Hey, friend! Ever bite into a cookie so perfectly chewy and spiced that it feels like a cozy blanket in dessert form? Let me introduce you to chocolate-cinnamon sugar cookies, a sweet treat that blends rich chocolate with a warm cinnamon kick. I baked these for a holiday party last week, and they vanished faster than my New Year’s resolutions! Ready to whip up a batch that’ll make your kitchen smell like a spiced chocolate dream? Let’s get mixing!
Why These Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Are a Total Winner
So, what’s the hype with these cookies? They’re not just cookies—they’re soft, chewy masterpieces with a chocolatey base and a cinnamon-sugar sparkle. I mean, who can resist that sweet-spicy combo? Here’s why this recipe rocks:
- Quick to Bake: Done in 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings.
- Bold Flavors: Cocoa and cinnamon sugar create a warm, indulgent vibe.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in.
- Gorgeous Look: The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a sparkly, festive touch.
Ever wonder why chocolate and cinnamon are such a power couple? It’s that rich, spiced magic that makes these cookies a star.
The Magic of Chocolate and Cinnamon
The stars here are cocoa powder and cinnamon sugar, which combine to create a chewy cookie with a warm, festive crunch. Butter adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while vanilla boosts the sweetness. I learned the hard way that overbaking kills the chew—watch that timer! It’s like a churro met a chocolate cookie in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples to create that gourmet flavor. Here’s what you’ll grab:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for dough)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Optional: 2 tbsp chocolate chips for extra decadence 🙂
Substitutions That Work
No cocoa powder? Dutch-processed cocoa works for a richer flavor, but regular is great, IMO. Out of brown sugar? Granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses does the trick. Want it gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour with a 1:1 ratio. The key is that chocolate-cinnamon vibe, so don’t skip the cocoa or cinnamon!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Ready to bake? This is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s how to nail it:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using, for extra gooeyness.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
- Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating.
- Scoop dough into 1-tbsp balls and roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets and flatten slightly.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm with a mug of hot cocoa or store for later!
Pro tip: I once baked these too long, and they turned crunchier than my attempt at a low-carb diet. Pull them out when the centers are soft for that perfect chewy texture!
Tips for Nailing Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Wanna make these cookies next-level? Here are my go-to tricks:
- Use Room-Temp Butter: Soft butter creams better for a smooth dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep cookies chewy.
- Coat Generously: Roll in plenty of cinnamon sugar for that sparkly crunch.
- Check Baking Time: Bake until centers are soft to avoid hard cookies.
- Store Airtight: Keep cookies fresh to maintain that buttery texture.
Ever wonder why cinnamon and chocolate are so cozy? It’s the warm, spiced sweetness that makes these cookies a total hit.
Variations to Mix It Up
Bored of the classic? Try these twists to keep things fresh:
Mocha Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Add 1 tsp instant coffee to the dough for a coffee-chocolate kick.
Orange Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies
Mix in 1 tsp orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Nutty Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies
Fold in ¼ cup chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Vegan Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Use vegan butter and flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a plant-based version.
Storing and Reusing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Here’s how to keep those cookies fresh:
- Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5 minutes to revive chewiness.
I’ve turned leftover cookies into a crumble for ice cream, and it was a total game-changer. Keep them airtight for that chocolatey, spiced vibe!
FAQs About Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Got questions? I’ve got you covered. Here’s what folks usually ask:
Can I use dark cocoa powder?
Yup! Dark cocoa adds a deeper flavor, but regular works great.
Why are my cookies flat?
You might’ve used too-warm butter or skipped chilling. Chill dough if needed.
Can I make these ahead?
Totally! Prep dough up to 2 days ahead and bake when ready.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Check your cocoa too!
What’s a good pairing for these?
These cookies shine with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk. I love them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Related Recipes:
- Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe
- Lemon Poundcake Cookies: Easy, Zesty, and Buttery Recipe
- Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe
- German Chocolate Cookies: Easy, Chewy, and Coc
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—chocolate-cinnamon sugar cookies, the ultimate chewy, spiced treat that’s ready to steal the show at any gathering. It’s like a chocolate cookie and a churro teamed up in your kitchen, perfect for holidays or cozy nights. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, these cookies deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your cocoa, fire up the oven, and get ready for a batch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. What’s stopping you from baking these tonight? 🙂
Chocolate-Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Easy, Chewy, and Spiced Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to form a dough.
- In a small bowl, mix rolling sugar and cinnamon.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican chocolate twist.
- Use dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor and color.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
If you have, then share it with us by sending a photo. We’re excited to see what you’ve made
