Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced

Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies are the ultimate comfort cookie—soft, chewy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Sweetened primarily with brown sugar, these cookies have a rich, caramel-like depth that elevates a simple cookie to a bakery-style treat.

Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack, a holiday cookie exchange, or an anytime sweet craving, these cookies hit every note: soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor.


Why Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies Are a Favorite

These cookies have gained popularity because they are:

  • Quick and easy to make
  • Soft, chewy, and buttery
  • Perfect for cinnamon lovers
  • Made with pantry staples
  • Great for gifting, holidays, or everyday treats

They offer classic comfort with minimal fuss, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.


Flavor & Texture Profile

The perfect Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookie should deliver:

  • Soft, tender centers
  • Lightly crisp edges
  • Warm cinnamon aroma
  • Buttery, rich flavor
  • A slight chewiness from brown sugar

This combination creates a cookie that’s addictive and satisfying with every bite.


Key Ingredients Explained

Brown Sugar

  • Adds moisture and chewiness
  • Gives the cookie a deep, caramel-like flavor

Butter

  • Unsalted butter gives a rich, buttery base
  • Softened butter creates a tender texture

Cinnamon

  • The star spice
  • Use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum warmth

Eggs

  • Bind ingredients and provide structure
  • Contribute to moist, chewy centers

Flour

  • All-purpose flour is ideal
  • Too much flour leads to dense cookies

Baking Soda

  • Helps cookies spread properly
  • Adds tenderness

Salt

  • Balances sweetness and enhances flavor

How to Make Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies (Overview)

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix until fully incorporated for smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Portion Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form evenly sized dough balls.

Step 6: Bake

Bake until edges are set and tops are soft—cookies will continue to firm as they cool.


Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming
  • Don’t overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender
  • Chill dough briefly for thicker cookies
  • Use fresh cinnamon for strong flavor
  • Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Flat Cookies

  • Caused by butter too soft or dough too warm

Dry or Hard Cookies

  • Overbaking or too much flour

Bland Flavor

  • Skipping salt or using old spices

Uneven Baking

  • Crowding cookies on the pan

Delicious Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

  • Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking

Nutty Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

Chocolate Chip Twist

  • Fold in chocolate chips or chunks

Frosted Cinnamon Cookies

  • Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze after cooling

Mini Cookies

  • Perfect for snack packs or cookie exchanges

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

  • Dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours
  • Chilling enhances flavor and helps cookies hold shape

Storage

  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

Freezing

  • Freeze dough balls up to 3 months
  • Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time

Tips for Keeping Cookies Soft

  • Slightly underbake for chewy centers
  • Store with a slice of bread to maintain moisture
  • Avoid airtight containers while cookies are still warm

When to Serve Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

These cookies are perfect for:

  • Holiday cookie exchanges
  • Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
  • Lunchbox treats
  • Gifts for friends and family
  • Cozy winter nights

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes—replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Can I reduce sugar?

Slightly, but it may affect texture and chewiness.

Can I use margarine or oil?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture; margarine can work, but oil is not recommended.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Butter too soft, dough too warm, or over-creamed sugar and butter.


Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Baking Rotation

Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies are:

  • Simple and fast to make
  • Perfect for cinnamon lovers
  • Crowd-pleasing and versatile
  • Easy to customize with add-ins
  • Cozy and nostalgic for holidays or daily treats

Once you master this recipe, it becomes a go-to cookie for any occasion.


Final Thoughts

If you crave soft, chewy cookies with buttery richness and warm cinnamon flavor, these Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies deliver every time. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

One batch is never enough—these cookies are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
(Makes 18–20 cookies)
  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Optional: extra cinnamon-sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (~3 min). Add granulated sugar; mix well. Beat in egg and vanilla.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
  4. Chill dough (optional but recommended): 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
  5. Roll & bake:
    • Scoop 1½-tbsp portions. Roll into balls.
    • Optional: Roll in cinnamon-sugar (1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon).
    • Place 2″ apart on sheets; flatten slightly.
  6. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.
  7. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
💡 Pro Tip: Underbake by 1 minute for ultra-chewy centers!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per cookie):

Prep Time: 10 min (+ optional chill) | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 25 min
Servings: 20 | Calories: 130 | Net Carbs: 18g | Fats: 6g | Protein: 2g

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating

Videos