Tender Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

These brown sugar cinnamon butter cookies bring together the perfect balance of tender crumb and gooey caramel centers topped with a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust. They make an irresistible sweet treat for cozy afternoons or special gatherings where you want to impress with something both classic and a little decadent.

I first baked these during a chilly weekend and was hooked instantly. Every time I pull them out now, friends ask for the recipe because that caramel core really steals the show.

Ingredients

• One cup unsalted butter: softened to room temperature makes the cookies tender and buttery, choose high quality for best flavor
• Three quarters cup packed light brown sugar: provides warmth and moistness, fresh sugar gives a richer molasses taste
• Quarter cup white sugar: to balance sweetness and help with cookie structure
• One large egg: binds the cookie dough and helps with the chewy texture
• One teaspoon pure vanilla extract: for aromatic depth, real vanilla will enhance all the other flavors
• Two and a quarter cups all-purpose flour: builds the base, measure carefully for proper cookie texture
• Half teaspoon baking soda: used for leavening so cookies rise evenly
• Half teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds the signature spicy note that complements the brown sugar perfectly
• Quarter teaspoon salt: balances the overall sweetness
• Caramel candies or half cup caramel baking bits: provide the melty center, soft caramel candies work best for gooeyness
• Two tablespoons brown sugar, one tablespoon white sugar, and one teaspoon cinnamon: for the topping create a sweet and crunchy finish
• Optional add-ins: flaky sea salt for a salted caramel twist, half teaspoon espresso powder to boost brown sugar richness, and a quarter cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and nuttiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and even baking.

Cream the Butters and Sugars:

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with both the brown and white sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes and creates a smooth base for the dough.

Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until fully combined making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything is evenly mixed.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients mixing gently until a smooth dough forms. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Shape and Fill the Cookies:

Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Flatten the dough portion in your palm, place one caramel candy right in the center, then wrap the dough completely around to seal the caramel inside. Roll each stuffed dough ball gently to smooth the surface.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Roll each cookie ball in this mixture until coated evenly to get that sparkling cinnamon crust.

Bake the Cookies:

Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared sheets leaving roughly two inches between them as they will spread slightly. Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the edges turn a golden brown and the centers look just set but not too firm.

Cool Before Serving:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the caramel center set slightly while keeping the cookie soft.

Save

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the cinnamon because it perfectly complements the caramel and brown sugar creating a cozy and nostalgic flavor. One time, these cookies saved a last-minute holiday gathering because everyone raved about the gooey surprise inside.

Storage Tips

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread which helps maintain moisture and softness for several days. If you want to enjoy these treats over a longer period, freeze the unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a tray first. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag and bake directly from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be swapped for a high-quality margarine or vegan butter substitute if dairy-free is needed but the texture might differ slightly. The caramel candies can also be replaced with softer caramel bits designed for baking or soft chocolate caramels for a twist. If you do not have cinnamon on hand try a touch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice blend though cinnamon is really the star here.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. They make a festive addition to holiday cookie trays or the perfect homemade gift packaged with a ribbon. For a dessert upgrade, serve warm with vanilla ice cream so the caramel melts even further in the creamy scoop.

Cultural and Historical Context

Butter cookies have a long tradition in American and European baking especially around holidays where simple ingredients combine to make celebratory sweets. Adding caramel centers is a modern twist that elevates the classic cookie into something special with that irresistible molten core texture. Cinnamon is a spice that has traveled the world for centuries and traditionally symbolizes warmth and comfort which is just what you get with every bite of these cookies.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these cookies their tender texture?

The combination of softened butter and brown sugar creates a moist, tender dough that remains soft after baking.

→ How does the caramel center stay gooey during baking?

By enclosing soft caramel candies completely within the dough and baking just until set, the caramel melts without leaking out, resulting in a gooey center.

→ What role does the cinnamon-sugar topping play?

Rolling the dough balls in cinnamon and sugar before baking adds a sparkling, lightly spiced crust that enhances both texture and flavor.

→ Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the dough for added crunch and a complementary nutty flavor.

→ How should leftover cookies be stored to keep them soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness by preventing moisture loss.

→ Is it possible to prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Dough balls can be frozen and baked directly from frozen, which is convenient for fresh cookies anytime.