We’ve all craved that perfect chocolate chip cookie and our twist with cinnamon elevates it to a whole new level of warmth and flavor. Drawing from the classic American favorite we know so well this recipe adds a spicy kick that makes every bite irresistible.
It’s not just about the chocolate; it’s the harmonious blend of cinnamon that brings out deeper notes perfect for cozy gatherings. We’re excited to share how simple tweaks can transform your baking game so let’s dive in.
Ingredients
In our chocolate chip cookie recipe with cinnamon, we carefully select ingredients that blend the classic comfort of chocolate chips with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, elevating your baking experience just as we’ve described in our introduction. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used during preparation, complete with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for optimal results.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature, as we start by creaming it for a light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup, measured and ready to mix in for sweetness and structure.
- Brown sugar: ¾ cup, packed, to add moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that complements the cinnamon.
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature, which we incorporate next to bind the dough effectively.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground if possible, as this is the star twist that infuses our cookies with its aromatic warmth and spicy kick.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups, sifted to ensure it’s lump-free before we add it to the mix for the perfect base.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, for that essential rise and chewy consistency.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 2 cups, stirred in last to maintain their gooey appeal in every bite.
This lineup ensures our chocolate chip cookie recipe with cinnamon delivers a harmonious balance, making it simple yet irresistible for your next baking session.
Required Tools and Equipment
Now that we’ve gathered our key ingredients like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for our chocolate chip cookie recipe, we turn our attention to the essential tools that make baking seamless and efficient. These items ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and perfect baking results, elevating our cookie-making process to deliver warm, flavorful treats every time.
To keep things organized, we’ve compiled the required tools below in a bulleted list, grouped by their primary function. Each tool is crucial for achieving the light, fluffy texture and balanced cinnamon spice in our cookies.
- Mixing Tools:
- Large mixing bowl: We use this sturdy bowl to combine wet ingredients like butter and eggs, providing ample space to avoid spills and ensure thorough blending for a smooth dough.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for creaming sugars with butter; an electric mixer saves time and effort, while a whisk works for a hands-on approach to incorporate air for fluffier cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons set: Accuracy is key in baking, so we rely on these for precise measurements of ingredients like flour and cinnamon to maintain the recipe’s flavor harmony.
- Baking and Preparation Tools:
- Baking sheet: A standard half-sheet pan is ideal; we line it with parchment paper for even heat distribution and easy cookie removal, preventing sticking and ensuring golden-brown edges.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: This non-stick liner protects our cookies from burning and simplifies cleanup, allowing the chocolate chip cookie dough to bake uniformly.
- Spatula or cookie scoop: We prefer a medium-sized scoop for portioning dough into uniform balls, which promotes consistent baking and that signature cinnamon-kissed crispness.
- Safety and Finishing Tools:
- Oven with timer: A reliable oven set to the precise temperature is non-negotiable; we use its timer to bake cookies to perfection, avoiding overcooking that could mute the cinnamon warmth.
- Oven mitts: These protect our hands when handling hot baking sheets, ensuring safe transfer to a cooling rack.
- Cooling rack: After baking, we place cookies here to cool evenly, preserving their texture and enhancing the blend of chocolate and cinnamon flavors.
By having these tools ready, we’re set to transition smoothly into the preparation steps, making our chocolate chip cookie recipe with cinnamon not only delicious but also straightforward and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s guide you through baking these irresistible chocolate chip cookies with cinnamon. We promise this process will yield warm, spicy-sweet treats that combine the gooey chocolate goodness with a comforting cinnamon kick.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, preparing our ingredients ensures everything comes together smoothly for these chocolate chip cookies. Start by softening 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature for easy creaming—it’s crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture. Next, measure out 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to enhance the warm, aromatic spice that elevates the classic flavor.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry components: whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well blended. Don’t forget to portion out 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience. This step sets the stage for a dough that’s perfectly balanced and ready to mix.
