Cinnamon Swirl Sugar Cookies: A Warm Hug in Cookie Form
Oh, how I adore the inviting aroma of cookies baking in the oven! It’s a scent that conjures up treasured memories of childhood days spent in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for a sweet treat to cool just enough to indulge. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings all those cozy, nostalgic feelings flooding back—the delightful Cinnamon Swirl Sugar Cookies. Make these for a family gathering, or simply for enjoying with a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. They are the perfect, easy fall dessert that you’ll want to keep coming back to. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The warm notes of cinnamon wrapped into a tender sugar cookie create an irresistible taste combination that brings comfort with every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeks, these cookies can be whipped up in under an hour, making them a fantastic option for last-minute gatherings or school bake sales.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Trust me—everyone will fall in love with these soft, gooey cookies! They are a hit at parties, and you might even find your friends asking for the recipe.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake whenever you’re ready for some freshly baked goodness.
- Versatile Basis: While these cookies shine on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences and spices, making them perfect for any season of the year!
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create your Cinnamon Swirl Sugar Cookies, you will need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—don’t overwork the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to create your cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Take portions of the cookie dough, flatten them slightly, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Then roll them up into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich touch that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Maple Cinnamon Swirl: Swap the granulated sugar for maple sugar for a subtle, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with autumn flavors.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and layer of flavor in each bite.
- Zesty Twists: Incorporate a hint of fresh orange zest into the dough for a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the cinnamon wonderfully.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Perfect Rolling: For a perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl, don’t skip the rolling step! Flatten the dough sufficiently before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar on top.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them firm up, making them easier to move without breaking.
- Storage: Keep your cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You may want to place parchment paper between layers for added protection.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various types of sugar or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts as suggested in the variations section.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. A layer of parchment paper between layers can keep them fresh longer.
How long do they last?
These cookies will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For extended freshness, consider freezing them!
A Cozy Closing Note
These Cinnamon Swirl Sugar Cookies are truly a warm hug in cookie form, bringing comfort and nostalgia to every bite. They’re perfect for any time of year but especially shine during cozy fall afternoons. Be sure to save this recipe to your baking or dessert board on Pinterest so it’s ready when you crave that sweet, comforting treat! Happy baking, dear friends!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Cinnamon Swirl Sugar Cookies that are soft, gooey, and perfect for chilly afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—don’t overwork the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to create your cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Take portions of the cookie dough, flatten them slightly, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll them up into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. Storing in an airtight container helps maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, cinnamon cookies, dessert, sweet treats, baking