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Soft, chewy, and generously rolled in cinnamon and sugar, these irresistible Sugar Cinnamon Cookies taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery. Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on prep, this homemade cookie recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

“I’m a ‘the more cinnamon the better’ kind of gal who also happens to love sugar cookies. So these cookies had my attention. Easy and delicious recipe! Thank you!”

– Blaire
Overhead photo of a dozen soft and chewy cinnamon cookies with cinnamon sugar on a serving platter.

Update: This recipe was originally published in December 2021. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making the best cinnamon cookie recipe at home.

Table of Contents

About these cinnamon cookies

If you’re a fan of snickerdoodles or simply can’t resist the warm, comforting combination of cinnamon and sugar, these soft and chewy cinnamon sugar cookies will become your new favorite treat! This  cookie recipe with cinnamon takes the best elements of a classic sugar cookie—soft, chewy, and sweet—and adds a cozy hallmark twist with the irresistible flavor of ground cinnamon found in classic snickerdoodle cookies.

Featuring a trifecta of cinnamon, these cookies are bursting with ground cinnamon, sweet cinnamon chips, and a generous dusting of cinnamon-sugar, creating the ultimate indulgence for any cinnamon lover.

What makes this cinnamon sugar cookie recipe even more special is its versatility—you can make them two ways! Enjoy them soft and chewy for that melt-in-your-mouth experience, or for an extra touch of magic, bake them to perfection with a crispy, sugary exterior. Either way, you’re in for an explosion of cinnamon-sugar goodness that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake up the best homemade cinnamon cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery. 

Note: The photos shown here in the post depict both versions of these cinnamon chip cookies (rolled in cinnamon sugar for an extra crisp, sweet exterior and without). The recipe instructions are almost identical for both variety of cinnamon cookie. You will just keep or omit the steps involving rolling the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar!

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Simple Ingredients, Straightforward method. You likely already have the basic ingredients in your pantry to make this drop-style cookie recipe, making these sugar cinnamon cookies perfect for impromptu baking sessions.
  • Soft and Chewy. The dough for these cinnamon cookies yields a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
  • Extra Cinnamon-y! This cinnamon cookie recipe features triple the cinnamon, which equals triples yum – obviously These cookies *almost* contain an obnoxious amount of cinnamon – almost!!
  • With a Cinnamon Sugar Coating. A delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture on the outside gives each bite a burst of sweet, warming flavor.
  • Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any time of year—from cozy winter nights to summer gatherings. They’re also ideal for gift-giving during the holidays.
  • Have it your way. Think of this easy recipe for cinnamon and sugar cookies as a choose your own cookie adventure. You can make these cookies soft, chewy and without chips! Or crisp, soft and chewy with plenty of sugar and cinnamon! Or a combination of the above.
  • Customizable mix-ins. Continue your cookie adventure by using your favorite mix-ins! Try using half cinnamon and half white chocolate chips or swap out the cinnamon chips entirely for crushed Golden or Cinnamon Bun Oreos!
Overhead photo of all purpose flour, white sugar, brown sugar, two eggs, vanilla, and ground cinnamon neatly arranged into individual bowls on a kitchen counter.

What are cinnamon rolled cookies?

Cinnamon cookies, also known as cinnamon crinkle cookies, cinnamon spiced cookies, or cinnamon sugar cookies, are a variety of drop cookie featuring ground cinnamon, along with cinnamon baking chips as prominent, distinguishing ingredients.

This easy cinnamon sugar cookie is a cross between classic snickerdoodles and beloved sugar cookies! Featuring the slightly crisp, sugary edges of a sugar cookie and the tender texture of a snickerdoodle, along with the addition of cinnamon baking chips, these truly are the best cinnamon sugar cookies!

If you’re a cinnamon lover, put the rest of that bottle of ground cinnamon to good use in these recipes: Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins, Cinnamon Granola with Apples, Cinnamon Sugar Toast, Cinnamon Bread with Apples, and Cinnamon Pork Chops!

Close-up photo of a dozen cinnamon rolled cookie dough balls.

Ingredients for cinnamon and sugar cookies

These homemade cinnamon chip cookies only require 11 simple ingredients, most of which are pantry or refrigerator staples! But don’t let the basic ingredient list fool you, these seemingly simple ingredients transform into sinfully delicious cookies!

