Name: Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk (white discarded); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon corn starch; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling cookies)

Jump to Recipe

Who can resist the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen? Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are the perfect homemade treat to satisfy your sweet cravings in no time. These cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy, with a delightful crackled top and a cinnamon-sugar coating that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. I vividly remember the first time I made them on a chilly afternoon—every member of my family hovered by the oven, waiting for the timer to ding! They quickly became a staple in our home and are now requested at every family gathering.

What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity and speed. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just some everyday pantry staples and 30 minutes to bake a batch of pure magic. If you’ve enjoyed our Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies or crave the coziness of Snickerdoodles, you’ll adore this twist on a classic. Go ahead and preheat that oven; these cookies are about to become your new favorite go-to treat!

What is Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies?

Let’s break down the fun name, shall we? Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies practically introduces themselves—no awkward small talk required! These delightful cookies are called “quick” because you can whip them up in under an hour. “Chewy” highlights their soft-baked center that melts in your mouth (isn’t that always the best part?). And who doesn’t love anything that’s been rolled in cinnamon sugar? Legend has it that ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’, and frankly, to anyone’s heart with these! Ready for some kitchen magic? Gather your ingredients and let’s make a batch together.

Why You’ll Love This

First, let’s talk about that incredible chewiness—these cookies stay soft on the inside with a gentle crisp on the outside, thanks to a clever blend of butter and just the right amount of egg. Making them at home is a wallet-friendly alternative to bakery treats, so you can satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. The true highlight, though, is their irresistible coating of cinnamon sugar, adding a warm and cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you love our Classic Snickerdoodles, you’ll absolutely want to try this recipe next.

Cozy, quick, and brimming with cinnamon goodness, these cookies are destined to become a family favorite. Why wait? Give this recipe a try and discover a new sweet staple for your dessert repertoire!

How to Make

Quick Overview

You’ll love how effortlessly these Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies come together. No need to chill the dough or use fancy gadgets—the mixing bowl and oven do all the hard work for you! These cookies deliver bakery-level flavor and texture, yet you can have them on the table in about 30 minutes. Their rich, buttery base and aromatic cinnamon sugar topping make each bite memorable.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (227g) at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
1 egg yolk (white discarded)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300g)
1 teaspoon corn starch
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling cookies)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and kosher salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place each cookie on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
Remove from the oven and, while still hot, use a larger round cookie cutter to “scoot” the cookies into perfect circles if desired (simply swirl the cutter around each cookie in quick, gentle circles).
While still warm, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for added sparkle and flavor.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What to Serve With

These chewy cinnamon sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. Enjoy them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or savor with a steaming mug of fragrant chai or hot chocolate for extra coziness. For a fancier touch, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create irresistible ice cream sandwiches. They also shine on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit, caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted—this ensures a smooth, creamy dough and perfect texture.
Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the centers still look a little underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool, keeping that dreamy chewiness.
Even Size Means Even Bake: Use a cookie scoop to make sure all your cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly.
Add Mix-Ins: Feel free to toss in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
For Crispy Edges: Bake an extra minute or two for a crunchier edge, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Rolling Trick: The extra cinnamon sugar coating makes for more flavor and a beautiful sparkly finish—don’t skip it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For even longer storage, freeze cooled cookies in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. To restore that just-baked softness, gently warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked cookie dough balls—just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the added kosher salt or reduce it to a pinch, as salted butter already contains salt.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Let dough come to room temperature if scooping after chilling.

Do I have to use the extra egg yolk?
The extra yolk adds richness and chewiness. If you skip it, your cookies will be slightly less soft, but still tasty.

What’s the best way to measure flour for cookies?
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level off with a knife for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies!

My cookies didn’t spread much—what happened?
There may have been too much flour, or your butter was too cold. Check measurements and ensure the butter is at a soft room temperature.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about the comfort and warmth that Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies bring to any table. Easy to make, wonderfully chewy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, these cookies are destined to win hearts (and stomachs!) in your home. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for unexpected guests or indulging in some cozy self-care, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Don’t forget to check out some of our other crowd-pleasing cookie recipes—happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!