Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies A Truly Irresistible Treat

Name: Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp cream of tartar; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp water; 3 tbsp sugar (for coating); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

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When I say this soft and chewy cinnamon sugar cookies recipe is one of my most-baked treats, I’m not exaggerating. As a mom who loves quick, cozy desserts, these cookies sit right up there with my other fall and holiday favorites like my Ginger Molasses Cookies and the festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.

They’re simple. They’re reliable. And they fill the whole house with the kind of cinnamon warmth that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Are they ready yet?”

I created this recipe for busy women like me who want something delicious without fussing over complicated techniques. If you’ve got 30 minutes and a few pantry staples, you can make these too.

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe Works So Well

Table of Contents

Chewy cinnamon sugar cookies stacked with one cookie broken to show soft center

I love this recipe because it’s easy enough for beginners but still feels special enough to bring to a family gathering.

These cookies turn out soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and coated in the perfect cinnamon-sugar layer. If you love melt-in-your-mouth cookie textures, you might also enjoy my Whipped Shortbread Cookies, which stay tender for days.

The cream of tartar gives these cookies that familiar snickerdoodle-style tang, and I love that everything comes straight from the pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Before you start, set out your butter early. Softened, room-temperature butter makes a world of difference.

Dry Ingredients

These build the structure and flavor of the dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

These create richness and keep the cookies soft:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp water

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

That classic finishing touch:

3 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

If you enjoy working with roll-out doughs, you might also try my Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Dough, which holds its shape beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Cream of tartar
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon

Whisking well helps evenly distribute flavor and prevents small pockets of cinnamon or baking soda.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Proper creaming helps create that soft and tender cookie texture.

Step 4: Add the Egg Yolk, Vanilla, and Water

Mix until smooth.

I always scrape down the bowl so everything blends evenly. This keeps the dough from getting streaky.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Stop as soon as the dough comes together. Overmixing makes cookies dense.

Step 6: Shape and Coat

Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Roll the dough into 12 smooth balls and coat each generously.

Place them on the baking sheet with space to spread.

If you love cinnamon-sugar desserts, try my reader-favorite Churro Cheesecake for another irresistible treat.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 minutes. They’ll look puffy but will settle as they cool.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Every Time

Small adjustments make a big difference. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

Soften the Butter Properly

It should be soft but still cool to the touch, not greasy.

Don’t Skip the Cream of Tartar

It creates that signature tang and soft texture.

Chill the Dough in Warm Kitchens

If the dough feels too soft, a short chill prevents the cookies from spreading too far.

Use Fresh Cinnamon

Freshly ground cinnamon tastes warmer and more aromatic.

Easy Recipe Variations You Can Try

I love experimenting with this dough. It takes well to all kinds of add-ins and flavor twists.

Add-Ins

Mini chocolate chips
Toffee bits
White chocolate chips
Chopped pecans

Flavor Twists

Swap vanilla for almond extract
Add a pinch of nutmeg
Mix brown sugar into the cinnamon coating

Make Them Bigger

Use a medium scoop for bakery-style cookies.
Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer.

Make Them Holiday-Themed

Roll them in colored sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.

If you want another seasonal treat, check out my festive Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl or my cozy Pumpkin Bread Pudding.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Families

This recipe is great for kids to help with. Rolling the dough balls and coating them in cinnamon sugar is always a hit.

Chewy cinnamon sugar cookies arranged on a white plate with cracked tops

The dough isn’t sticky or messy. The steps are simple. And the cookies cool quickly, which is always a bonus when children are waiting.

Whenever we want something fun and fast, these cookies go right alongside easy treats like my Carrot Cake Pancakes or my soft Pumpkin Pretzels.

Storing and Freezing These Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

To Store

Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze the Dough

Freeze the dough balls before coating.
Thaw slightly, roll in cinnamon sugar, and bake.

To Freeze Baked Cookies

Freeze fully cooled cookies and thaw as needed.

FAQs for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Can I double this cinnamon sugar cookies recipe?

Yes. This recipe doubles beautifully.
If you’re making a larger batch, I recommend baking one sheet at a time so the cookies bake evenly. Larger batches also benefit from slightly longer creaming time to keep the dough fluffy.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookies spread when the butter is too soft or the dough warms up.
If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 10 to 15 minutes before baking.
You can also add one extra tablespoon of flour if the dough still feels too loose.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prepare the dough the night before.
Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it scoops easily.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but the texture and flavor will change. Butter helps create that classic soft and chewy center. Margarine tends to make cookies puffier and slightly rubbery. For the best results, stick with real butter.

Can I freeze cinnamon sugar cookie dough?

Yes. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Before baking, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake as usual.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes. These cookies freeze wonderfully.
Let them cool completely, store them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. They thaw quickly at room temperature.

Ready to Bake These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies?

I hope this cinnamon sugar cookies recipe brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it does to mine. Baking should feel inviting and approachable, and this recipe is one that always delivers.

Small-batch chewy cinnamon sugar cookies stacked with a bitten cookie on top

Small-batch chewy cinnamon sugar cookies stacked and displayed on a plate with text overlay promoting snickerdoodle recipe

If you try it, I’d love for you to save it on Pinterest or share a picture there. Seeing how your cookies turn out helps more families discover simple, comforting recipes they can trust.