Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Nothing says cozy quite like the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon swirl cookies. These buttery, soft cookies are topped with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness and with a rich cream cheese frosting for that perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a delightful snack during your afternoon break, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into the recipe, tools you need, and tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cinnamon Swirl Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• Butter: Softened butter is the base for the cookie dough, giving it a tender, chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and gives a slightly crispy edge to the cookies.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and richness to the dough, making it soft and flavorful.
• Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch gives the cookies an extra soft and chewy texture.
• Baking powder: Baking powder ensures the cookies rise evenly.
• Baking soda: Adds to the rise and texture, giving the cookies a bit more chew.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon in the dough enhances the flavor for a deeper spice.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

• Butter: Used to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the cookies and add richness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon swirl.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth to the cinnamon swirl.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the key spice here, providing warmth and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the cinnamon filling, keeping it from melting away.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting its tangy, rich flavor.
• Butter, softened: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
• Vanilla extract: For a hint of sweetness and balance.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a creamy consistency.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Cinnamon Swirl Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and a smaller one for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Piping Bag: To add the frosting to the cookies.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Cookie Base:

• 113g (½ cup or 1 stick) butter, softened
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 25g (2 tbsp) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 16g (2 tbsp) corn starch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

• 45g (3 tbsp) butter, softened
• 25g (2 tbsp) granulated sugar
• 25g (2 tbsp) brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 15g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 57g (2 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 30g (2 tbsp) butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 40g (1/3 cup) powdered sugar

Directions:

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Scoop out the dough into evenly-sized balls using a cookie scoop, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
2. Divide the mixture into small balls, pressing one onto the top of each dough ball.
3. Gently press the mixture down into the cookie dough so that it sticks.

Chill and Bake:

1. Chill the dough balls in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
2. After chilling, bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the centers to remain soft.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Spoon the frosting into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off) and pipe it in a swirl design on each cookie for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Tricks:

• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. It’s also easier to work with slightly firmer dough when adding the cinnamon swirl.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
• Freezing Before Baking: By freezing the dough balls before baking, you ensure that the cookies will bake up thick and chewy with a perfectly soft center.
• Frosting: Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the cream cheese frosting, otherwise, it will melt off. The swirl design adds a fun and professional-looking finish.
• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to freeze them unfrosted and add the frosting once thawed.

These Cinnamon Swirl Cookies bring together the best of cinnamon rolls and cookies in one delightful treat. With their buttery cookie base, warm cinnamon filling, and a swirl of creamy frosting, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or just because, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household. Make sure to try out these tips and enjoy every bite of your homemade cinnamon goodness!

More Baking Ideas:

• Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies swirled with cinnamon sugar, bringing all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie form.
• Chai Cookies – Infused with warm chai spices and topped with a sweet spiced glaze, these Chai Cookies are the perfect cozy treat for fall!
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are soft, spiced, and packed with the rich flavors of fall, perfect for a cozy treat any time!
• Apple Pie Cookies – Bite-sized versions of the classic dessert, these Apple Pie Cookies are filled with warm spiced apples and wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: