Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s got a little bit of mystery, a little bit of nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor, let me introduce you to Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. Imagine the comfort of a classic sugar cookie, but add to that a dramatic cocoa twist and the warm hug of cinnamon. Each bite is perfectly tender, chocolatey, and aromatic, with a beautiful crackled coating of cinnamon-sugar. These cookies come together quickly and always impress — ideal for anytime snacking or a holiday cookie tray centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a sprawling pantry to whip up these Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. Every ingredient has a special purpose: some bring softness, some create depth, and some (I’m looking at you, cinnamon!) spark a cozy allure that makes these cookies impossible to resist.

• All-purpose flour: The classic base that gives the cookies their sturdy-yet-tender crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Responsible for the deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color — don’t skimp!
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth into both the dough and the rolling mixture for a layered spice effect.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff up just the right amount and stay soft in the center.
• Salt: A pinch is all it takes to amplify both the cocoa and cinnamon notes.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and the beloved classic cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds sparkle in the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and chew, with a hint of molasses.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and keeps everything moist.
• Vanilla extract: Accentuates all the other flavors and rounds out the cookie beautifully.
• Cinnamon-sugar for rolling: That irresistible final touch that gives every cookie its signature crackled shell.

How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — not only does this prevent sticking, it also makes cleanup a breeze and helps those signature cookie bottoms turn out beautifully golden.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures every bite of your Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies is perfectly even, with no sneaky pockets of cinnamon or baking soda.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — it should look pale and slightly billowy. This process gives your cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. These liquids not only bind your dough but also add subtle depth of flavor you’ll notice in the finished cookie.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring on low until a soft, chocolatey dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep your Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape and Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them quickly between your palms to form balls. Next, roll each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so they’re coated in a sparkly, spicy layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your parchment-lined sheet about 2 inches apart — they need some elbow room to spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges look set. For that classic cookie softness, resist over-baking! Let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra dazzle, try sifting a touch more cocoa or cinnamon over your cookies while they’re still a tad warm. Or go for a chocolate drizzle: simply melt some chocolate chips and lightly zigzag across the tops — simple, memorable, and delicious!

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookie alongside a cold glass of milk or a piping hot mug of coffee (or even spicy chai, if you want to keep that cinnamon theme rolling!). If you’re feeling extra, pile a few on a dessert board with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies turn every occasion festive! Stack them in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for sweet homemade gifts, or arrange in a circle on your favorite platter for a holiday party. For a dramatic twist, try sandwiching two cookies with a layer of cinnamon or chocolate buttercream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your extra Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days. If you need to stack them, slip a bit of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze like a dream. To freeze dough, shape and sugar-coat as directed, then freeze the dough balls on a tray before transferring to a zip bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add an extra minute! Baked cookies can be cooled, wrapped, and frozen for up to two months.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies, reheat baked Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies for about 5 seconds in the microwave — just enough to restore that soft-baked magic. If you’re thawing from frozen, let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of regular?

Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will give your cookies an even deeper, darker chocolate flavor and a beautiful color. Just keep in mind it may make the cookies slightly richer, which is never a bad thing in my book.

How do I make these cookies extra chewy?

For an extra-chewy texture in your Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, use dark brown sugar instead of light, and be sure not to over-bake. Pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?

Totally! Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts right before shaping the dough balls if you want extra texture and richness. Pecans or walnuts pair beautifully with cinnamon and chocolate.

What’s the best way to get perfect round cookies?

Roll your dough balls as evenly as possible and make sure to give them enough space on the baking sheet. If they spread a bit unevenly, use a round cookie cutter to gently reshape them the moment they come out of the oven.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe — just make sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake in batches for best results. These Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies always disappear fast at gatherings!

Final Thoughts

If you adore cookies with a twist, let Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies become your new signature bake. The chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar come together with such charm, it’s impossible to stop at just one — I can’t wait for you to fall in love with these as much as I have!

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