Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Crispy edges and soft centers define these delectable brown butter cinnamon crinkle cookies that dance between comfort and elegance.

Warm spices mingle with nutty butter notes, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Delicate cracks reveal a sugary landscape promising pure indulgence.

Each bite tells a story of carefully balanced flavors and textures that surprise and delight.

Nostalgic yet innovative, these cookies challenge traditional expectations with their complex profile.

Butter transforms through careful browning, intensifying the entire sensory experience.

Just one taste will transport you to a world of sweet, sophisticated pleasure.

Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies That Wow

Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies That Wow
  • Elevate Flavor Complexity: Brown butter introduces a rich, nutty depth that transforms ordinary cinnamon cookies into an extraordinary taste experience with its caramelized, sophisticated undertones.
  • Minimal Ingredient Drama: Using basic pantry staples and requiring just standard mixing techniques, these cookies deliver maximum deliciousness without complicated steps or exotic ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture Sensation: Crinkle-topped cookies offer a delightful visual appeal and satisfying textural contrast between crispy edges and soft, tender interiors that will impress everyone from kids to serious dessert enthusiasts.
  • Adaptable Serving Superstar: Perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, holiday celebrations, or impromptu sweet cravings, these cookies seamlessly transition between casual and elegant occasions with their sophisticated yet approachable charm.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Fats and Dairy:
  • Butter: The key ingredient that provides a rich, nutty flavor through browning.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding the cookie dough and adding structure.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that provides structure to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and create a soft texture.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie's texture and color.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the cookies, creating a classic crinkle appearance.

How to Bake Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

How to Bake Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Transform Butter Into Liquid Gold

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally and watch magic happen as butter transforms, developing golden brown specks and releasing a delightful nutty fragrance.

Once brown specks appear, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.

Set this powdery mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, blend cooled brown butter with sugars.

Beat until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each blends completely before adding the next.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Lower mixer speed and gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Mix until dough looks smooth and consistent. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough cookies.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Place dough in a container and refrigerate for one hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Step 8: Shape Sugary Cookies

  • Cookie dough
  • Powdered sugar

Scoop dough into balls using cookie scoop.

Roll each ball completely in powdered sugar until fully coated. Space cookies 2-3 inches apart on baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide baking sheet into oven. Bake 10-12 minutes until cookies look set and develop signature crinkly tops.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely before devouring.

Tips to Perfect Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Tips to Perfect Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
  • Brown the butter carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning. Swirl the pan constantly and watch for golden-brown specks that signal perfect caramelization.
  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure thick, chewy cookies with crisp edges. One hour minimum in the refrigerator helps solidify the butter and intensify flavors.
  • Coat cookies generously in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle effect. Roll each dough ball completely to create beautiful white cracks and a delightful sugary exterior.
  • Avoid overbaking these cookies to maintain a soft, tender center. Pull them from the oven when edges are set but middles still look slightly underdone for ultimate texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness. They'll stay deliciously soft and maintain their signature crinkly appearance for several days.

Flavor Variations on Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Flavor Variations on Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
  • Nutty Pecan Crunch Cookies: Replace a portion of flour with ground pecans for added texture and rich, toasted flavor. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for extra crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft, crinkly texture. Add a light swirl of cinnamon sugar before rolling in powdered sugar.
  • Vegan Spice Sensation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs as a replacement for regular eggs, and coconut sugar for depth. Incorporate a hint of cardamom for warmth and complexity.

Pairing Ideas for Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Pairing Ideas for Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
  • The spicy, creamy chai tea perfectly complements the cinnamon notes in the cookies, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and sweetness.
  • Serve a scoop of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that enhances the brown butter's nutty flavor.
  • The smooth, buttery caramel and espresso notes of this coffee drink beautifully balance the cookie's sweet cinnamon profile, offering a luxurious tasting experience.

Storage Tips for Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Storage Tips for Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful crinkle appearance.
  • Wrap raw cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before scooping and baking.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Why do I need to brown the butter?

Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies, creating a deeper and more complex profile compared to regular melted butter.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final seasoning.

  • How do I know when the butter is properly browned?

Look for amber-colored specks at the bottom of the pan and a nutty, toasted aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter, as it can quickly go from browned to burnt.

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Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible brown butter cinnamon crinkle cookies blend nutty warmth with sweet spice. Crackly exteriors and tender centers make these treats a delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 10 tbsps (142 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

  1. Transform butter into a rich, nutty essence by melting in a saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until golden brown specks develop and a toasted fragrance emerges. Remove from heat and let cool momentarily.
  2. Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
  3. Combine cooled brown butter and sugars in a stand mixer. Whip at medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and well-integrated, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Introduce eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a consistent texture.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using low mixer speed. Blend until dough appears smooth and homogeneous, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Refrigerate the dough for one hour, allowing it to firm and develop deeper flavor complexity.
  7. Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal cookie release.
  8. Craft uniform dough balls using a cookie scoop. Generously coat each sphere in powdered sugar, creating a delicate white exterior. Position cookies 2-3 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges set and distinctive crinkle texture emerges on the surface.
  10. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling, preserving their delicate structure.

Notes

  • Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie’s taste profile, creating a rich and complex sweetness.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much and helps develop a more concentrated flavor by allowing ingredients to meld together.
  • Rolling cookies in powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect and provides a delightful sweet, powdery exterior that contrasts with the soft, chewy interior.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains similar to the original recipe.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 146
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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