  • Shortening: These cookies use butter-flavored shortening instead of butter. Shortening make the cookies more tender and helps them bake up taller!
  • Sugars: Sugar gives the cookies their traditional sweet flavor. For an ultra-rich and tender cinnamon cookie, this recipe uses more dark brown sugar than granulated sugar!
  • Eggs: Two whole eggs help bind all the ingredients together!
  • Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives these cinnamon vanilla cookies a touch of warm, inviting flavor!
  • Flour: All-purpose flour helps the cookie dough remain sturdy and gives the cookies structure.
  • Cream of Tartar: A touch of acidic cream of tartar provides that tangy, beloved flavor found in snickerdoodles!
  • Baking Soda: This chemical leavening agent provides lift and helps the cinnamon drop cookies rise while baking!
  • Cornstarch (optional): If you are opting to make soft cinnamon cookies, you will need to add 1 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch to the dough! Cornstarch blocks the formation of tough gluten strands in the dough, which helps create that deliciously tender texture!
  • Cinnamon: Most of the flavor in cinnamon cookies comes from 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon!
  • Kosher Salt: A scant teaspoon salt balances and enhances all the flavors!
  • Cinnamon Baking Chips: Baking chips add a creamy, subtly sweet element to these cinnamon stick cookies! You can use mini or regular size baking chips in this recipe!

Recipe variations

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. For gluten-free brown sugar cookies with cinnamon, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour – just make sure you use a brand that can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for regular flour.
  • Cinnamon Caramel Cookies. Swap out half of the cinnamon chips for caramel baking chips for my personal favorite rendition of this cookie recipe.
  • Pumpkin Spice Twist. Replace the ground cinnamon in the dough with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired variation.
  • Stuffed Cinnamon Cookies. Place a small piece of chocolate, caramel, or even a dollop of peanut butter inside the dough ball before rolling it in the cinnamon sugar for a gooey, melty surprise.
  • Add Chocolate Chips. If you are a lover of all-things chocolate, try substituting semi-sweet or white chocolate for some or all the baking chips.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Nut Cookies. Swap some or all the baking chips for chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Oreo Cookies. If you are looking to really shake things up, substitute all of the cinnamon chips for crushed Oreos – seasonal flavors, such as cinnamon bun or gingerbread are delicious. However, golden Oreos will work great as well.
  • Spice Sugar and Cinnamon Cookies. Incorporate a combination of allspice, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg for a spiced cookie.
  • Cinnamon Maple Cookies. Swap out the vanilla extract for maple extract for extra warming, sweet flavor.
Close-up photo of a cinnamon and sugar cookie.

How to make sugar cinnamon cookies

Straightforward to prepare, this drop-style cinnamon sugar cookie recipe requires just 15 minutes or hands on preparation. Simply mix the dough, shape the cookie dough into balls, roll them in cinnamon-sugar, and bake. Here’s how:

  1. Cinnamon Sugar. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and sugar to make the cookie coating. Set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry ingredients and then set the flour mixture aside.
  3. Cream Shortening and Sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening with both sugars until creamy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla. Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the cookie dough until well combined.
  5. Add Dry to Wet Ingredients. Working in two batches, add the dry ingredients to the bowl of the wet ingredients and mix until they’re *almost* combined.
  6. Add Cinnamon Chips. Fold the cinnamon chips into the dough.
  7. Portion Cookie Dough. Portion, scoop, and roll the sugar cookie dough into balls.
  8. Roll Cookie Dough in Cinnamon Sugar: Transfer the dough balls to the bowl of cinnamon sugar. Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Then transfer the cookie dough balls to a baking sheet.
  9. Bake Cinnamon Sugar Rolled Cookies. Bake cinnamon cookies in a 350-degrees oven for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden brown and the centers are very soft, puffy, and appear under-done.
  10. Cool. Let the cinnamon cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Serve Sugar Cinnamon Cookies: Enjoy sugar cinnamon cookies warm from the oven or store for later. Enjoy!

Expert tips for the best success!

  • Use Shortening. Butter spreads more and produces a flatter, crisper cookie. For the best results, do not substitute the shortening for butter! For the best taste, be sure to use butter-flavor shortening!
  • Properly Measure Flour. The way you measure flour makes a big difference! If possible, use a scale to measure your flour! If not, be sure to use a true dry measuring cup, not a glass Pyrex cup! Also, be sure to fluff the flour with a fork before spooning it from the bag to the measuring cup and leveling it with a knife. Never measure flour directly from the bag!
  • Don’t Over-Mix. When you mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients you are developing gluten, which holds the cookies together. However, too much gluten (over-mixing) leads to tough cookies!
  • Roll the Cookie Dough Balls Tall. I recommend rolling your cookie dough balls to be taller, versus perfectly round. Shaping them like a tall building – tall and narrow – will help the cookies bake up thicker and chewier.
  • Freeze cookie dough balls! If you’re aiming for soft cookies, I recommend freezing the cookie dough balls for 10 minutes after you roll them in the cinnamon sugar. (I just put them on a parchment paper-lined plate and place it in the freezer.) Rolling the dough into balls warms up the dough, and remember the colder the dough, the thicker and chewier the cookie!
  • Don’t Over-Bake. These cinnamon cookies will look and feel very underdone when you remove them from the oven. Don’t fret as they will continue to slightly cook and harden as they cool on the baking sheet.

