If you are on the hunt for a cozy, delightfully spiced treat that marries the richness of chocolate with the warm embrace of cinnamon, then this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and have just the right hint of cinnamon that dances beautifully with cocoa, all wrapped in a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because the craving struck, this recipe will fill your home with heavenly aromas and your heart with sweet satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a unique role to create the perfect cookie balance. From creamy butter to aromatic cinnamon, every component is thoughtfully chosen for taste, texture, and color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base for richness and tenderness, make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a crisp edge.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, enhancing chewiness.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and bind all ingredients effectively.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure builder, giving cookies their shape.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that chocolate goodness and rich color.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Ensures a perfect rise and light texture.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: An essential spice that brings warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- ¼ tsp salt (optional): Balances flavors and enhances chocolate richness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Combines with cinnamon to create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): Elevates the exterior with aromatic spice and subtle crunch.
How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients add moisture and a lovely depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cocoa and cinnamon.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and optional salt. This ensures they are evenly distributed and prevents clumping in the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the bowl with wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This simple mixture will create that irresistible, crunchy coating that makes every bite special.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Gently toss each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring a generous coating before placing them on your baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges look set while the centers remain slightly soft. This balance guarantees a gooey center with a crisp outer layer.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and lets the flavors settle.
How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these cookies by dusting with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chocolate shavings. For a festive touch, add a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a fresh cinnamon stick on the side—it’s both charming and tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent cookies with a warm cup of milk, chai tea, or even a rich espresso. The cinnamon in the cookies complements spiced beverages wonderfully, making every bite and sip a cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint or cinnamon sticks for a rustic look. For parties, serve them in decorative tins or stacked with parchment paper layers for an inviting display that guests won’t be able to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and moist for about a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven. You’ll be greeted by softened centers and revitalized cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter just gives you full control over seasoning.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes if needed. This helps maintain their shape during baking.
Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?
You can, but it will change the texture and moisture of the dough. If using melted chocolate, reduce other fats slightly and expect a fudgier cookie.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends made for baking to create a similar result.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips are wonderful additions that enhance texture and flavor without overpowering the cinnamon-chocolate balance.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a gem that’s bound to become a staple in your baking lineup. It’s simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying — the kind of cookie that warms your hands and your heart alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your kitchen smell like a chocolate-cinnamon paradise!
Print
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and tender Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, combining the deep flavor of cocoa with warm cinnamon spice. Coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to perfection, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and a subtle spicy crunch, ideal 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 the cookies from sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a light texture in the cookies.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until they are fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform and smooth batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender cookies.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create the sweet and spicy coating that will give the cookies a delightful outer crunch.
- Shape and coat cookies: Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them evenly before placing them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should have set edges while the centers remain soft to achieve a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling process helps the cookies set up properly while ensuring they remain tender.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to help cream properly with the sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
- The optional salt enhances the flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a less salty cookie.
- Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
