If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect balance of rich chocolate and warming spice, this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These cookies come out soft and tender on the inside, with a delightful crackly cinnamon sugar crust that makes every bite a little celebration. Thanks to a simple blend of classic ingredients and that magical hint of cinnamon, these cookies offer both comfort and indulgence in one deliciously chewy package. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe never fails to bring smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the rich chocolate flavor to delivering the soft texture and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the perfect creamy base and adds moisture and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light crumb texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds depth with its subtle molasses flavor and keeps cookies soft.
- 2 eggs: Bind the dough and give structure to the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of the cookie, balancing moisture and shape.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate punch without overpowering.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for great texture.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: The secret spice that elevates both the cookie dough and the coating.
- ¼ tsp salt (optional): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Creates the sweet, crispy shell on the outside.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): Adds a fragrant, warming finish to the cookie surface.
How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. This simple prep is essential for the perfect bake time and texture of your cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps to make the cookies tender and soft, rather than dense.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing each in fully before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These wet ingredients help bind the dough and keep your cookies rich and moist.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and optional salt. Combining these dry ingredients carefully ensures even distribution for a balanced flavor and perfect texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined—the key is not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft, cohesive dough ready for shaping.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon that will give the cookie exterior its beautiful, flavorful crust. This coating caramelizes slightly while baking, creating a cookie that’s just as delightful to look at as it is to taste.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Then, toss each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. Place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to catch them right when the edges are set but the centers are still soft—this ensures a chewy, moist interior balanced with that crisp outer shell.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right, locking in that wonderful texture.
How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can create a beautiful contrast and elevate the presentation. You can also sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon for an intensified aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage. Consider serving with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweet and spicy richness of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, place your cookies on a decorative platter with cinnamon sticks and chocolate shards scattered around. You could also sandwich them with a spread of hazelnut or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cinnamon sugar coating helps keep them crisp while preserving the soft inside. Storing properly preserves the balance of flavors and textures you worked so hard to create.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze shaped and coated dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness while keeping the cinnamon sugar crust crisp.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.
Will these cookies be gluten-free if I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a binding agent for the best texture. The cookies might be slightly different in crumb but still delicious.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs. The flavor will remain rich with a small texture change.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking, which can even enhance the cookie’s flavor and texture.
What if my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can help control spreading. Also, try spacing the cookies well apart on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a true delight to bake and share, bringing together classic ingredients in a fun and comforting way. With its tender texture, rich chocolate flavor, and that signature cinnamon sugar crunch, these cookies are ideal for any occasion or just a sweet moment to yourself. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll be your go-to recipe whenever you need a little cozy indulgence.
Print
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of rich cocoa and warm cinnamon flavors, coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds a delightful crunch. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, they make an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt (optional)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt if using, to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create a flavorful coating.
- Shape and coat cookies: Roll dough into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar coating and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Look for edges that are set while centers remain soft for the perfect texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven as overbaking will result in crispy cookies rather than soft centers.
- For extra flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
