Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Cookies
Nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked batch of soft and chewy cinnamon cookies. With their warm, spiced aroma and delicate balance of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, these cookies are an absolute delight.
Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe guarantees perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies every time. But what’s the secret to their irresistible texture? Let’s dive in.
The Secret to Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Cookies
The key to achieving that perfectly soft and chewy texture lies in understanding the science behind baking. One of the most important elements is the ratio of sugar to moisture.
- Using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar ensures a moist texture while providing a caramel-like depth of flavor. Learn more about how sugar affects cookies.
- Butter plays a crucial role in tenderness. Always use real, unsalted butter to maintain the right fat balance.
- Chilling the dough is another trick to preventing cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring a thick and chewy consistency.
Another delicious way to enjoy cinnamon-flavored treats is by trying a cheesecake twist, such as this rich and decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
These cookies use simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in their final texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure.
- Cinnamon – The star ingredient, adding warmth and spice.
- Baking powder – Creates a soft, chewy texture instead of crispiness.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
- Egg – Helps bind ingredients and provides structure.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor depth.
- Brown & white sugar – Keeps cookies soft while adding a light crisp edge.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
A simple blend of:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
This coating adds a delicious, slightly crisp outer layer while deepening the cinnamon-infused taste.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Soft Cinnamon Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (or ½ cup each brown and white)
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cinnamon sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the dough
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop and prevent excess spreading.
- Shape and coat
- Roll the dough into small balls (about ¾-inch).
- Coat each ball thoroughly in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place dough balls about an inch apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Cookies
- Use room temperature butter – Softened butter blends better for a smooth dough.
- Measure flour correctly – Spoon it into a measuring cup and level it off (never scoop directly).
- Avoid overmixing – Overworking the dough makes cookies tough instead of soft.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough – It helps prevent excessive spreading.
- Slightly underbake for softness – They’ll continue setting as they cool.
How to Store & Freeze Cinnamon Cookies
Short-Term Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Pro tip: Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft and chewy.
Long-Term Storage (Freezing)
- Baked cookies: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Cookie dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze raw. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists on this classic recipe:
- Add chocolate chips – White or dark chocolate pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Incorporate nuts – Pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty depth.
- Make cinnamon oatmeal cookies – Swap some flour for rolled oats for a heartier bite.
- Use maple or nutmeg – Enhances the fall flavors of the cookies.
- Create cinnamon cookie ice cream sandwiches – Simply sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies!
Serving Ideas – Perfect Pairings
These cookies are best enjoyed with a warm beverage, and for the ultimate cozy experience, pair them with a cup of homemade hot cocoa. The creamy, chocolatey richness complements the warm cinnamon spice perfectly!
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Cookies spreading too much? – Ensure the dough is properly chilled and don’t use melted butter.
Cookies too hard? – Bake for less time; they should look slightly underbaked when removed.
Too crumbly or dry? – Check your flour measurement. Too much flour makes cookies dense and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best cinnamon to use?
For a rich, bold flavor, use Ceylon cinnamon (milder and sweeter) or Cassia cinnamon (stronger and spicier).
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Likely due to:
- Over-softened butter
- Skipping the chilling step
- Not enough flour
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with:
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
How do I make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Cookies chewier?
- Use more brown sugar than white sugar.
- Add an extra egg yolk for extra richness.
- Bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) for a longer time.
Final Thoughts
If you love cinnamon and soft-baked treats, these cookies will become your new favorite. With their rich, spiced flavor and chewy texture, they are perfect for any occasion. Experiment with variations and enjoy them warm with a glass of milk!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!