Step by step photos: making this recipe at home

Please scroll down for the printable recipe card, which contains detailed instructions and measurements for making sugar cookies with cinnamon chips.

Step-by-step photo collage illustrating how to make sugar cinnamon cookie recipe with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

How to make cinnamon sugar for cookies?

Rolling this easy cookie dough in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar is completely optional; however it will give the cookies a deliciously sweet and slightly crisp exterior!

This homemade cinnamon sugar recipe is ridiculously easy to make, so I recommend doubling the amounts to keep on hand! This cinnamon-sugar mixture is perfect for dusting on buttery toast, sprinkling over a French Toast bake, or using in various baking recipes, such as muffins!

You only need two ingredients to make spiced sugar: ground cinnamon and granulated sugar; however, brown sugar will work too! I’ve found the measure of 5 tablespoons white sugar to 1 heaping tablespoon of cinnamon to be the perfect ratio!

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

You can use butter to make this recipe for cinnamon cookies. However, butter does spread during baking more than shortening which produces a flatter cookie with a crispier texture. If you’re looking for truly soft and chewy cinnamon sugar cookies, I recommend using butter flavored shortening in this recipe.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

This cookie recipe uses a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar for the best flavor and texture. However, you can use all brown sugar for a richer, slightly molasses-like flavor. However, it will make the dough softer and the cookies much softer and chewier. Be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Sure! To make cinnamon cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum (which is a thickening agent) for structure. And please note, you may also need to adjust the baking time slightly.

How can I make the cinnamon sugar coating stick better?

Roll or lightly brush the dough balls in a little bit of filtered water before rolling in the cinnamon sugar. This helps the coating adhere better for that perfect inviting cinnamon-sugar crunch.

Can I use a different spice besides cinnamon?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other warming spices such as ground nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice, apple pie spice, or pumpkin pie spice. Just make sure to adjust the amount to maintain a well balanced flavor.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Warm cookie dough will cause cookies to spread too thin during baking. Make sure your dough is well chilled. If the cookie dough balls seem too soft, place them in the fridge and let them chill for an additional 20-30 minutes before baking.

How do you know when cookies are done?

You can tell when sugar and cinnamon cookies are done baking by their color – while the cinnamon cookie will look soft and underdone, the edges will be slightly golden and appear set. Just remember, for soft and chewy cookies, it is always better to under-bake your cookies than to over-bake them!

Close-up photo of a soft and chewy cookie with cinnamon sugar and cinnamon chips.

Serving sugar cookies with cinnamon 

  • Warm Cookie with Milk or Cookie Cocktail: Serve up a soft, warm cinnamon-y cookie straight from the oven with a cold glass of milk or a chilled cookie martini for dipping and sipping. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please.
  • Dipped in Chocolate Sauce: Dip half of each cinnamon chip cookie in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate, and then let them set. Not only are the chocolate-dipped treats cool looking, they also have an extra layer of yum.
  • Serve with Dessert Dip: Not into chocolate? No worries! I love to serve this recipe for soft cinnamon cookie with sweet cookie dip – the duo is undeniably delicious.
  • Tea Time Treat: Serve these cookies with a pot of your favorite tea for a cozy and comforting snack. They are perfect for dipping and make tea time a bit more special.
  • Cookie Tray: Lay out an assortment of cookie flavors, like Bar Cookies with Cake Mix, Soft Oat Cookies, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe, and Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe then let guests help themselves.

Unique serving ideas

  • A La Mode: Serve a warm cinnamon rolled cookie with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or pecan ice cream on top. The warm cookie with the cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
  • With Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer treat and tangy sweetness, top the cookies with a swirl of cream cheese frosting or cool whip frosting.
  • As a Crumble Over Fruit Salad: Chop the cookies into crumbles and sprinkle them over a fresh fruit salad for a sweet, crunchy topping with a kick of cinnamon flavor.
  • Pair with Hot Cocoa: These cookies are a perfect companion to a mug of rich crock pot hot chocolate or crock pot white chocolate during the colder months.
  • In a Cookie Parfait: Layer crumbled cinnamon sugar cookies with whipped cream or whipped yogurt and a few fresh berries in a glass to create a fun and indulgent parfait dessert.
Overhead photo of two sugar cookies with cinnamon stacked on top of more cookies.

Storing leftovers

Storage Instructions

Following these storage and freezing instructions will help keep this recipe for sugar cookies with cinnamon fresher for longer:

  • Room Temperature: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Storage Tip: To keep the everything cookies soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container. The moisture from the bread will help maintain the cookies soft texture. Alternately, you can also use flour tortillas if you are storing or shipping your cookies in a round cookie tin. And make sure you store the cookies in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry, away from direct sunlight.

