SOFT CINNAMON SUGAR COOKIES WITH A CRISP TOP CRUST
These cookies are soft and tender inside with a thin, crispy crust on top—much like sponge cakes but even better, because they’re homemade!
Make a double batch from the start—they disappear fast. I made a batch just two days ago, barely got to taste a few, and yesterday I already had requests for double the amount. And somehow, that still wasn’t enough!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
🍳 Bake Time: 8-9 min
🍪 Yields: About 25 cookies
Ingredients
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tsp homemade vanilla)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar for about 1 minute until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla; mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with salt and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together (about 30 seconds).
- Combine powdered sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Using a teaspoon, scoop dough and roll into balls (the dough is not very sticky, so shaping is easy).
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then gently shake off the excess (hold in your palm and give a light shake like rolling dice).
- Place the coated balls spaced evenly on the baking tray (I fit 16 per oven tray).
- Flatten each ball gently using the bottom of a glass. Don’t press too hard — stop when the edges start cracking lightly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 8-9 minutes. The cookies should still be soft when removed and must never brown.
Note: The brown color on top comes from the cinnamon crust, not baking overdone. - Let cookies cool completely. The centers should be soft and sponge-like, with a crisp crust on top.
Store in a sealed bag for up to one week.
💡 Tips
- Avoid overbaking to keep the soft interior intact.
- Rolling in cinnamon sugar adds a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Flatten gently and watch for small cracks on the edges to avoid over-flattening.
🍽️ Perfect For
- Cozy teatime treats
- Holiday cookie platters
- Everyday sweet snacks
📝 Final Thoughts
These soft cinnamon sugar cookies deliver the perfect balance of tender, sponge-like crumb and a delicate cinnamon crust. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’ll quickly become a household favorite!