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Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

Let me share with you my absolute favorite Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe that I guarantee will become your go-to for cozy afternoons or holiday baking. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy dough wrapped around a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it over and over because it’s just that fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy Cinnamon Filling: The frozen cinnamon-butter mixture keeps the cookies moist and gooey inside while providing a rich flavor burst.
  • Soft & Chewy Texture: A balanced dough with cream of tartar and baking soda helps achieve that tender yet chewy bite every cookie lover craves.
  • Simple Rolling Technique: Coating each dough ball in cinnamon sugar adds an extra crunch and cinnamon punch on the outside.
  • Post-Bake Cookie Shaping: Pressing the cookies right out of the oven keeps them thick and chewy, avoiding that dreaded flat cookie problem.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe lies in combining classic cookie ingredients with a little trick: a separate frozen cinnamon filling that melts as the cookie bakes. Here’s why each ingredient is key and what to look for when shopping.

Cinnamon Cookie Delight, cinnamon cookies, chewy cinnamon cookies, cinnamon-sugar cookies, easy cinnamon cookie recipe - Flat lay of six tablespoons of salted butter softened into a smooth mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, one cup of salted butter softened into a creamy scoop, a small white ceramic bowl holding granulated white sugar, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl heaping with spooned and leveled all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with cream of tartar powder, a small white ceramic bowl mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon powder for rolling placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Salted Butter: Using salted butter balances the sweetness naturally and adds depth; make sure it’s softened to cream easily with your sugar.
  • Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar in the filling adds that molasses note which makes the cinnamon flavor pop.
  • Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon for both filling and rolling ensures that warm spicy aroma and taste, don’t skimp on quality.
  • Granulated Sugar: Used in the dough and rolling sugar for a crisp coating, choose superfine if you prefer finer texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavors nicely and adds warmth.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for accurate measurement to keep cookies tender and prevent them from becoming too dense.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise just enough for softness without puffing up too much.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors so your taste buds stay engaged.
  • Cream of Tartar: Keeps the texture light and provides a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I encourage you to experiment with small tweaks that suit your preferences or dietary needs. I’ve tried a few variations that turned out really well, and I bet you’ll come up with your own favorites too.

  • Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling gave my batch a nuanced warmth that felt especially cozy during fall baking.
  • Swap Sugars: I sometimes use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a nuttier, less sweet filling; it works beautifully and adds a slight chewiness.
  • Gluten-Free Version: I tested a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitution that worked well—just keep an eye on the baking time to avoid drying out the cookies.
  • Extra Gooey: If you like gooey centers, try upping the butter slightly in the filling and freezing the balls a bit less to keep them super melty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Heavenly Cinnamon Filling

Start by beating 6 tablespoons of softened butter until creamy, then add in your packed brown sugar and cinnamon. I like to scrape the bowl sides often to keep everything smooth and fully combined. Then, spoon the mixture into small marble-sized balls and line them on parchment or a silicone mat. Don’t rush this part—freezing these balls until firm (at least 20 minutes) is what gives the cookies that unexpected cinnamon core that melts just right.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough Base

Using the same mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which usually takes a good couple of minutes. Then add your eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well for a smooth, homogenous dough. This step is where you can really feel the dough come alive—so don’t rush it! Adding flour mixed with baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar next, fold just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear for tender cookies.

Step 3: Fold in the Frozen Cinnamon Gems

Once your cinnamon filling balls are firm, gently fold them into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon—not a mixer! This prevents breaking up the filling and keeps gooey pockets intact. Then scoop generous 2-inch dough balls, roll each in cinnamon sugar, and place them spaced on your baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake, Shape, and Enjoy

Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 11-12 minutes. They won’t look “done” when you take them out—the filling stays shiny and edges just firm up. Here’s the key: immediately push the cookie edges inward with spoons while still hot to keep that perfect thick and chewy texture. Let them rest for a few minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Then, grab a glass of milk and get ready to fall in love!

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Always use softened butter, never melted, to achieve the perfect creamy consistency for your dough.
  • Freezing the Filling: I once skipped freezing the filling and ended up with a messy cinnamon syrup spread; freezing keeps things neat and chewy.
  • Don’t Overmix Dough: Overworking the dough is a rookie mistake that leads to tough cookies—stop mixing as soon as ingredients combine!
  • Shape Cookies While Hot: Pressing cookies immediately after baking was a game-changer for me; it controls spreading and locks in that chewy texture.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

Cinnamon Cookie Delight, cinnamon cookies, chewy cinnamon cookies, cinnamon-sugar cookies, easy cinnamon cookie recipe - The image shows several round cookies with a light golden color as the base layer, soft and slightly bumpy in texture. Dark brown swirls of cinnamon sugar are spread unevenly across the surface, creating a marbled pattern with rough edges. The cookies are placed close to each other on a brown parchment paper, which has some small crumbs scattered around. The overall look is warm and inviting, highlighting the contrast between the light dough and dark cinnamon swirl photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple because the cookies speak for themselves, but if I want to jazz things up, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or add a light drizzle of vanilla glaze. Sometimes, a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar right out of the oven adds an irresistible sparkle!

