Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances soft, chewy dough with the warm, irresistible spice of cinnamon swirled inside, then you’re in for a treat. This Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic, with a melt-in-your-mouth filling that sets it apart from your usual sweet bite. I can’t wait to walk you through it—trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll replace all your other favorites.

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

  • Double Layer of Cinnamon: The secret cinnamon filling inside adds a rich, gooey center that makes every bite special.
  • Soft Yet Chewy Texture: Careful mixing and folding create cookies that are tender on the outside with a satisfying chew.
  • Shaped While Warm: Quickly shaping the cookies out of the oven keeps the cinnamon filling from spreading and enhances thickness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Dough: You can prep ahead by freezing dough balls, making it perfect for spontaneous cookie cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe uses straightforward pantry staples that come together in a surprisingly delightful way. Each ingredient plays its part—from giving structure and flavor to creating that signature cinnamon swirl you’ll crave. Let’s break them down so you know exactly why each one is here.

Cinnamon Cookie Delight, cinnamon cookie recipe, soft chewy cookies, cinnamon dessert, easy cinnamon cookies - Flat lay of six tablespoons of salted butter softened into a smooth mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, one cup of salted butter softened into a creamy scoop, a small white ceramic bowl holding granulated white sugar, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl heaping with spooned and leveled all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with cream of tartar powder, a small white ceramic bowl mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon powder for rolling placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds depth to the cookie’s flavor and keeps the cinnamon filling buttery smooth.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives moisture and that rich, caramel-like sweetness needed in the cinnamon filling.
  • Cinnamon: The star spice here—it brings warmth and aroma that make these cookies unforgettable.
  • Granulated Sugar: Crystals help the cookie get just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
  • Eggs: Provide moisture and structure to hold the dough and filling together perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Elevates all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, spooned and leveled to avoid dense cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Leavens the dough slightly, making it tender and helping it spread just right.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps to stabilize and add a slight tang that complements the cinnamon.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar for Rolling: Adds a final crunchy, spicy coating that seals in the flavor.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I love this Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak the cinnamon levels or even swap out ingredients to fit what you have or prefer. Baking is part science, part personal touch, so don’t hesitate to make these your own.

  • Extra Spice Kick: I’ve added a pinch of nutmeg once and it gave those cookies a cozy, warm complexity—I highly recommend it if you like a little more depth.
  • Vegan Adaptation: I’ve had success using vegan butter and flax eggs, but keep an eye on texture as it changes slightly—still delicious!
  • Less Sweet: If you prefer a milder cookie, cut down the cinnamon filling sugar by a tablespoon or two, and it still shines.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon Filling

Start by beating the softened butter until it’s nice and creamy—this sets the stage for that rich filling. Then add brown sugar and cinnamon, beating until smooth. Use a spoon to scoop little marble-sized balls and line them up on parchment. Freeze these babies so they firm up. I like to keep them in the freezer about 20 minutes—this makes folding them into the dough a breeze later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In the same bowl (no need for extra dishes, yay!), beat your softened butter until smooth, then gradually add sugar and keep beating until it’s fluffy. Add your eggs and vanilla next, mixing until everything’s well combined. The next part’s a little delicate: spoon and level your flour carefully, mix in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar, then add to your wet ingredients in two steps. Don’t overmix here! You want some streaks of flour when you stop to keep the dough tender.

Step 3: Fold in the Frozen Filling

Now gently fold those frozen cinnamon balls into your dough using a spatchula or wooden spoon—avoid using a mixer at this stage, or that filling will just melt. This step is where the magic happens. You get pockets of melty cinnamon right inside the cookie.

Step 4: Shape, Roll, and Bake

Scoop dough balls about 2 inches wide, then roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mix for an extra pop of spice and crunch. Space them out on your baking sheets and bake at 350°F for around 11-12 minutes. Here’s a trick: When you pull them out, the cinnamon filling will still be shiny and soft, and the cookies won’t look “done.” Don’t worry, that’s perfect! Use two spoons to gently push the edges in and re-shape the cookies while they’re warm. This keeps that filling packed inside and gives you thick, chewy cookies.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies sit on the pan for at least 5 minutes to set up, then transfer to a wire rack (if you can wait — I usually sneak a warm one!). The mix of cinnamon and buttery dough with that gooey center is simply a little pocket of happiness.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip Freezing the Filling: Freezing the cinnamon filling balls keeps them intact and prevents them from melting into the dough too early.
  • Gentle Flour Mixing: Overmixing flour toughens cookies; I always stop when just combined for that perfect soft texture.
  • Quick Cookie Sculpting: Re-shaping the cookies right out of the oven is a game changer—it keeps them thick and chewy rather than thin and crispy.
  • Use Parchment or Silicone Mats: It makes cleanup effortless and ensures the cookies don’t stick even with that sugary cinnamon filling.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

