Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you are in search of an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate with the warm, inviting hint of cinnamon, this Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies perfectly balance soft, tender centers with a lightly crisp, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or to impress friends and family, this recipe brings that comforting familiar flavor with a twist, all while being wonderfully simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays an essential role in creating the tender texture, deep chocolate flavor, and cinnamon-spiced sweetness that make these cookies absolutely crave-worthy.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a creamy mixture, crucial for light and fluffy cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cracking effect on the cookie’s surface.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel for chewy softness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth and depth.
• All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers a deep, luxurious chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and become light in texture.
• Cinnamon: A touch of cozy spice woven into the dough enhances the chocolate notes perfectly.
• Salt (optional): Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
• Cinnamon-sugar coating: A simple mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon that crisps up the outside for a delightful first bite.

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 simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process is vital — it aerates the dough, setting the stage for tender, soft cookies with just the right chew.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates a rich, cohesive base that will marry beautifully with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt if using. This step guarantees the dry elements are evenly distributed, so every bite tastes perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix here; you want to keep the dough tender, not tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. This aromatic coating will give your cookies their signature sparkle and subtle spice on the outside, beautifully contrasting the rich cocoa within.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough

Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Then, generously coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to ensure full coverage. Placing these on the prepared baking sheet with some space apart allows them to spread just enough without merging.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully so the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Remember, cookies continue to firm up as they cool!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for easy transfer. This step is crucial because if moved too soon, they might break, but waiting too long risks them sticking to the tray. Once cooled, get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of fun and flair, sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar over the cookies just before serving or add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. A few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted white chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or chai tea, whose spices complement the cinnamon beautifully. For parties, consider serving them with warm chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into charming gift treats by stacking them in a clear jar tied with rustic twine. Alternatively, sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for a delectable twist. Arranged on a festive platter, they bring warmth and delight to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They maintain their soft texture well, and the cinnamon-sugar coating stays deliciously crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave individually for 10 to 15 seconds. Warming enhances the chocolate aroma and gets that cinnamon sugar crackle just right!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely. Just reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Salted butter will add a subtle depth of flavor, but keeping salt in check ensures balance.

What makes the cookies soft rather than crispy?

The combination of brown sugar and proper mixing creates moisture and tenderness. Baking just until the edges set but centers remain soft is key to a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

While possible, using unsweetened cocoa powder keeps the recipe simple and consistent. If substituting, you’ll need to adjust fats and sugar, as melted chocolate adds extra fat and sweetness.

Is it necessary to coat the dough balls in cinnamon sugar?

The coating gives these cookies their signature crackly crust infused with cinnamon flavor, enhancing both texture and taste. You can skip it, but you’ll lose that charming crunch and spice kick.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips add fantastic texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them in with the dry ingredients for a fun twist on the classic cookie.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe has a special way of turning an ordinary moment into a cozy celebration of flavor and warmth. I encourage you to bake a batch, share them with loved ones, or simply savor them with your favorite drink. Once you try these cookies, their enchanting combination of chocolate and cinnamon will likely become a permanent favorite in your recipe box.

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