Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

If you’re a fan of warm, cozy spices and that perfect chewy texture, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe. Trust me, these cookies have become my absolute go-to whenever I want to impress family or just treat myself to something incredibly comforting. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s buttery, soft, with a luscious cinnamon sugar filling that almost melts in your mouth — it’s like a little cinnamon roll wrapped up in cookie form. Stick around because I’m about to share every little detail that makes this recipe absolutely fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Layered Cinnamon Filling: The cinnamon-sugar butter filling inside the cookie creates a gooey surprise that contrasts beautifully with the soft dough.
  • Perfect Dough Texture: Using ingredients like cream of tartar and careful mixing technique keeps the cookie soft, chewy, and never tough.
  • Shaping Right After Baking: The quick shaping step right out of the oven ensures the cookies stay thick and chewy instead of spreading too thin.
  • Simple Yet Special: With common ingredients and a little attention to detail, this recipe feels homemade but tastes bakery-level amazing.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe lies in the balance of buttery dough and the intensely flavored cinnamon filling. Each ingredient plays a key role, and I’ll share tips on choosing the best versions to make your cookies shine.

Cinnamon Cookie Delight, cinnamon cookie recipe, cinnamon-filled cookies, soft chewy cinnamon cookies, cozy spice cookie recipes - 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 a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
  • Brown sugar: Its molasses content keeps the cookies moist and adds depth to the cinnamon filling’s sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Don’t skimp here! Fresh, aromatic cinnamon is key to that cozy spice flavor you’re craving.
  • Granulated sugar: Gives the dough a light texture and helps with spreading just enough without flattening.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness—you want large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
  • Vanilla extract: It lifts the entire flavor profile, adding warmth beyond the cinnamon.
  • All-purpose flour: Spoon-and-level your flour rather than scooping directly to ensure the right amount—too much flour can make cookies dry.
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough while making them tender.
  • Kosher salt: Adds necessary contrast and highlights the sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Cream of tartar: A classic in snickerdoodle-style recipes that helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile these cookies are — if you want to kick it up a notch or put your own spin on the Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe, it’s so easy to personalize. Whether it’s swapping out spices or making it dietary-friendly, there’s a way to make these uniquely yours.

  • Variation: I often add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice — it’s like autumn in every bite!
  • Gluten-free option: You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but remember to check if it has baking soda and cream of tartar added.
  • Vegan twist: Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs, but be prepared for a slightly different texture — still delicious but a bit more cake-like.
  • Less sweet: Feel free to reduce sugar slightly in either the dough or filling; these cookies balance well without going overboard.

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

Step 1: Whip up the irresistible cinnamon filling

Start by softening your butter and beating it until smooth and creamy. Then, mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the filling is silky and combined—this is the heart of the cookie’s cinnamon explosion. Spoon this mixture into tiny balls, about marble-sized, onto a lined baking sheet, and pop them in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to firm up. I’ve learned that this step is crucial because it keeps the filling contained during baking, so don’t skip or replace it!

Step 2: Prepare the soft, fluffy cookie dough

Using the same bowl (no need for extra dishes), beat room temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy — it takes about 2 minutes and really makes a difference in texture. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until completely smooth. Then, stir together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar) separately before gently incorporating them. The key here: don’t overmix your dough! Stop when just a few flour streaks remain, so your cookies stay soft and tender.

Step 3: Gently fold in those frozen cinnamon filling balls

Once your cinnamon filling balls are nice and firm, gently fold them into the dough with a wooden spoon or spatula. Don’t use a mixer here; you want to keep those filling pockets intact so they melt perfectly inside the cookie. It’s always so satisfying to see those gooey cinnamon nuggets waiting in each cookie!

Step 4: Shape, coat, and bake your cookies to perfection

Scoop dough into roughly 2-inch balls (I use a slightly overfilled cookie scoop) and roll each in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic outer crunch and warm spice. Space them comfortably on baking sheets lined with parchment paper—don’t overcrowd or they’ll run into each other. Bake at 350°F for 11-12 minutes; the cookies won’t look quite done—the cinnamon filling stays shiny, but as soon as they’re out of the oven, it’s time for the magic!

Step 5: Shape while warm for that perfect chewy texture

This part is a game-changer: within 30-60 seconds of pulling the cookies from the oven, use two spoons to gently push the edges back toward the center, reshaping the cookie and packing all that cinnamon goodness in. Trust me, it creates a thicker, chewier cookie and stops the filling from spreading all over your baking sheet. Wait at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then dig in — this is cinnamon roll bliss, cookie-style! I’ve learned this shaping step is what really sets these cookies apart.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

  • Freeze Your Filling Balls: Freezing the cinnamon filling balls makes handling easier and prevents the filling from melting out too fast during baking.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Over-beating flour causes tough cookies; stop mixing once the streaks disappear for tender results.
  • Shape Cookies Right Out of Oven: This small step keeps your cookies thick and chewy, a trick I only discovered after many batches!
  • Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: It not only prevents sticking but also helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

Cinnamon Cookie Delight, cinnamon cookie recipe, cinnamon-filled cookies, soft chewy cinnamon cookies, cozy spice cookie recipes - 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 like to dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over these cookies just before serving for a pretty, snowy finish and a touch of extra sweetness that melts in your mouth. Sometimes a tiny swirl of softened butter on the side makes a delightful addition if you’re serving them warm.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk (classic, right?), a hot cup of coffee, or even a creamy chai latte to complement the cinnamon spice. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate these cookies stacked and tied with a rustic ribbon, then add some fresh cinnamon sticks and star anise around them for a festive touch. They also make wonderful edible gifts packaged in cute jars layered with more cinnamon sugar — your friends will think you bought them from a fancy bakery!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for about 4-5 days — if you want them a little fresher, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.

