If you adore cookies with a perfect blend of rich cocoa and warming spices, this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your go-to favorite. These cookies bring together a soft, tender crumb with the delightful crunch of a cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a flavor experience that’s both cozy and irresistibly chocolatey. Each bite offers a subtle kick of cinnamon that beautifully complements the deep cocoa, making these treats perfect for sharing over coffee or sneaking a few straight from the jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these cookies is wonderfully straightforward because the ingredients are simple yet purposeful. Every element plays a crucial role: the butter lends richness, the sugars add sweetness and moisture, and the spices bring that warm touch that makes these cookies truly stand out.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This forms the base of the cookie, adding creamy richness and helping with the tender texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in creating a slightly crisp edge.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for depth.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the cookie’s soft structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a lovely aromatic note.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their body and chew.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them light.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: The star spice adding warmth and complementing the chocolate perfectly.
- ¼ tsp salt (optional): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor contrast.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Adds a sweet crunch on the outside.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): Gives the outer layer that inviting spicy-sweet kiss.
How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect finish every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for creating the cookie’s airy texture and rich flavor base.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, bringing the dough to life.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Combining the dry ingredients beforehand helps distribute the cocoa and spices evenly throughout the cookie dough.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here — you want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This simple coating will top your cookies with a delightful crunch and bursting cinnamon flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 to 1 ½ inch balls, then generously toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place these cinnamon-kissed dough balls spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet, ready for baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that are set but centers that remain soft — this balance is the secret to melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and ensures your cookies keep their signature texture.
How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for added sparkle and flavor. You could even dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for a festive touch that’s perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. The warm spices in the cookies echo and amplify the comforting notes in these drinks, creating a little moment of pure joy with every bite and sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies between thin layers of cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for mini cookie sandwiches. Alternatively, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that balances warm spice and cold creaminess beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft with a slight crunch for up to a week, perfect for grabbing a sweet treat whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between. Both last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, simply heat a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them briefly into a preheated oven. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling with soft centers and crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cinnamon for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground cinnamon is standard, you could experiment with Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, sweeter flavor or Saigon cinnamon for a stronger, spicier kick. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
You can substitute with natural cocoa powder if unsweetened isn’t on hand, but avoid sweetened types to keep control over sugar levels. The key is to use pure cocoa powder for that rich chocolate taste.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep an eye on texture since gluten-free dough can be a bit different in consistency.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking?
The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delicious crunch and highlights the warm spice flavor on the outside, creating a wonderful contrast with the soft, chocolatey inside. It’s what makes this recipe truly special!
How long do cookies last at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. Beyond that, they might start to dry out, so try to enjoy them sooner rather than later for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that combines the deep richness of chocolate with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face with every bite. Go ahead and treat yourself — you deserve it!
Print
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and flavorful Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, perfectly soft with a hint of warm cinnamon spice. Coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cookies combine the deep notes of cocoa and aromatic cinnamon for a nostalgic treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt (optional)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt (if using). This blend brings the chocolate and cinnamon flavors together with the leavening agent for the right texture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar coating: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon to create a sweet and aromatic coating for the cookies.
- Shape and coat cookies: Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter, then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the dough or in the coating slightly to suit your taste.
- Make sure the butter is softened—not melted—to create the best texture in the dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool, retaining a soft center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