Side Dishes

These cinnamon cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk (my classic choice) or a warm cup of chai tea for a spicy complement. For holiday gatherings, serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream takes them to the next level.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging these cookies in a circle on a festive plate with cinnamon sticks and star anise as decor. You can also stack them tied with rustic twine or serve them in pretty treat bags as charming homemade gifts that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I like to layer parchment paper between batches to keep them from sticking. If they soften a bit, a quick pop in the oven for a couple minutes refreshes their texture nicely.

Freezing

If you want to bake these on your own schedule, freezing is a lifesaver. I shape the dough balls, roll them in cinnamon sugar, and store them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. They last up to 3 months and go straight from frozen to the oven, just adding a couple extra minutes of bake time.

Reheating

When reheating leftover cookies, I prefer a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to warm them through without drying. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make edges chewy and the center slightly gummy. Trust me, the oven method keeps these cookies tasting fresh and just-baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter for this recipe?

    Absolutely! If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to compensate. Salt strengthens the flavor balance, but your cookies will be just as delicious with this tweak.

  2. Why do I need to freeze the cinnamon filling balls?

    Freezing the filling balls helps them hold their shape inside the cookie dough as they bake, preventing the cinnamon sugar from leaking out and turning your cookies into a gooey mess. This step guarantees that perfect cinnamon surprise in every bite.

  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it into balls, then freeze them rolled in cinnamon sugar for up to three months. Just bake from frozen and add a couple minutes to the baking time. This makes for an easy on-demand cookie fix.

  4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

    The cookies won’t look fully baked because the cinnamon filling stays shiny, but the edges should be firm and the outer part of the cookie matte rather than shiny. Baking for 11-12 minutes at 350°F usually nails it. Immediately shaping the cookies after baking prevents flattening and sets the texture.

  5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

    You can—chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch! I recommend folding them in along with the frozen filling balls so they distribute evenly without breaking the cinnamon pockets.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the recipe that won over even the toughest cookie critics in my family! It’s friendly enough for a busy baker but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. If you love soft cookies with a melty cinnamon surprise, I promise you’ll adore this recipe just as much as I do. So next time you crave something warm, cozy, and utterly delicious, whip up these cookies and share the love (or keep them all to yourself!). Happy baking!

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Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 33 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe delivers the best cinnamon cookies with a creamy cinnamon sugar filling that stays soft and gooey inside. The dough is buttery, lightly sweet, and wrapped around frozen cinnamon-sugar filling balls, then rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking for a perfect chewy texture and rich cinnamon flavor. These cookies offer a delightful cinnamon roll experience in cookie form, making them the ultimate treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the filling

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the dough

  • 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

For rolling

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Make the filling. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 6 tablespoons softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add 3/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Beat well, scraping the sides down, until the mixture is completely smooth.
  2. Freeze the filling balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use a spoon to form small cinnamon filling balls about the size of a marble and place them on the prepared sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes until hardened. If using the refrigerator instead of freezer, chill for 1 to 2 hours until firm.
  3. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare additional baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for baking the cookies.
  4. Make the dough. In the same large bowl or stand mixer (no need to wash), beat 1 cup softened butter for a couple of minutes until smooth, scraping the sides occasionally. Add 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy with no sugar chunks.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, scraping the bowl as needed.
  6. Mix dry ingredients. Spoon and level 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat gently. Stop mixing when the dough is just combined and only slight flour streaks remain. Scrape down sides and mix a few more seconds without overmixing.
  7. Fold in the frozen cinnamon filling balls. Using a wooden spoon or spatula (not a mixer), gently fold the frozen cinnamon filling balls into the dough until evenly distributed.
  8. Shape the cookies. Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to portion dough balls about 2 inches across. Overfill the scoop slightly for the right size.
  9. Roll cookies in cinnamon sugar. In a small or medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
  10. Arrange cookies for baking. Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. For safety, place 8 cookies per pan to prevent spreading into one another.
  11. Bake the cookies. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. The cookies will not look fully done because the cinnamon filling remains shiny. The edges without filling should be firm but not golden, and the cookie tops should appear matte on the outer edges.
  12. Shape cookies after baking. Within 30 to 60 seconds of removing the cookies from the oven and before edges crisp, use two spoons to push the cookie edges toward the center. Gather any oozing cinnamon filling and pack it into the edges to shape the cookies into thick, chewy circles.
  13. Cool and serve. Let cookies set on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk.
  14. Freezing instructions. Shape dough into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and store in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to baking time.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for smooth creaming in dough and filling.
  • Do not overmix dough to avoid tough cookies; mix just until combined.
  • Freeze the filling balls solid to prevent them from melting into the dough too soon during baking.
  • Shaping cookies immediately after baking keeps them thick and chewy.
  • For best results, use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  • You can safely bake frozen cookie dough without thawing, you just need to increase bake time by 2-3 minutes.
  • If kosher salt is unavailable, use regular sea salt but reduce slightly to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • For extra cinnamon flavor, incrementally adjust cinnamon amounts to taste.
  • These cookies pair perfectly with milk or a light tea.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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