Cinnamon Cookie Delight, cinnamon cookie recipe, soft chewy cookies, cinnamon dessert, easy cinnamon cookies - The image shows several round cookies with a light golden color as the base layer, soft and slightly bumpy in texture. Dark brown swirls of cinnamon sugar are spread unevenly across the surface, creating a marbled pattern with rough edges. The cookies are placed close to each other on a brown parchment paper, which has some small crumbs scattered around. The overall look is warm and inviting, highlighting the contrast between the light dough and dark cinnamon swirl photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar over the warm cookies right before serving—adds a lovely sparkle and crunch. Sometimes I dust them lightly with powdered sugar too, especially if it’s a special occasion or a cozy winter afternoon.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon delights with a cold glass of milk for classic appeal, or try them alongside a cup of chai tea or rich coffee to enhance the warm spices. They also make a lovely companion to vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I once stacked cookies in a pyramid on a pretty plate and wrapped them with a cinnamon stick tied with twine—it was a hit! You could also arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of cinnamon sugar and whipped cream for dipping. Presentation can really amp up the delight factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay soft for about 3-4 days, but honestly, last time I made these, they disappeared in less than 24 hours! If you want to extend freshness, pop a slice of bread inside the container; it helps keep them moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. I like baking them straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time. The cookies still come out soft and ooey-gooey, perfect for when a last-minute craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to revive their fresh-baked softness. I’ve found gentle reheating truly brings back that gooey cinnamon center and soft dough.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the cinnamon filling without butter?

    Butter is key for the smooth, creamy texture of the filling and its ability to hold shape when frozen. You could try using a butter substitute, but the texture and flavor might not be the same. I recommend sticking with real butter for the best result.

  2. Why do I need to shape the cookies immediately after baking?

    Shaping the cookies right after they come out of the oven helps prevent the cinnamon filling from spreading out too much, keeping the cookies thick and chewy instead of thin and crispy. It also helps pack all that cinnamon goodness inside the cookie.

  3. Can I use parchment paper instead of silicone mats?

    Absolutely! Both parchment paper and silicone mats work beautifully to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. I usually keep both on hand and rotate based on what I have.

  4. How do I prevent overmixing the flour?

    Mix the flour in slowly and stop as soon as the streaks disappear. Using a spatula to finish folding ensures you don’t overwork the dough. Overmixing leads to tougher cookies, and we want soft, tender bites instead!

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe has quickly become my go-to whenever I want a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I love sharing these with friends and hearing their delight over the ooey-gooey cinnamon centers. If you’re seeking a cookie that’s simple to make but feels a little special, you absolutely have to give this recipe a try — I’m confident you’ll treasure it just like I do!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 33 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious cinnamon cookie recipe featuring a creamy cinnamon filling inside a soft and chewy dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Filling

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Dough

  • 1 cup salted butter, 2 sticks, softened
  • 1 and 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

For Rolling

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 6 tablespoons softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add 3/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Beat well, scraping down sides, until completely smooth.
  2. Freeze the filling balls: Line a baking sheet or large platter with parchment paper or silicone mat. Using a spoon, form small balls of filling about the size of a marble. Place them on the pan and freeze for 20 minutes until hardened. If freezer space is limited, refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  4. Make the dough: In the same bowl or mixer (no need to wash), beat 1 cup softened butter for a couple of minutes until smooth, scraping sides frequently. Add 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar and beat for 2 minutes, scraping often. Mix in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: Spoon and level 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar. Gently beat this mixture into the butter mixture, stopping when there are still some flour streaks. Scrape down bowl edges and beat a few more seconds until fully combined. Avoid over mixing.
  6. Fold in frozen filling balls: Once filling balls are firm, gently fold them into the dough using a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not use a mixer.
  7. Shape the cookies: Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls about 2 inches across, slightly overfilled in each scoop.
  8. Roll in cinnamon sugar: Mix 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in this mixture to coat.
  9. Arrange on baking sheets: Place cookie balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For safer spacing, place 8 cookies per sheet to prevent spreading into each other.
  10. Bake the cookies: Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Cookies will not look fully done due to the shiny cinnamon filling. Edges without filling will be firm but not golden, and the cookie tops should appear matte on the outer edges.
  11. Shape cookies after baking: Immediately after removing cookies from oven, within 30-60 seconds before edges crisp, use two spoons to push edges toward centers, reshaping the cookies to their original round shape and packing the cinnamon filling back in. This step creates thicker, chewier cookies and prevents filling spread.
  12. Cool and serve: Let cookies set on the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve fresh with milk for the best experience.
  13. Freezing instructions: Shape dough into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and store in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple minutes to baking time without thawing.

Notes

  • To prevent cookie spreading, shape cookies immediately after baking while still warm.
  • Freezing filling balls separately helps keep the cinnamon center intact during baking.
  • Do not over mix the dough to avoid tough cookies; some flour streaks before final mixing are okay.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Baking time can be adjusted slightly depending on your oven’s heat distribution.
  • For a safer cookie spread, limit to 8 cookies per 11×17 baking sheet.
  • Try the related Snickerdoodle recipe for a similar soft and chewy cookie without the cinnamon filling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star