Mix the Dough
With our prepped ingredients in hand, we now mix the dough to create the heart of these chocolate chip cookies. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns light and airy, releasing a sweet, buttery aroma infused with hints of cinnamon.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to incorporate air and ensure a tender crumb. Gradually stir in the ground cinnamon, then fold in the flour mixture using a spatula to avoid overmixing—this keeps the cookies chewy and soft. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips for even distribution, resulting in pockets of molten chocolate that pair beautifully with the spicy warmth of cinnamon.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Now it’s time to shape and bake our chocolate chip cookies, transforming the dough into golden, fragrant delights. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading and a crisp edge.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking. Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching as the cookies turn a beautiful golden brown and fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon-laced chocolate. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft for that perfect gooey interior.
Cool and Store
After baking, let the cookies cool directly on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, allowing the cinnamon and chocolate flavors to settle into a harmonious blend. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess while preserving their crisp-yet-chewy texture.
For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness—reheat briefly in the oven for that just-baked warmth. If freezing, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for another batch of these delectable chocolate chip cookies with cinnamon.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As baking enthusiasts, we love how make-ahead instructions for our chocolate chip cookie with cinnamon recipe let us prepare batches in advance, ensuring fresh-baked treats are always ready for spontaneous gatherings or busy days. This approach maintains the cookies’ warm, spicy cinnamon notes and gooey chocolate chips while saving time.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
Follow these steps to mix the dough for our chocolate chip cookie with cinnamon and store it for later use:
- Mix the dough as directed: After completing the dough preparation in the baking process, portion it into balls using a cookie scoop for even sizing.
- Refrigerate for short-term storage: Transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to enhance flavor development and maintain texture.
- Freeze for long-term storage: For extended make-ahead options, place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to flash-freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This method keeps the dough fresh for up to 3 months.
Storage Times and Tips
To help you plan effectively, here’s a quick overview of recommended storage durations and key tips in a markdown table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Let dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to soften for easier shaping. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results, then bake as usual to preserve the cinnamon’s aromatic warmth. |
Baking from Make-Ahead Dough
When you’re ready to bake:
- From the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- From the freezer: There’s no need to thaw fully—simply place frozen dough balls directly on the baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time for that perfect, chewy center infused with cinnamon.
By following these make-ahead instructions, we ensure our chocolate chip cookie with cinnamon remains a convenient yet flavorful staple in your baking routine.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this cinnamon-infused chocolate chip cookie recipe, as it’s a simple way to add warmth and depth to your baking adventures. It’s not just about the cookies—it’s about creating moments that bring us together over fresh-baked treats.
Remember, experimenting with flavors like this keeps our kitchens exciting and our bakes unforgettable. Give it a try and let these cookies become a staple in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this chocolate chip cookie recipe unique?
This recipe stands out by adding ground cinnamon to the classic chocolate chip cookie, creating a warm, spicy kick that enhances the flavor. It’s designed for easy tweaks that elevate your baking, perfect for cozy gatherings, while keeping the cookies light, fluffy, and irresistible.
What ingredients are needed for cinnamon chocolate chip cookies?
Key ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’re selected for a balanced flavor and texture, ensuring simple preparation that results in gooey, delicious cookies.
What tools do I need to bake these cookies?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, an electric mixer or whisk for creaming, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, baking sheets with parchment paper, spatulas or cookie scoops for shaping, and oven mitts with a cooling rack for safety and finishing.
How do I prepare and bake the cookie dough?
Start by creaming butter and sugars until light, then mix in eggs, cinnamon, and dry ingredients like flour and baking soda. Shape dough into balls, space them on lined baking sheets, and bake at the ideal temperature for golden, gooey cookies. Cool on a rack afterward for the best texture.
How should I store the baked cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months to maintain freshness. This keeps their warm cinnamon and chocolate flavors intact, making them easy to enjoy later.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough in advance by mixing as usual, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from the fridge or freezer, adjusting time slightly to preserve the spicy cinnamon notes and gooey texture for spontaneous treats.