Warming instructions

Everyone loves delicious cinnamon cookies warm, fresh from the oven and thankfully it’s super easy to restore your cinnamon cookies to their just-baked, fresh glory:

To reheat, place your cookie(s) on a cookie sheet and re-crisp them in a 400°F oven for 2-5 minutes. Remove the cookies and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before serving warm.

Freezing instructions

  • Cool completely: Transfer the soft cinnamon sugar cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Flash Freeze: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and add the cookies on top. Place the cookies in the freezer and flash freezer for an hour, or until frozen.
  • Store: Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe resealable bag or storage container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To enjoy: Thaw the cinnamon and sugar cookies in the bag or container at room temperature.
Straight on photo of a stack of six sugar cookies with cinnamon and sugar - the top cookie has a bite removed to showcase the soft interior.

With a chewy cookie base and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, this sugar cinnamon cookie recipe is truly irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of cinnamon rolled cookies or just love the warm, festive flavors of cinnamon in sugar cookies, these are bound to bring big smiles to everyone who tries them. Until next time, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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If you love these brown sugar cinnamon cookies with their tender texture, cozy cinnamon aroma and sweet sugar taste, try one of these delicious cookie recipes next:

Overhead photo of a dozen sugar cinnamon cookies and a jar of cinnamon chips on a white platter.

Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

5 from 3 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 26 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 28 cookies
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Craving a warm, sugary, comforting treat? Look no further than this Cinnamon Cookie Recipe! Soft, chewy, and generously rolled in cinnamon and sugar, these irresistible cookies taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery. Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on prep, these Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer or Mixing Bowl + Hand-Held Electric Mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Cookie Sheet

Ingredients 

Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Optional

Instructions

  • Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Optional: In a small bowl, combine the 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 heaping tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix the ingredients well and the set the cinnamon sugar aside.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk and stir the ingredients until well combined. Then set the bowl aside.
  • Cream Shortening with Sugars: In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the shortening with both sugars. Beat the ingredients on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until well combined, about 2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.
  • Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Add HALF the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix on LOW until JUST BARELY combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients to the bowl. Continue to mix on low until ALMOST combined.
  • Add Cinnamon Chips: Add the cinnamon chips to the bowl. Mix on low until JUST combined – do NOT over-beat the cookie dough!
    Note: The dough should be creamy and soft (for soft cookies) or relatively thick (for crisp cookies).
  • Chill Cookie Dough (recommended for the best soft and chewy texture!): Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days.
  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookie Sheet: Arrange oven rack to the middle position and then preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.
    Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
  • Roll Cookie Dough into Balls: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough out into balls roughly 2 heaping tablespoon each (40 grams/each).
    Use your hands to gently roll and shape the dough into balls – rolling the balls to be taller rather than perfectly circular.
  • Roll Dough Balls in Cinnamon Sugar – If Using: Transfer the dough balls to the bowl of cinnamon sugar. Roll the balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to completely coat.
    Transfer the cookie dough balls to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them 3 inches apart.
  • Bake Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 11 minutes (for soft cookies) or until the edges are barely golden. The cookies will be very soft, puffy and the centers will appear under-baked. DO NOT over bake!
  • Let Cookies Cool on Pan: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes.
    (Optional: You can press more chips into the top of the warm cookies for a pretty aesthetic.)
    (Tip: If your cookies are mis-shaped, you can use also use a spoon to push the edges of the cookie towards the center to make it more uniform and perfectly round!)
  • Let Cookies Cool on Rack: Transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack to cool completely.
  • Serve Cinnamon Cookies: Enjoy cinnamon sugar cookies.
    Alternately, cookies will remain fresh and soft for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Video

Notes

  1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: If you prefer a more “classic” soft and chewy cookie, omit the cinnamon sugar coating. If you like a slightly crisp, sugary exterior make sure you roll the cinnamon cookie dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before baking!!
  2. Shortening: Butter spreads more and produces a flatter, crisper cookie. For the best results, do not substitute the shortening for butter! For the best taste, be sure to use butter-flavor shortening!
  3. Flour: The way you measure flour makes a big difference! If possible, use a scale to measure your flour, if not, be sure to use a true dry measuring cup, not a glass Pyrex cup! Also, be sure to fluff the flour with a fork before spooning the flour from the bag to the measuring cup and leveling it with a knife. Never scoop or measure flour directly from the bag.
  4. Please see the post above for tips on customizing this recipe (such as variations and substitutions), along with tricks for making the best cookies, and tips for making this in advance + storing and freezing!
  5. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  6. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 28 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal    Carbohydrates: 27g    Protein: 2g    Fat: 11g    Saturated Fat: 4g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g    Monounsaturated Fat: 3g    Trans Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 13mg    Sodium: 120mg    Potassium: 67mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 11g    Vitamin A: 19IU    Vitamin C: 0.001mg    Calcium: 13mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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