Imagine the warmth of cinnamon swirling through golden brown butter, wrapped in a cookie that cracks and crinkles as it bakes to soft, sugary perfection. Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies are everything comforting about a cold afternoon, made better with every bite.
These cookies deliver a delicate crisp on the outside, giving way to an irresistibly chewy center. The nutty aroma of browned butter pairs beautifully with the spice of cinnamon and just the right hint of vanilla. They’re ideal for holiday trays, cozy gatherings, or those “just because” cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe
The moment you brown the butter, the magic begins. It adds depth and nuttiness you simply can’t get from regular butter. With a soft cinnamon flavor that’s not overpowering, these cookies taste like a hug from your favorite sweater. They’re easy to make, freeze beautifully, and look like they belong on a bakery display. Plus, no fancy equipment or chilling time needed—just mix, roll, and bake!
What Makes These Crinkle Cookies So Unique?
The secret lies in the browned butter. Unlike standard crinkle cookies that lean on cocoa or lemon for flavor, this version leans into that warm, nutty base and layers in aromatic cinnamon. The crinkled top comes from rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking, creating that snowy crackle as the dough spreads. The end result is a cookie that feels familiar, yet totally elevated.
Ingredients for the Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
To get the texture and flavor just right, every ingredient plays an important role. Here’s what you’ll need:
Unsalted Butter – Browned to bring in a deep, nutty flavor that sets these cookies apart.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the classic cookie structure.
Brown Sugar – Gives moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Eggs – Bind the dough and keep the texture soft.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of your cookie, giving it the right structure.
Ground Cinnamon – Star of the spice show, giving the cookie its cozy character.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The duo that makes sure your cookies rise and crinkle perfectly.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Powdered Sugar – For rolling, which creates the signature crinkle effect during baking.
How To Make the Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring frequently. Let it bubble and foam until golden brown bits form at the bottom. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and browned butter until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Roll and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, making sure they’re fully covered.
Step 5: Bake to Crinkled Perfection
Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are beautifully crinkled.
How to Store and Serve Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are just as delicious a few days later, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) or freeze fully baked cookies. Just bring them to room temp or give them a quick warm-up in the oven before serving.
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it ideal for small gatherings or gifting.
What to Serve With Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies?
A Cup of Chai Tea
The gentle spice of chai tea complements the cinnamon in the cookies without overpowering them.
Cold Milk
Nothing beats the classic comfort combo of cookies and milk. These are soft enough to soak just right.
Hot Apple Cider
The cinnamon flavors echo beautifully when paired with a mug of steaming apple cider.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Use these cookies as a base for an ice cream sandwich or crumble them over a scoop.
Creamy Lattes
Whether it’s pumpkin spice or just a simple vanilla latte, coffee lovers will adore this pairing.
Eggnog (in winter!)
Bring out these cookies during the holiday season and serve them with chilled or warm eggnog.
Fruit & Cheese Platter
For something a little different, include these cookies on a dessert cheese board for a sweet-spicy note.
Maple Whipped Cream
Use a dollop as a dip for the cookies or serve alongside if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If these Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies made you smile, check out some other delicious ideas you can try next:
Ooey Gooey Bars for something decadently soft and buttery.
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re a cinnamon fan looking for a creamy treat.
Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries to bring a fresh fruity surprise.
Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy if you love a cinnamon kick in a totally different form.
Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy, tropical take on a classic bite.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cinnamon? Maybe a pinch of nutmeg? Did you dunk them in coffee or serve them with ice cream?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask your questions, share your tweaks, and let’s help each other bake better.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting desserts on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen favorite!
Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of cozy cinnamon flavor with a nutty twist from browned butter. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you’re craving a sweet, crinkled treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until golden brown with tiny brown bits at the bottom. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and browned butter until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until light and fluffy.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined. The dough should be soft.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
7. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
8. Place the balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until crinkled on top and set around the edges.
10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Brown the butter first and let it cool to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing.
Make sure the dough isn’t too warm before rolling in powdered sugar.
Don’t overbake; the centers should still be soft when you take them out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
