Name: Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492241H57M29S
Total time: PT-492241H57M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste; 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 15 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances cozy warmth with a fun, crackled top, the Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies boast a tender, chewy center bursting with a fragrant swirl of cinnamon, orange, and lemon zest, all wrapped up in a delightfully sugary crackle exterior. Whether it’s for a festive gathering, afternoon tea, or just a delicious treat to brighten your day, these cookies hit the sweet spot every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three bowls on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl on the right is pale green and filled with a thick, creamy, smooth off-white batter. To the left is a white bowl holding dry ingredients separated into three parts: a large section of white flour, a section of brown cinnamon powder, and a small area of bright orange zest on top. Below these is a small wooden bowl with a fine brown powder, possibly cinnamon or nutmeg. A wooden spatula with a neutral-colored silicone head rests on the right side of the surface. The scene looks clean and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies lies in a handful of simple but thoughtfully paired ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature texture and flavor: from the rich fats to the warm spices and zest that give these cookies their irresistible personality.

1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a tender bite.
1/2 cup shortening: Helps cookies stay soft and maintain their structure.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens and aids in the crackled top texture.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth and chewiness.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and contributes to softness.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste: Elevates flavor with aromatic nuance.
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring: Adds a gentle nutty undertone to complement spices.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice, warming and fragrant.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Leavens for perfect expansion and lightness.
2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Helps create that signature crinkle effect.
2 teaspoons grated orange zest: Lifts the flavor profile with bright citrus notes.
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Additional sugar: For rolling the dough and creating that sparkling crust.

How to Make Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the fats and sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar. This process takes about five to seven minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy—don’t rush this step! Thoroughly creaming the fats with sugar will give your cookies a wonderful lift and tender crumb. Once creamed, beat in the egg and both the vanilla paste and almond flavoring, blending until smooth and aromatic.

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, orange zest, lemon zest, and salt. This mixture holds the key to the cookies’ unique texture and vibrant flavor. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels sticky at this point, chilling it for about an hour will make scooping and rolling much easier while helping the cookies keep their shape.

Step 3: Scoop and roll the dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into roughly 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in additional granulated sugar, which will create that signature sparkle and a lightly crisp coating when baked. For an extra touch of whimsy and crunch, try rolling the dough in coarse sanding sugar instead of regular granulated sugar—your cookies will catch the light beautifully and add a satisfying texture.

Step 4: Bake the cinnamon crackle cookies

Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them to spread gracefully without touching. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly browned and the tops start their signature crinkly appearance. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Because this Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe yields around seven dozen cookies, plan on baking in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the perfect crinkle and even baking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Several round cookies with a cracked, rough surface and a golden-brown color are resting on a cooling rack. The cookies have a slightly raised texture with sugar crystals visible on top, showing an inviting crunchiness. The cooling rack is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background that contrasts with the warm color of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to dress them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, snowy finish that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon aroma. For a festive touch, sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts just before baking to add a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a bold cup of coffee or spiced tea to complement the cinnamon flavor. They’re also wonderful alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream when you want to transform your treat into a simple dessert delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider stacking the cookies on a pretty platter woven with fresh cinnamon sticks and sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or cinnamon buttercream for an irresistible cookie sandwich that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to one week. Layering with parchment paper between them prevents sticking and keeps their beautiful crinkles intact.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and enhances those warm cinnamon notes, almost as if they’ve just come out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for shortening entirely?

Yes, you can use all butter instead of a mix with shortening, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different. Shortening helps keep the cookies soft and maintains their shape, so using only butter may result in a flatter, crisper cookie.

What causes the crinkled top on these cookies?

The combination of cream of tartar and baking soda reacts during baking to create the characteristic crinkle effect. Rolling the dough balls in sugar also contributes by creating a crisp, crackled surface as the cookies spread.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The cookies may have a slightly different texture but will still taste fantastic.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is recommended but not mandatory. It helps reduce stickiness, making the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. If you’re short on time, you can skip it but expect slightly flatter cookies.

How do I prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

This recipe works well on ungreased baking sheets, but if you’re concerned about sticking, lining the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is a simple fix that makes cleanup easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of freshly baked Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe with loved ones. The inviting aroma, that perfect balance of spice and zest, and the charming crackled tops make this recipe an unwavering crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give these cookies a try—they’re not only easy to make but will soon become a treasured favorite in your cookie collection.