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
Buttery Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced
Ingredients
- 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
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- 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.
- Add dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill dough (optional but recommended): 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- 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.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.
- 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):
Servings: 20 | Calories: 130 | Net Carbs: 18g | Fats: 6g | Protein: 2g