Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious blend of flavors and textures. They combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a special moment, or just craving a tasty treat. The gooey chocolate and the delightful cinnamon swirl make these cookies hard to resist!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for the cinnamon swirl mixture)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened, for creating the cinnamon swirl)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon swirl)
Directions
- Cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, softened unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon until a thick paste forms.
- Scoop out half of the cookie dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Use the other half of the dough to cover the cinnamon layer. Gently swirl the two doughs together with a knife, being careful not to mix completely.
- Wrap the dough in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best served warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They are great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy snack at home. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat!
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag!
Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve a fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, especially after adding the flour, to keep the cookies tender.
- If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts for pecans or leave nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
Variation
You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist!
FAQs
-
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap before refrigerating. -
Why do my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or not enough flour. Make sure to refrigerate the dough before baking and measure your flour correctly. -
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor and slightly healthier cookie. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.

Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, softened unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon until a thick paste forms.
- Scoop out half of the cookie dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Use the other half of the dough to cover the cinnamon layer. Gently swirl the two doughs together with a knife, being careful not to mix completely.
- Wrap the dough in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.