cinnamon sugar soft cookies

Published on November 29, 2025
4.8 (245 reviews)

These cinnamon sugar soft cookies strike the perfect balance between melt‑in‑your‑mouth tenderness and a sweet, spiced crunch on the edges. A quick mix‑and‑bake recipe, they’re ideal for busy weeknigh

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cinnamon sugar soft cookies
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Servings
12

These cinnamon sugar soft cookies strike the perfect balance between melt‑in‑your‑mouth tenderness and a sweet, spiced crunch on the edges. A quick mix‑and‑bake recipe, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. The secret lies in a buttery dough that stays moist, while a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar creates an irresistible caramelized crust.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✓ Soft, Chewy Texture: The dough’s high butter‑to‑flour ratio keeps each bite pillowy, even after cooling.
✓ Bold Cinnamon Flavor: A simple blend of ground cinnamon and sugar creates a fragrant, caramel‑like finish.
✓ Speed & Simplicity: Only six ingredients, one bowl, and a ten‑minute bake deliver instant gratification.

The key to these cookies is using room‑temperature butter and a gentle hand when mixing. Over‑mixing can develop gluten, leading to a tougher crumb, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. The cinnamon‑sugar topping is applied while the dough is still soft, allowing it to adhere perfectly and form a glossy crust as it bakes.

3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar Sweetens the dough; brown sugar adds moisture.
1 large egg Binds the dough; room‑temperature works best.
2 ¼ cups (280 g) all‑purpose flour Creates structure; sift for even texture.
½ tsp baking soda Gives a slight lift; don’t over‑dose.
¼ tsp salt Enhances flavor; optional for low‑sodium.
2 tbsp milk Adds moisture; can replace with almond milk.
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar For the cinnamon‑sugar topping.
2 tsp ground cinnamon Key flavor; freshly ground is best.

Instructions

cinnamon sugar soft cookies
1

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and milk, mixing just until incorporated. Scrape the sides to ensure a uniform batter.

Pro Tip: Use room‑temperature butter; it emulsifies better and traps air.
2

Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, preventing pockets of bitterness.

Pro Tip: Sift the flour mixture for an extra‑light crumb.
3

Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain. Over‑mixing will develop gluten, making cookies tough.

Pro Tip: Stop mixing once the dough comes together; a few lumps are fine.
4

Add Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the ¼ cup sugar with the cinnamon and remaining 2 tsp cinnamon. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll them in the mixture, and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.

Pro Tip: Press gently so the coating adheres; it will melt into a glaze.
5

Bake & Cool

Bake in a pre‑heated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10‑12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the tops are set. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Pro Tip: Do not over‑bake; they continue to set as they cool.

Expert Tips

Tip #1: Chill the Dough

After coating, chill the dough balls for 10 minutes. This firms the butter, helping the cookies keep their shape and stay soft after baking.

Tip #2: Use a Light Hand

When rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar, a gentle shake removes excess coating and prevents clumps from forming on the baking sheet.

Tip #3: Store Properly

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread; the bread releases moisture, keeping cookies soft for up to a week.

Storage & Variations

Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature; they stay soft for 5‑7 days. For a caramel twist, swap half the granulated sugar for brown sugar. Add a pinch of nutmeg for deeper spice, or drizzle melted white chocolate after cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Substitute the all‑purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free blend. The texture remains soft, though a small increase in xanthan gum (¼ tsp) helps retain chewiness.

The high butter content and low leavening keep the dough dense. Chilling the balls before baking further limits spread, preserving the soft interior.

Absolutely. Portion the dough into balls, coat, then freeze on a tray. Transfer to a zip‑top bag and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the bake time.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 cookie)

Calories
120 kcal
Fat
6 g
Carbs
15 g
Protein
2 g

Recipe Summary

Prep
30 min
Cook
100 min
Total
130 min
Servings
1
Category: Desserts recipes
Cuisine: International
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main
Quick Tips
  • Make ahead friendly
  • Freezer safe 3 months
  • Easily doubled
  • Customizable

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all‑purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1
Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and milk, mixing just until incorporated. Scrape the sides to ensure a uniform ba...

2
Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, preventing pockets of bitterness....

3
Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain. Over‑mixing will develop gluten, making cookies tough....

4
Add Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the ¼ cup sugar with the cinnamon and remaining 2 tsp cinnamon. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll them in the mixture, and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet....

5
Bake & Cool

Bake in a pre‑heated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10‑12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the tops are set. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling...

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