for up to 2 days.

What’s the purpose of cream of tartar in the recipe?

Cream of tartar adds a slight tang and acts as a stabilizer for the cookie’s structure, lending to the tender chewiness that makes these cookies unforgettable.

How do I prevent the cinnamon filling from leaking too much?

Freezing the cinnamon filling balls before folding them into the dough is key. Also, shaping the cookies immediately after baking helps pack the filling back in, reducing leakage and giving thicker cookies.

Final Thoughts

Sharing The Best Cinnamon Cookie Recipe with you has been a joy because it brings together all the comforting cinnamon love we crave in cookie form. These cookies are truly a delicious way to brighten any day, whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be your go-to for cinnamon cookie bliss!

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