Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies (Printable Version)

Soft, chewy treats coated in cinnamon sugar, ideal for a cozy snack or tea time.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating

09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, blending until just combined.
06 - In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
07 - Scoop one tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, then completely coat each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
08 - Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
09 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly underbaked for chewiness.
10 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under 30 minutes, which means you can have warm cookies without the stress.
  • The cinnamon sugar coating gets slightly crispy while the inside stays chewy, hitting that perfect texture balance.
  • One batch makes 24 cookies, so you'll have plenty to share or hide away for yourself.
02 -
  • The centers will look a little wet when you pull them out of the oven—this is intentional and what keeps them chewy, not cakey.
  • Don't skip the cream of tartar; it's the difference between these tasting like sugar cookies and tasting like something you can't quite put your finger on but love anyway.
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are everything—let your eggs, butter, and even vanilla sit out for 30 minutes before you start mixing.
  • If your dough feels too soft after mixing, chill it for 15 minutes before scooping; it makes the balls easier to handle and more uniform in size.