There’s something irresistibly cozy about this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes it an absolute must-bake for anyone who loves the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor combined with a warm cinnamon kick. These cookies are soft, tender, and coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture that gives every bite a little extra sparkle. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because you want a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to. The ease of preparation and the harmony of flavors make these cookies stand out in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is the first step to making these delightful cookies. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect taste, texture, and appearance, making this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe both accessible and delicious.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the chewy softness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, ensuring just the right balance between chewy and cakey.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor without overpowering the cinnamon.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise to a soft, tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a sparkling crunch to the cookie surface.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling): Ensures every bite bursts with cinnamon goodness.
How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. Prepping ahead means a smoother baking process overall!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully smooth. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, creating those tender cookies we all dream of.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract, which will lift the flavor profile and give your cookies a lovely aromatic depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these well ensures your cookies bake evenly, with just the right distribution of chocolate and spice in every mouthful.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet butter and sugar mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want the dough to be luscious and tender, not tough or dense.
Step 6: Coat the Dough Balls in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for rolling in a small bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then coat each one generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This coating will give the cookies their iconic sweet and spiced crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake!
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up slightly while maintaining their deliciously soft centers.
How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these cookies even more for special occasions. You might also experiment with a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts for added crunch and texture.
Side Dishes
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a creamy vanilla bean ice cream scoop. These classic companions help highlight the cookie’s rich chocolate and cinnamon notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack these cookies on a decorative plate tied with a rustic twine bow. Or serve them alongside a small jar of cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate mix for a cozy gift idea. Presentation adds that extra touch of warmth and invitation to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture. They stay fresh and delicious for several days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any of their charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. If freezing dough, roll it first and freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to that freshly-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This gently revives their softness and enhances the cinnamon-chocolate aroma.
FAQs
Can I add chocolate chips to the Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips enhances the chocolatey goodness and adds extra texture. Just fold them into the dough during mixing for a delightful surprise in every bite.
What if I don’t have cinnamon on hand?
You can substitute cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice, but the iconic flavor of this recipe shines brightest with real cinnamon. It’s worth keeping stocked for this and other cozy baked goods.
Are these cookies cakey or chewy?
These cookies have the best of both worlds: a soft, slightly chewy center with tender edges. The combination of creamed butter and sugars plus the right baking time creates this wonderful texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep an eye on texture, as gluten-free doughs can sometimes need slight adjustments in moisture.
How long do Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days. Freezing can extend their life up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these comforting cookies today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies combine the rich flavor of cocoa with a warm cinnamon spice for a soft, chewy treat. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a comforting, chocolatey cookie with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms, avoiding over-mixing which can toughen cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create the coating for the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to add a sweet, spicy crust.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, for a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For extra texture and richness, try adding mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for days.
