The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

These soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a cinnamon-lover’s dream come true! With a delightful swirl of cinnamon roll filling nestled within Snickerdoodle dough and rolled in cinnamon-sugar, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, this recipe brings warmth and sweetness to the table. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Delicious: The blend of cinnamon sugar with soft cookie dough creates an irresistible flavor combination.
• Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps that make baking feel effortless, even for beginners.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect as a treat for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or just because!
• Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Unique Twist on Classic Cookies: These cookies offer a delightful take on traditional snickerdoodles with added cinnamon filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making these delicious cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring the best texture for your cookies.
• Baking Sheets: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, helping them cook uniformly.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps you portion out uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Filling

• Salted butter (softened) – 6 tablespoons
• Brown sugar (packed) – 3/4 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 and 1/2 tablespoons

For the Cookie Dough

• Salted butter (softened) – 1 cup (2 sticks)
• Granulated sugar – 1 and 2/3 cup
• Eggs – 2 large
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) – 3 and 1/2 cups
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Kosher salt – 3/4 teaspoon
• Cream of tartar – 1 and 1/2 teaspoons

For Rolling

• Granulated sugar – 1/3 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 and 1/2 tablespoons

How to Make The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the softened butter. Beat well until creamy. Add packed brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until completely smooth.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon to create small balls of filling about the size of marbles. Freeze them for about 20 minutes until hardened.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare additional baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

In the same bowl used for the filling, beat together softened butter until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until homogenous.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Spoon in all-purpose flour without mixing yet. Use a small spoon to stir in baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar into the flour. Gently mix into the butter mixture without overdoing it; stop when there are still some flour streaks.

Step 5: Add Filling

Once your frozen cinnamon filling is firm, fold it into your cookie dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure it’s evenly distributed without breaking up the filling too much.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to shape dough balls approximately 2 inches across. Roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon until coated.

Step 7: Bake

Place cookie dough balls on prepared sheets with about two inches between each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 11-12 minutes. They might appear shiny but should be firm around the edges.

Step 8: Shape After Baking

Immediately after removing from the oven, use spoons to gently push the edges toward their centers to maintain shape before letting them set on the pan for at least five minutes.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Transfer cooled cookies to wire racks. Pair them with milk for an extra treat! Don’t forget that you can freeze this dough for up to three months for future baking adventures!

How to Serve The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

These cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pair them with your favorite beverages or serve them at gatherings for an irresistible dessert option.

Beverage Pairings

• Milk – A classic pairing, cold milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Coffee – Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Tea – Herbal or chai tea can enhance the warm flavors of cinnamon in these cookies.

Dessert Displays

• Cookie Platter – Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter for parties or family gatherings.
• Gift Jars – Layer the cookies in a mason jar for a sweet homemade gift.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Perfect The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to perfect with a few helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the Dough – If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
• Rotate Baking Sheets – For even baking, rotate your cookie sheets halfway through baking, especially if using multiple trays.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

These cinnamon cookie delights shine on their own, but they can also be complemented by some tasty side dishes.

1. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delicious contrast in textures.
3. Cheese Board – Include various cheeses that pair well with sweets, like brie or aged cheddar, which can enhance flavors.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie in warm chocolate for a decadent twist.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for an indulgent dessert experience.
6. Hot Chocolate – A warm cup of hot chocolate is perfect for dipping these flavorful treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes in the kitchen is crucial for achieving the perfect cookies. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter instead of softened can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Stop mixing once just combined for a softer bite.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, resulting in dry cookies. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not freezing the cinnamon filling balls might cause them to melt into the dough during baking. Always freeze them beforehand for better results.
• Opening the oven door too often: Each time you open the oven, heat escapes, causing uneven baking. Try to resist checking until close to the end of baking time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• How long: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Container type: Use a ziplock bag or a plastic container with a lid.

Freezing The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

• How long: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Container type: Place in a ziplock bag and label with date.

Reheating The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Butter gives richer taste and better consistency.

How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, avoid overbaking them; take them out when they still look slightly underdone. The residual heat will continue cooking them.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can substitute with baking powder as an alternative; use 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder along with your baking soda.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With its soft texture and gooey center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with extras like nuts or chocolate chips—experiment and enjoy!