If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with warm spices, this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These cookies are a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and a subtle cinnamon kick that makes every bite irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or just because, this recipe offers a luscious chocolate flavor enhanced by cinnamon sugar that will bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable cookies, you only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together into something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect flavor, texture, and color you crave in every cookie.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie chewiness when combined with brown sugar.
- Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for deeper complexity.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, ensuring just the right amount of bite.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor and dark, inviting color.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft on the inside.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling, sweet crust on the cookie surface.
- Ground cinnamon (for rolling): Adds extra bursts of warm spice in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming step is essential for a tender texture and airy crumb in your cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth, emulsified dough. Follow with the vanilla extract, which adds a depth of flavor and warmth that complements the cinnamon and cocoa powder beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps evenly distribute the leavening and spice, so you get a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly thick but easy to scoop, holding together well for rolling.
Step 5: Coat the Dough Balls
In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the additional teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture; this step creates that signature cinnamon-sugar crust that adds sparkle and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set yet the centers remain soft. This bake time ensures a chewy texture that keeps the cookies deliciously tender.
Step 7: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the cookies to firm up just enough without losing their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a few mini chocolate chips on top right after baking for a festive look and extra texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a warmly spiced chai latte. Their balance of chocolate and cinnamon makes them a perfect match for creamy, comforting beverages that enhance their cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of cinnamon sticks and orange slices for a holiday display. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift or party favor that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them easy to enjoy long after baking day.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well and retain their soft texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Warm your chilled or frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their softness and enhance the chocolate aroma. This quick reheating makes them taste freshly baked again, perfect for a cozy snack anytime.
FAQs
Can I add chocolate chips to this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips are a fantastic addition that gives you pockets of melty chocolate goodness in every cookie. Just fold them into the dough before scooping and rolling your cookies for extra richness and texture.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, with slightly crisp edges thanks to the cinnamon-sugar coating. The texture strikes a perfect balance that makes them so satisfying to bite into.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for the texture and structure in this recipe, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the result might be slightly different in texture, so adjustments may be needed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe uses only vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making them a great dessert option for those following a vegetarian diet.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 30 delicious cookies, depending on the size you scoop. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or saving some for later!
Final Thoughts
There is something so magical about the way chocolate and cinnamon come together in this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe. Every bite feels like a warm hug of flavor, perfect for any occasion or simply to brighten your day. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon discover why it’s such a cherished favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.
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
Delight in these rich and soft Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, perfectly blending the warmth of cinnamon with deep cocoa flavor. Rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies offer a tender center and lightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: 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 light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for the cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create the coating for the cookie balls.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and preserving texture.
Notes
- For added texture and bursts of chocolate, consider folding mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness for days.
