Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Soft, Buttery and Easy to Make
There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a batch of homemade cinnamon sugar cookies. They are buttery, sweet, lightly spiced and covered in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar that makes every bite feel like a cozy treat.
These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are an easy homemade cookie recipe you can make with simple baking staples you probably already have in your kitchen. There is no complicated decorating, frosting or special equipment required. Just make the dough, roll it into balls, coat each one in cinnamon sugar and bake.
The result is a soft, buttery cookie with lightly golden edges and plenty of warm cinnamon flavor.
Best of all, the entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. That makes these cookies perfect for last-minute desserts, holiday baking, after-school treats or those evenings when you suddenly want something sweet.
The Magic Behind These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
There are plenty of reasons to keep this easy cinnamon sugar cookie recipe handy.
First, the ingredient list is incredibly simple. Butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon and a few basic baking ingredients come together to make a cookie that tastes much more special than the effort required.
They are also quick. There is no need to chill the cookie dough for hours before baking, so you can go from mixing ingredients to eating a warm cookie in less than half an hour.
The cinnamon sugar coating might be the best part. Rolling the cookie dough in cinnamon and sugar before baking gives the outside a sweet, slightly textured finish while adding even more cinnamon flavor.
These cookies are especially delicious during fall and winter, but there is really no wrong time to make them.
Are Cinnamon Sugar Cookies the Same as Snickerdoodles?
Cinnamon sugar cookies and snickerdoodles look very similar, but they aren’t necessarily the same cookie.
Traditional snickerdoodle recipes typically contain cream of tartar. This ingredient contributes to the slightly tangy flavor and characteristic chewy texture associated with classic snickerdoodles.
These cinnamon sugar cookies skip the cream of tartar and use baking soda instead. The result is more like a buttery homemade sugar cookie infused with cinnamon and rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating.
If you love snickerdoodles but want something simple that doesn’t require cream of tartar, this recipe is a great alternative.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Ingredients Overview
One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t need anything unusual. Most of these ingredients are common pantry and refrigerator staples.
Butter
Use one cup of unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature. Soft butter creams easily with the sugar and helps create a tender cookie.
Avoid melting the butter. Melted butter changes the consistency of the dough and can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cookie dough and is also used to make the cinnamon sugar coating.
Egg
One large egg helps bind the ingredients together while adding moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract
A teaspoon of vanilla extract complements the cinnamon and gives these cookies that familiar homemade sugar cookie flavor.
All-Purpose Flour
You will need 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour for the cookie dough.
For the most consistent results, avoid packing flour tightly into your measuring cup. Spoon the flour into the cup and level it with a knife, or weigh it with a kitchen scale.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread as they bake.
Salt
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery cinnamon flavor.
Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon is incorporated directly into the cookie dough and used again in the coating, so you get warm cinnamon flavor throughout every bite.
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Making homemade cinnamon sugar cookies is surprisingly easy.
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and one cup of granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
Add Egg
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix again until everything is well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Mix only until the ingredients come together into a cookie dough. Avoid continuing to beat the dough once the flour has disappeared. Overmixing can make cookies denser and tougher.
Sugar Coating
Next, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating.
Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir until the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
Roll Out Cookie Dough
Roll the cookie dough into balls approximately one inch in diameter. You can shape them by hand or use a small cookie scoop to make the portions more uniform.
Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place the coated cookie dough balls onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving approximately two inches between each cookie.
Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remember that the cookies will continue to set after they come out of the oven, so you don’t want to wait until the entire cookie looks browned.
Allow Cookies to Cool
Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes. Once they are firm enough to move, transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
And yes, you can absolutely eat one while it’s still warm.
Tips for Making Soft Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Simple cookie recipes are often all about the little details.
Use softened butter, not melted butter
Your butter should be soft enough to indent when pressed but should still hold its shape.
Measure your flour carefully
Adding too much flour is one of the easiest ways to accidentally make dry cookies.
Don’t overmix the dough
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until everything is combined.
Make evenly sized cookie dough balls
Similar-sized cookies bake more evenly. A small cookie scoop is especially helpful.
Coat them generously
Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar. Roll each cookie dough ball until the entire surface is covered.
Watch the baking time
Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Overbaking can take away that delicious soft texture.
How to Keep Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Soft
Once your cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container.
Keeping air away from the cookies helps prevent them from becoming stale and crunchy too quickly.
You can also place a small piece of sandwich bread inside the storage container with the cookies. The cookies absorb some of the bread’s moisture, which can help them stay soft. Replace the bread as necessary and make sure it doesn’t sit directly on top of the cookies.
How Long Do Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade cinnamon sugar cookies are best enjoyed within about 4 to 5 days.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them into your storage container. Storing warm cookies can create condensation inside the container.
If you are stacking the cookies, place parchment or wax paper between the layers.
Can You Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Cookies?
Yes. These cookies can be frozen if you want to make a batch ahead of time.
Allow baked cookies to cool completely and place them into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking together.
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy frozen cookies within approximately two to three months.
Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze portions of cookie dough. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. For the freshest cinnamon sugar coating, roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar shortly before baking.
When to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
While cinnamon is often associated with fall and Christmas baking, these cookies are simple enough to make throughout the year.
Make a batch for an after-school snack, weekend dessert, family movie night or casual gathering.
During fall, serve them alongside hot apple cider, coffee or a pumpkin drink. Around Christmas, add them to a holiday cookie tray alongside gingerbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies.
They are also easy to package as a homemade food gift. Place cooled cookies in a cookie tin, bakery box or clear treat bag for an inexpensive gift for neighbors, teachers, coworkers and friends.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies FAQs
Can I make cinnamon sugar cookies without cream of tartar?
Yes. This recipe doesn’t require cream of tartar. Baking soda provides the leavening, while cinnamon adds plenty of warm flavor to both the dough and coating.
Why did my cinnamon sugar cookies spread?
Cookies can spread excessively if your butter is too warm or melted. Make sure you are using softened butter rather than liquid butter.
If your kitchen is particularly warm and the dough feels very soft, you can refrigerate it briefly before shaping and baking the cookies.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Absolutely. If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can slightly increase the amount of cinnamon in the coating. Just remember that cinnamon can become overpowering, so increase it gradually.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
Look at the edges rather than waiting for the centers to become completely golden. The edges should look set and lightly golden after approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
The centers may still look slightly soft when you remove the baking sheet from the oven. They will continue setting as the cookies cool.
Can I double this cinnamon sugar cookie recipe?
Yes. Simply double all of the ingredients while following the same preparation instructions. Bake the cookies in batches so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
The Perfect Easy Cinnamon Cookie
Sometimes the simplest cookie recipes end up becoming the ones you make again and again.
These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies have everything you want from an easy homemade dessert. They are buttery, sweet and filled with warm cinnamon flavor, while the cinnamon sugar coating gives every cookie an irresistible finish.
They also don’t require complicated ingredients or hours of preparation. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a fresh batch cooling on your kitchen counter.
Whether you’re looking for an easy fall cookie recipe, a simple Christmas cookie, an after-school treat or just something sweet to enjoy with your coffee, these homemade cinnamon sugar cookies are an easy recipe worth saving.
