Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Sink your teeth into the very best chewy cinnamon sugar cookies—soft, buttery, and bursting with nostalgic, sweet-spiced flavor! Each bite melts in your mouth with a heavenly combination of crackly cinnamon sugar on the outside and rich, tender goodness on the inside.

These cookies are incredibly fast and fuss-free, coming together from scratch in just over half an hour. They’re a life-saver for last-minute cravings, bake sales, or whenever you just need a warm, cozy treat.

Perfect for dunking in milk, adding to holiday cookie trays, or treating yourself any day of the week. This recipe draws inspiration from my grandma’s classic snickerdoodles—just without the chill time or any cream of tartar headaches!

You’ll want to make these again and again. Trust me—they vanish fast!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• No-fuss, speedy prep — Ready start to finish in less than 40 minutes, with no chilling needed.
• Soft and irresistibly chewy texture — Each cookie stays thick, moist, and perfect for days.
• Classic cinnamon-sugar flavor — Sweet and fragrant, these cookies taste just like childhood.
• Perfect for sharing or gifting — Crowd-pleasing and ideal for cookie swaps, parties, and holidays.

Key Ingredients for Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter brings that signature classic cookie richness and chew. You'll want it at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar—this helps your cookies turn out fluffy and thick. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt a bit.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar keeps these cookies super chewy and moist. It also deepens the flavor thanks to a hint of molasses. Feel free to use dark or light brown sugar—either will work, but dark brown amps up the warm flavor.

Ground Cinnamon

The star spice of the show! Cinnamon infuses every bite with cozy warmth and depth. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best aroma. You can even try Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon for extra kick.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour ensures sturdy, chewy cookies that still have a soft bite. Spoon and level your flour for the best measuring accuracy. If you want a GF option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works here too.

Granulated Sugar

You'll need this for both the dough and that gorgeous cinnamon sugar coating. Rolling the dough in this spiced sugar mix is what gives the cookies their signature crackled, sparkly crust.

Instructions for Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed to make sure everything gets incorporated.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. Your dough should look smooth and glossy at this stage.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low until just combined. Don’t overmix—just until no streaks remain.

Shape and Coat the Dough

In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Scoop tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 inches wide), roll them into balls with your hands, and coat evenly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake to Chewy Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll continue to cook as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm for ultimate gooeyness!

Recipe Variations

Add a Touch of Spice

Love things extra cozy? Stir a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar coating for deeper spice complexity. A little goes a long way!

Go Dairy-Free

Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative (like vegan "buttery" sticks) and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The cookies still come out super chewy!

Make Them Gluten-Free

Simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the regular all-purpose—no other changes required. The results are surprisingly close to the original.

Mix-Ins Galore

Fold in a handful of mini white chocolate chips or toffee bits for a gourmet twist. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch if you’re a nut lover.

Thicker or Thinner Cookies

Want extra-thick cookies? Chill your dough balls in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. For thinner, crispier cookies, flatten the balls slightly before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these chewy cinnamon sugar cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee for the ultimate treat. They’re also fantastic crumbled over vanilla ice cream, tucked in lunchboxes, or arranged on a festive platter alongside chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before serving for bonus sparkle!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they stay soft and chewy! To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave a cookie for 8-10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked straight from the freezer (add 1-2 minutes to baking time).

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick and Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies (FAQ)

Q: Why did my cookies turn out dry or cakey?
A: Too much flour can make cookies dry and cakey. Make sure to spoon and level your flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup, and don’t overbake.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or shaped and frozen for later baking—perfect for getting ahead.

Q: Do I have to chill the dough?
A: Not at all! These cookies bake beautifully without chilling, which is what makes this recipe so unbelievably quick.

If you’re looking for that perfect chewy cinnamon sugar cookie—the one that disappears the minute you put out the plate—these are it! I can’t wait to hear how you like them. Try the recipe and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below!