Freezing

I love freezing the dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Whenever cookie cravings strike, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. It truly saves time and tastes just as fresh!

Reheating

To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This method revives that fresh-baked feel without drying them out like the microwave can sometimes do.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe without cream of tartar?

    Yes, you can omit cream of tartar, but it helps create that snickerdoodle-style chewiness and tang. Without it, cookies may spread a bit more and have a slightly different texture. You could try adding a bit of lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute, but the classic recipe works best with cream of tartar.

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

    This step is essential because when the cookies come out, the cinnamon sugar filling is still molten and tends to spread out and flatten the cookies. Gently shaping the edges back in keeps them thick, gives a chewy texture, and keeps that delicious cinnamon filling packed inside.

  3. Can I use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe?

    Either works, but this recipe is designed with salted butter for a nice balance of savory and sweet. If you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt to the dough to compensate.

  4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

    Make sure your dough isn’t too warm before baking and use parchment paper or silicone mats. Also, avoid overmixing the flour, shape dough balls well, and don’t crowd the baking sheet. Lastly, the shaping step after baking helps control spread beautifully.

  5. Can I freeze the baked cookies?

    You can, but I recommend freezing the dough balls instead for better freshness. If freezing baked cookies, store them in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature. Warm them gently before serving for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe is one of those gems I return to time and again. The combination of soft, buttery dough with that molten cinnamon filling is pure comfort, whether I’m baking for my kids, friends, or just for myself on a chilly evening. I genuinely believe you’ll fall in love with these as much as I have — plus, they’re a fun baking project that rewards you with incredible flavor every time. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of homemade cinnamon joy. You deserve it!

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Cinnamon Cookie Delight Recipe

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

Description

This recipe features the best cinnamon cookies with a soft, chewy dough and a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling inside. The cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking and then shaped immediately after baking for a thick, irresistible texture that captures the flavors of cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie form.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the filling

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

For the dough

  • 1 cup salted butter, 2 sticks, softened
  • 1 and 2/3 cups 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. Make 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 sides down, until the mixture is completely smooth.
  2. Freeze filling balls: Line a baking sheet or platter with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use a spoon to create marble-sized balls of filling and line them up on the prepared pan. Freeze for 20 minutes until hardened. If freezer space is limited, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm.
  3. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for later baking.
  4. Make the dough: In the same bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter for a couple of minutes until smooth, scraping sides as needed. Add 1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy with no chunks.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract thoroughly, scraping the bowl to ensure a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
  6. Mix dry ingredients: Spoon and level 3 and 1/2 cups 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 the flour mixture into the butter mixture, leaving some flour streaks. Scrape down edges and beat briefly until fully combined but do not over mix.
  7. Fold in cinnamon filling balls: Once filling balls are firm, gently fold them into the cookie dough using a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to break them. Do not use a mixer for this step.
  8. Shape dough balls: Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls about 2 inches across, slightly overfilled for good measure.
  9. Roll in cinnamon sugar: In a separate bowl, stir together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this cinnamon sugar mixture to coat fully.
  10. Place on baking sheets: Arrange the coated dough balls on prepared sheets with about 2 inches spacing. For a safer bake, place only 8 cookies per pan to prevent spreading into each other.
  11. Bake cookies: Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. The cookies will not look fully done; the cinnamon filling will remain shiny. The edges without filling should be firm but not golden, and the tops should be matte, especially on outer edges.
  12. Shape baked cookies: Immediately after removing from the oven (within 30 to 60 seconds), use two spoons to push the cookie edges toward their centers, reshaping them into circles and packing in any oozing cinnamon filling. This step ensures thicker, chewier cookies.
  13. Cool and serve: Let cookies set on the pan for at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk for the perfect cinnamon roll-like bliss.
  14. Freezer instructions: Shape dough into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and store in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to baking time. No need to thaw before baking.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Do not over mix the dough to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer or vigorous mixing by hand will work for most steps except folding in the filling balls, which requires gentle hand folding.
  • Adjust the number of cookies per baking sheet to manage spreading; fewer cookies per pan means thicker cookies.
  • The shaping step immediately after baking is crucial to keep the cookies thick and chewy, don’t skip it!
  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a variation, try the similar Snickerdoodle recipe without filling but double dipped in cinnamon sugar before and after baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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