Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies are the kind of treat that makes the kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. The nutty aroma of browned butter blends with warm cinnamon as the cookies bake, creating a soft, crackled cookie that feels nostalgic yet elevated. Each bite starts tender in the center with just enough chew, while the crinkled sugar coating adds a delicate crisp around the edges.
These cookies are perfect when you want something comforting but a little special. The browned butter brings depth without overpowering the cinnamon, and the crinkle finish makes them look beautiful on a holiday tray or an everyday dessert plate. They feel homemade in the best possible way, simple, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
These cookies stand out because the browned butter adds a toasty richness that regular butter cannot match. Cinnamon shines through without being harsh, and the soft interior stays tender even after a day or two. They are easy to make, require no chilling, and deliver bakery style results with very little effort.
What Makes Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Different From Regular Crinkle Cookies?
The key difference is the browned butter. Instead of using plain melted butter, gently cooking it until golden transforms the flavor into something nutty and caramel like. This small extra step gives the cookies a deeper taste that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and sugar.
Ingredients for the Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
The ingredient list is simple and familiar, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Using quality basics allows the browned butter and cinnamon to really shine.
- Unsalted butter brings richness and becomes nutty when browned, forming the flavor foundation of the cookies.
- Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create crisp edges.
- Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the browned butter.
- Eggs bind the dough and keep the centers soft.
- Vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness and enhances the warm flavors.
- All purpose flour gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- Ground cinnamon provides warmth and that classic cozy spice.
- Baking powder helps the cookies puff and crackle as they bake.
- Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.
- Powdered sugar coats the cookies and creates the signature crinkle finish.

How To Make the Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it melts, foams, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it does not scramble the eggs.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk the browned butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and glossy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape and Coat
Scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar to ensure a dramatic crinkle effect.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake until the cookies are set on the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a rack.
Serving and Storing Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the centers are extra soft and fragrant. The recipe feeds about 18 to 20 people, making it ideal for gatherings or sharing. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, where they will remain tender and flavorful.
What to Serve With Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies?
Hot Coffee or Espresso
The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty butter notes.
Chai Tea
Spiced chai echoes the cinnamon and adds even more warmth.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of ice cream turns these cookies into an easy dessert.
Hot Chocolate
The rich cocoa pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Fresh Berries
A small bowl of berries adds brightness and contrast to the cookies.
Want More Cookie Ideas?
If you love these Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies, you may also enjoy trying Classic French Butter Cookies for a delicate and crisp option, Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies when you want something extra indulgent, Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a gooey twist, or Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for an easy crowd pleaser.
Save This Recipe For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it anytime. If you enjoy discovering new desserts, explore more daily creations from Janet Dishes on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/janetdishesrecipes/.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. With their soft centers, crackled tops, and deep buttery flavor, they are the kind of cookies you will find yourself making again and again for both special occasions and everyday treats.

Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with nutty browned butter, warm cinnamon, and a classic powdered sugar crinkle finish. These cinnamon crinkle cookies are easy to make, full of cozy flavor, and perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or everyday baking.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty, then let it cool slightly.
2. Whisk the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
7. Bake at 350°F until edges are set and cookies are crackled.
8. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Do not add eggs to hot butter.
Underbake slightly for soft centers.
Extra cinnamon can be added to the sugar coating for stronger spice flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
