The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon in your baked treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft, chewy dough with a surprise gooey cinnamon filling inside that melts in your mouth—like tiny cinnamon rolls wrapped up as cookies! I love making these for cozy afternoons or for sharing around the holidays when everyone craves that nostalgic cinnamon sweetness.

What makes this recipe extra special is the little hidden cinnamon filling balls that freeze and nestle inside the dough, giving you an ooey-gooey center that you won’t find in your average cinnamon cookie. You’ll find that once you try these, they’ll be your go-to cookie for when you want a shortcut to that cinnamon roll vibe without the fuss of rolling dough out. Trust me, once you bake them, you’ll be so glad you did!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe come together beautifully to create that soft, fluffy dough paired with an irresistible cinnamon-packed filling. I always recommend using fresh spices and quality butter for the best flavor and texture. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and some insider tips!

• Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds a subtle savory balance—plus, it really helps bring out the sweetness in both dough and filling.
• Brown Sugar: The packed brown sugar in the filling keeps it moist and rich with caramel notes.
• Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon is ideal here for maximum aroma and warmth.
• Granulated Sugar: For the dough and rolling, granulated sugar helps with structure and that slight crispiness on the outside.
• Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla gives depth to your cookies’ flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies.
• Baking Soda: Adds a gentle lift to the dough.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is key—it keeps cookies soft and slightly chewy, the way I like it!
• Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: For rolling the dough balls, this provides a subtle crunch and extra cinnamon kick on the outside.

Variations

I’ve found that this recipe is wonderfully versatile, so I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you want to add a little twist for the holidays or adjust it for dietary needs, these variations keep the spirit and flavor intact.

• Add a Glaze: Drizzle cream cheese or vanilla glaze on top – my family loves this extra indulgence for festive gatherings.
• Use Dairy-Free Butter: For a dairy-free version, swap out butter for a plant-based alternative; just make sure it’s solid and good for baking.
• Extra Spices: Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves into the cinnamon filling for a spiced-up flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: I once added mini chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist – the cinnamon and chocolate combo was a hit!

How to Make The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon Filling

Start by softening your butter and beating it until super creamy and smooth. Add in the packed brown sugar and cinnamon, then beat it all together until the mixture is silky with no lumps. The key here is making sure your butter is well-softened — I usually take it out of the fridge ahead of time or zap it for 10 seconds in the microwave. Then, scoop small marble-sized balls of this luscious filling onto a parchment-lined tray and pop them into the freezer until firm. Trust me, the chilling step is essential so the filling doesn’t melt into the dough while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dreamy Dough

Using the same bowl, beat softened butter and the granulated sugar together until light and fluffy – this usually takes around 2 minutes. Don’t rush it, scraping down the bowl intermittently to avoid uneven mixing. Next, add the eggs and vanilla and beat until you get a smooth, homogenous batter. Now, take your spooned and leveled flour and gently whisk in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar before adding the mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—you want those flour streaks to mostly disappear but be careful not to overwork it. Over mixing dries out the cookies, and no one wants tough cinnamon treats!

Step 3: Fold in the Chilled Cinnamon Filling

Carefully fold in your frozen cinnamon filling balls with a wooden spoon or spatula—this step is best done by hand to keep those little pockets intact. Resist the urge to use your mixer here; you want to keep the filling pieces whole so that gooey center surprise really shines through in the finished cookie.

Step 4: Shape and Roll Your Cookies

Grab a large cookie scoop or spoon and shape your dough into balls about 2 inches wide. Then roll each ball generously in a cinnamon-sugar mixture – this adds an irresistible slight crunch and extra cinnamon flavor on the outside. Place the cookie balls on a prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread a bit without merging. If you want, you can fit up to 8 cookies comfortably to keep their shape perfect.

Step 5: Bake and Shape to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350°F for 11-12 minutes. You’ll notice the cinnamon filling stays shiny and gooey even when the edges look firm but not browned–don’t worry, this is how it’s supposed to be! Once out of the oven, immediately use two spoons to push the edges gently towards the center, packing in that lovely cinnamon sugar filling and shaping the cookie back into a round mound. This step makes your cookies thick and chewy, preventing the filling from spilling everywhere and keeping that perfect texture.

Let the cookies cool at least 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack. This is when they go from soft blobs to mouthwatering cinnamon delights. Seriously, you might want to grab a glass of milk and dive right in!

How to Serve The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep these cinnamon cookies simple because the filling is the star, but a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snowy touch. For special occasions, a drizzle of vanilla or cream cheese glaze gives a lovely, festive feel—plus it’s delicious with the cinnamon. I’ve also sprinkled some chopped toasted pecans on top once for that extra crunch and nutty flavor, which was a hit with friends.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk—my personal favorite! For brunch or dessert spreads, I like to add fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to balance the richness. They also team well with vanilla ice cream if you want to turn cookies into an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to stack these cinnamon cookies on a tiered tray wrapped with a ribbon—so simple yet elegant. Another fun idea is to serve them warm inside a pretty basket lined with a festive cloth napkin to keep that fresh-baked vibe going. If you’re gifting, popping a few cookies into clear cellophane bags tied with cinnamon sticks makes for an adorable homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftover cookies, I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain that soft chew, I place a slice of bread inside the container—it works like magic by keeping moisture in. If you want a slightly crisp edge, just leave them uncovered for a bit before eating.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, which is a great time saver. Just store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time and you’re golden.

Reheating

If you have leftover baked cookies, warming them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes refreshes their softness and brings back that just-baked aroma. I avoid microwave reheating because it tends to make them chewy or tough quickly. A short reheat in the oven is the key to enjoying that fresh-baked feel again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how The BEST Cinnamon Cookie Recipe comes together — the warm cinnamon filling, the chewy dough, and the little shaping trick after baking always deliver that perfect texture that I crave. When I first tried this recipe, I had no idea it would become such a favorite in my household, and I hope you find the same joy baking (and eating!) it as I do. Give it a go, share with friends, and enjoy those heavenly cinnamon-spiced bites — you’ve got this!

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