Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Oh my gosh, the smell of warm cinnamon filled my kitchen the moment I baked these. The swirls looked so pretty, like little spirals of sugar and spice. I couldn’t wait to taste one.
I made these on a quiet afternoon, and rolling the dough felt fun and easy. The sugar melted into sweet stripes that made every cookie look special. They came out soft inside with just the right crunch.
One bite and I was hooked. The sweet cinnamon and buttery cookie together tasted like a cozy hug. It’s the kind of treat you want to share but also keep for yourself.
So let’s bake them together. Grab some cinnamon and sugar, and roll up that dough. These Cinnamon Swirl Cookies will be your new favorite bite.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
- Perfect Texture: Chewy and soft on the inside, crisp on the edges. Just like a cinnamon roll in cookie form.
- Aromatic and Flavorful: The cinnamon sugar swirl adds a rich, spicy sweetness that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Easy to Make: You won’t need any fancy tools or techniques to achieve perfect cookies every time.
- Versatile: Enjoy these cookies on their own, or pair them with milk, coffee, or tea for a cozy experience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and chilled, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Required Kitchen Tools
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create these flavorful Cinnamon Swirl Cookies:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: For mixing the dough easily and efficiently.
- Whisk: To ensure even blending of the dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of your ingredients.
- Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Wire Rack: To cool the cookies and allow them to crisp up.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Cinnamon Swirl Cookies (exact measurements are included in the recipe card below):
For the Cookie Dough:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature. Butter is key for creating a rich, soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This sweetens the dough and helps achieve that light, airy texture.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): The molasses in the brown sugar adds a rich flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and sweetness to the dough.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs help bind the dough together and add moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups): Provides structure for the cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the other flavors.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cinnamon mixture.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a deeper sweetness and moisture to the swirl.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star of the show! This is what gives the cookies their signature cinnamon flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you begin mixing the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly once the dough is ready.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes the cookies easy to remove once they’re done and helps prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and both granulated sugar and brown sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps the cookies bake evenly.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, a little at a time, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will create that beautiful swirl in the center of the cookies.
6. Form the Cookie Dough
Take about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the dough ball gently into a disc using your hands. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the center of the dough disc. Fold the edges of the dough over the cinnamon-sugar mixture, encasing it inside.
Roll the dough ball back into a round shape, ensuring the cinnamon-sugar mixture is evenly distributed inside. Repeat this process for the remaining dough.
7. Place the Dough on the Baking Sheets
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
9. Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps the cookies set and makes them easier to transfer to a wire rack.
After the initial cooling time, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies crisp up and finish baking from the residual heat.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
These Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also perfect for sharing with friends or packing up as a sweet gift. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:
- With a Hot Beverage: Pair the cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience.
- As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a sweet finish to any meal. They’re especially delightful after a rich dinner.
- In a Cookie Jar: Keep these cookies on hand for a quick treat during the day. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay soft for up to a week.
Storing Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste fresh as ever.
- Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the dough itself. Portion out the dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 160 |
Carbs | 25g |
Protein | 1g |
Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 15g |
Conclusion
Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are a perfect blend of rich cinnamon flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies will surely impress. The simple yet flavorful cinnamon swirl inside each bite takes these cookies to the next level, making them unforgettable.
The recipe is easy to follow, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of these cookies that will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them for later. No matter when you enjoy them, these Cinnamon Swirl Cookies will be a hit every time!
Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Course: Uncategorized24
cookies15
minutes10
minutes160
kcalIngredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
1/4 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients.
- Make the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the swirl.
- Form dough, add cinnamon-sugar inside, and roll into balls.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cinnamon Swirl Cookies FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the specific blend’s instructions for best results.
Can I add other spices to the dough?
Absolutely! If you love additional flavors, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dough for extra depth.
How can I make these cookies extra chewy?
To ensure your cookies are extra chewy, don’t over-bake them. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, and remove them once the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can easily add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a delicious chocolate-cinnamon combo.