Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you are on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, then you will absolutely adore these Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. They are magic on a plate—soft and chewy in all the right places, kissed with cinnamon sweetness, and baked to golden perfection in no time. These delightful treats strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making them my go-to recipe whenever I want to whip up something irresistibly comforting without a fuss. Trust me, once you try these Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results from your cookies starts with simply wonderful ingredients that each bring their own special something to the dough. From the richness of real butter to the warm embrace of cinnamon, every component is essential in crafting those divine flavors and textures.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g) at room temperature: This ensures a creamy base for the cookies and gives them that luscious chew.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g): Sweetness with a slight crunch once baked, balancing perfectly with the cinnamon.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of the cookies, delivering that characteristic warming spice.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and structure to keep the cookies tender yet sturdy.
- 1 egg yolk: Contributes extra richness for softness, while the white is discarded here for texture control.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and adds a lovely fragrant depth.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300g): Forms the perfect base for the cookie dough, giving these treats their signature chew.
- 1 tsp corn starch: Helps create that delicate, tender texture without weighing them down.
- 3/4 tsp baking soda: Provides just enough lift for a light cookie without puffing them up too much.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony and balance.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a subtle, crackly sugary shell when baked.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for rolling): Infuses extra warm spiciness to the outside, making every bite shimmer with flavor.
How to Make Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workstation
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze. You’ll reuse these sheets for a second batch, so keep that parchment ready to go!
Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugar, and Cinnamon
In a large bowl or your mixer’s bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or mixing on low speed, cream these until the mixture is fluffy and fully blended. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps create the soft, chewy texture we love in these cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the whole egg plus the extra egg yolk, and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is seamlessly combined and silky smooth, about one minute. If you’re using a mixer, feel free to bump it up to medium speed now to fully blend the ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now add in the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gently mix until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix here; you want everything just combined to maintain that tender, chewy texture.
Step 5: Roll Dough in Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon on a plate or shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop (1-2 tablespoons), scoop out dough portions and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This creates that signature sparkling crust that’s as delightful as the inside.
Step 6: Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheets
Place the rolled dough balls onto your prepared cookie sheets, spacing them evenly. You’ll fit about eight cookies per sheet, giving them room to bake up without crowding.
Step 7: Bake and Shape
Bake in the preheated oven for roughly 10 minutes. While the cookies are still warm from the oven, quickly use a larger cookie cutter or your hand to gently “scoot” the edges in circular motions to nudge them into that perfect shape—this little step adds an extra special touch and sets them apart.
Step 8: Final Touch of Cinnamon Sugar
If you want to elevate the texture and flavor even more, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top of the warm cookies. This step adds a lovely crunch and an extra kiss of cinnamon goodness that makes these cookies completely unforgettable.
How to Serve Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze elegantly complements these cookies without overpowering their cinnamon charm. For something cozy, a little cinnamon stick garnish on the plate enhances the presentation and aroma.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolutely delightful alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a frothy chai latte, or a steaming cup of black coffee. Serving them with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can add a refreshing balance to their sweet and spicy nature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in a circle on a decorative platter, sprinkle edible gold dust over the top, or sandwich them with cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting. Wrapping them in parchment tied with rustic twine makes an irresistible homemade gift sure to charm anyone lucky enough to receive it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture and softness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to restore their perfect chewy texture.
Reheating
Warm up your cookies briefly in a microwave (about 10-15 seconds) or a low oven to revive their softness and enhance the cinnamon aroma. This makes them feel freshly baked all over again and is perfect for satisfying sudden cookie cravings.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, salted butter can be used, but be mindful to reduce or omit the kosher salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter gives you more control, but salted butter works just fine in a pinch.
Why discard the egg white and only use the yolk?
The extra egg yolk adds richness and tenderness to the cookies without making them too cakey or chewy, which sometimes happens when using whole eggs only. The white is discarded here to fine-tune the texture into that signature chewiness.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Gluten-free flour blends can be used, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly. It’s best to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or other binders to mimic gluten’s elasticity for the best chewy results.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed. Also, spacing the cookies well on the sheet and not overloading with too much sugar can help maintain their shape.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar before baking?
Yes! Rolling the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking adds a glamorous crackly crust and extra spice punch on the outside, which makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
With their delightful chew, rich cinnamon warmth, and effortless preparation, these Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies have carved a permanent place in my heart and kitchen. Baking a batch guarantees smiles and cozy moments—whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend treat. I’m so happy you’ll be making these soon, and I promise they’ll be your new favorite cookie that’s both quick to make and impossible to resist!
Print
Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and warm cinnamon flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet crunch and baked to a delightful golden finish. Ideal for a cozy snack or holiday treat, they come together quickly and satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), at room temperature
- 1 egg (large)
- 1 egg yolk (white discarded)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300g)
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. You will reuse cookie sheets for baking multiple batches.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cinnamon: In a large bowl or mixer, combine 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Cream together using a wooden spoon or mixer on low speed until fluffy and thoroughly mixed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined, about 1 minute. Increase mixer speed to medium if using.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp corn starch, 3/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: On a plate or shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon and mix well.
- Scoop and Roll Dough: Using a 1-2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. Place dough balls onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing evenly, about 8 per sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Shape and Finish: Immediately after removing from the oven, use your hand or a larger cookie cutter to gently scoot the cookies in small circles to shape them evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top for extra texture.
Notes
- Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- The technique of shaping cookies after baking helps maintain a uniform thickness and chewiness.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Adding extra cinnamon sugar on top enhances the crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar cookies, chewy cookies, quick cookie recipe, cinnamon cookies, homemade cookies, dessert snack
