If you’re on the hunt for the perfect holiday cookie that combines the warm, nutty flavor of browned butter with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, these Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. The combination of crispy edges and chewy centers, along with a crackly sugar-coated exterior, makes these cookies irresistible. Perfect for gifting or serving at your next holiday gathering, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

There’s something magical about browned butter. The toasty, nutty flavor enhances the sweetness of the dough and adds a layer of depth that takes these cinnamon crinkle cookies from delicious to extraordinary. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar coating gives them that perfect sweet crunch. If you’re someone who loves a blend of chewy and crispy textures in their cookies, you’re in for a treat!

These cookies are also incredibly easy to make, yet look like they took hours of effort. The best part? The simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s both comforting and sophisticated—ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for an indulgent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brown butter cinnamon cookies are sure to impress.

The warm flavors of brown butter and cinnamon are synonymous with the holidays, making these cookies an ideal treat for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion. The slightly crunchy exterior, chewy center, and sweet, aromatic scent make them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie plate. Plus, the crinkle finish adds a charming touch that will make your cookies stand out at any cookie swap.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON CRINKLE COOKIES

• Nutty Flavor – The brown butter adds a rich, toasty depth that elevates the cookie to another level.
• Warm Cinnamon Kick – The perfect blend of cinnamon adds a cozy, spicy sweetness that’s irresistible.
• Delightfully Chewy – The soft, chewy center contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp edges.
• Perfect Texture – The crinkled surface gives these cookies a fun, rustic look and adds a bit of crunch.
• Aromatic Bliss – The combination of browned butter and cinnamon fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent.
• Holiday Vibes – With every bite, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the holiday season!

INGREDIENTS FOR BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON CRINKLE COOKIES

Unsalted Butter – Use unsalted butter for precise control over the cookie’s saltiness.

Granulated Sugar – The base sugar for sweetness and texture.

Brown Sugar (Light or Dark) – Adds moisture, richness, and a slight molasses flavor.

Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and providing structure.

Vanilla Extract – For depth of flavor and aroma.

All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-building ingredient for the dough.

Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice to the cookie flavor.

Chopped Pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.

Powdered Sugar – Used for coating the cookie dough to create a crackly appearance.

HOW TO MAKE THIS BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON CRINKLE COOKIES

Step 1: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand-held mixer), beat the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition for about 30 seconds. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixer, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 6: Place powdered sugar in a wide, shallow bowl. Shape the dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls and roll them in the powdered sugar, ensuring they are generously coated. This gives the cookies their signature crackly appearance.

Step 7: Arrange the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet pan. Bake until the bottoms of the cookies just begin to turn brown, about 10-12 minutes. If necessary, bake a test cookie to adjust the baking time for the rest of the batch.

STORAGE OPTIONS

To keep your Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Freezer Storage:
If you’d like to make these cookies ahead of time or store extras for later, freezing is a great option. Simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, or reheat in a microwave for a soft, warm treat!

Refrigerator Storage:
If you’re planning to eat the cookies within the week, storing them in the refrigerator works just fine. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. They’ll stay good for up to 1 week in the fridge, retaining their chewy texture and flavor.

Enjoy your cinnamon-scented treats whenever you like!

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

1. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the cinnamon flavor.
2. Maple Twist: Substitute the vanilla extract with maple syrup for a warm, sweet flavor that complements the brown butter.
3. Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to create a rich, gooey bite in every cookie.
4. Dried Fruit: Try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apples for a fruity twist that adds a bit of tartness.
5. Sugar Coating: Roll the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before baking to add an extra sweet, crunchy exterior.
6. Spicy Kick: For an adventurous twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
7. Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of regular eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
8. Orange Zest: Add a bit of orange zest to the dough to give the cookies a fresh citrus note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

These brown butter cinnamon crinkle cookies are bound to be a hit. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, they deliver the perfect combination of flavor and texture. With just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty, this recipe will become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to year after year.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and start baking these irresistible cookies today—you won’t be disappointed!

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

1 hour hour

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter 140 grams
• 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
• ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar 53 grams
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 300 grams
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans 56 grams
• ¼ cup powdered sugar 67 grams

Instructions

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer), combine the brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing for about 30 seconds after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
• Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them in the powdered sugar, ensuring they are generously coated. This will create the cookies’ crackly appearance.
• Arrange the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to turn golden brown. If needed, bake a test cookie to adjust the timing for the rest of the batch.