Brown sugar cinnamon cookies blend warm spices with a rich, sweet flavor that brings back memories of home-baked goodness. Their soft and chewy texture, paired with a hint of cinnamon and nutty brown sugar, makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or simply on their own, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Why We Love This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
These brown sugar cinnamon cookies stand out because they evoke a sense of comfort and happiness. The use of brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor, elevating the typical cookie experience. The warm and fragrant cinnamon gives each bite an inviting aroma, making them perfect for cozy outings or family gatherings. They are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum satisfaction. These cookies also maintain their soft texture for days, making them a great option for meal prep or for sharing with friends. Their versatility means you can enjoy them any time, whether as an afternoon snack or a late-night dessert, creating moments of joy and togetherness.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form balls of dough, about 2 tablespoons in size. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten them with your palm.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Serving brown sugar cinnamon cookies is an opportunity to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can serve these cookies on a lovely plate, dusted with a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, allowing the warm flavors to enhance one another. For a delightful twist, consider making an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This dessert is ideal for warm days and will impress guests of all ages. You can also create a fun cookie platter by including a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, honey, or fresh fruit to complement the cookies. The key is to present them in a way that invites sharing and enjoyment, making each moment around these cookies a special occasion.
Expert Tips for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
To ensure the best results with your brown sugar cinnamon cookies, keep these expert tips in mind. First, always use room temperature ingredients. This allows for better mixing and can lead to a softer, chewier cookie. Second, be careful not to overmix the dough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just enough to incorporate everything, as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, consider adding a bit more than suggested, or even try using cinnamon sugar for rolling. For a chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies so they remain soft in the center. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring helps them set perfectly. Lastly, experiment with different add-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, to customize the flavor profile to your taste.
How to Store Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Storing your brown sugar cinnamon cookies properly will help maintain their softness and flavor. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider putting them in the refrigerator where they can last for about two weeks. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their delightful softness.
Variations of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Exploring variations of brown sugar cinnamon cookies can be a fun way to keep things fresh and exciting. You can incorporate different spices like nutmeg or ginger for additional warmth and complexity. Consider adding oats to the dough for a heartier texture, or mix in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch. For chocolate lovers, try folding in chocolate chips or chunks that pair beautifully with the cinnamon flavor. You might also experiment with adding a touch of molasses for an extra depth of flavor, or a pinch of sea salt to enhance sweetness. If you enjoy fruit, dried cranberries or raisins can make a delightful addition. For a festive twist, consider icing your cookies with a simple glaze or drizzling them with melted chocolate. Each variation can create a new tasting experience while still celebrating the classic essence of the original cookie.
FAQ about Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
When making brown sugar cinnamon cookies, you might have some common questions. One prevalent question is, "What makes brown sugar cinnamon cookies different from regular cookies?" The key difference lies in the use of brown sugar, which adds moisture and a richer flavor, complemented by the warm spice of cinnamon. Another frequently asked question is, "Can I replace the butter with margarine?" While it’s possible to use margarine, using real butter enhances the cookies’ flavor and texture. If you wonder whether these cookies can be made gluten-free, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that you prefer. Lastly, “How can I achieve a chewier cookie?” The trick is to slightly underbake them to keep the centers soft, allowing them to firm up as they cool. These tips will help you bake delicious brown sugar cinnamon cookies that please everyone!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened At room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed Adds caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs At room temperature.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Can adjust for more flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
Forming the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form balls of dough, about 2 tablespoons in size.
- Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten them with your palm.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!