Sink your teeth into the very best chewy cinnamon sugar cookies-soft, buttery, and bursting with nostalgic, sweet-spiced flavor! Each bite melts in your mouth with a heavenly combination of crackly cinnamon sugar on the outside and rich, tender goodness on the inside.
These cookies are incredibly fast and fuss-free, coming together from scratch in just over half an hour. They're a life-saver for last-minute cravings, bake sales, or whenever you just need a warm, cozy treat.
Perfect for dunking in milk, adding to holiday cookie trays, or treating yourself any day of the week. This recipe draws inspiration from my grandma's classic snickerdoodles-just without the chill time or any cream of tartar headaches!
You'll want to make these again and again. Trust me-they vanish fast!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-fuss, speedy prep - Ready start to finish in less than 40 minutes, with no chilling needed.
- Soft and irresistibly chewy texture - Each cookie stays thick, moist, and perfect for days.
- Classic cinnamon-sugar flavor - Sweet and fragrant, these cookies taste just like childhood.
- Perfect for sharing or gifting - Crowd-pleasing and ideal for cookie swaps, parties, and holidays.
Key Ingredients for Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Unsalted Butter
Butter brings that signature classic cookie richness and chew. You'll want it at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar-this helps your cookies turn out fluffy and thick. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt a bit.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar keeps these cookies super chewy and moist. It also deepens the flavor thanks to a hint of molasses. Feel free to use dark or light brown sugar-either will work, but dark brown amps up the warm flavor.
Ground Cinnamon
The star spice of the show! Cinnamon infuses every bite with cozy warmth and depth. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best aroma. You can even try Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon for extra kick.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour ensures sturdy, chewy cookies that still have a soft bite. Spoon and level your flour for the best measuring accuracy. If you want a GF option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works here too.
Granulated Sugar
You'll need this for both the dough and that gorgeous cinnamon sugar coating. Rolling the dough in this spiced sugar mix is what gives the cookies their signature crackled, sparkly crust.
Instructions for Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy-about 2-3 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed to make sure everything gets incorporated.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. Your dough should look smooth and glossy at this stage.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low until just combined. Don't overmix-just until no streaks remain.
Shape and Coat the Dough
In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Scoop tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 inches wide), roll them into balls with your hands, and coat evenly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake to Chewy Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers look slightly underbaked-they'll continue to cook as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm for ultimate gooeyness!
Recipe Variations
Add a Touch of Spice
Love things extra cozy? Stir a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar coating for deeper spice complexity. A little goes a long way!
Go Dairy-Free
Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative (like vegan "buttery" sticks) and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The cookies still come out super chewy!
Make Them Gluten-Free
Simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the regular all-purpose-no other changes required. The results are surprisingly close to the original.
Mix-Ins Galore
Fold in a handful of mini white chocolate chips or toffee bits for a gourmet twist. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch if you're a nut lover.
Thicker or Thinner Cookies
Want extra-thick cookies? Chill your dough balls in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. For thinner, crispier cookies, flatten the balls slightly before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these chewy cinnamon sugar cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee for the ultimate treat. They're also fantastic crumbled over vanilla ice cream, tucked in lunchboxes, or arranged on a festive platter alongside chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before serving for bonus sparkle!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days-they stay soft and chewy! To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave a cookie for 8-10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked straight from the freezer (add 1-2 minutes to baking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies (FAQ)
Q: Why did my cookies turn out dry or cakey?A: Too much flour can make cookies dry and cakey. Make sure to spoon and level your flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup, and don't overbake.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?A: Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or shaped and frozen for later baking-perfect for getting ahead.
Q: Do I have to chill the dough?A: Not at all! These cookies bake beautifully without chilling, which is what makes this recipe so unbelievably quick.
If you're looking for that perfect chewy cinnamon sugar cookie-the one that disappears the minute you put out the plate-these are it! I can't wait to hear how you like them. Try the recipe and don't forget to leave a comment or rating below!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus 1 tablespoon for rolling
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
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3Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
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5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
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6In a shallow bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
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7Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
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8Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. Cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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