Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts

Name: Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 hearts
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

I absolutely adore making Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts, and they never fail to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. The blend of warm spices with a just-right sweetness is irresistible, especially when they come out of the oven freshly baked. These heart-shaped treats are perfect for any occasion and are a lovely way to show someone you care. I love how the cinnamon sugar coating gives each bite a delightful crunch while the inside stays soft and chewy. Give them a try, and watch as they become a new favorite in your household!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:30:28.064Z

When I first attempted to create Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts, I was inspired by the comforting smell of cinnamon wafting through my kitchen. I adjusted the traditional sugar cookie recipe by adding a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, and the results were truly magical. The hearts baked beautifully, and my family couldn't resist them.

One crucial tip I learned is to roll the cookie dough thick enough to maintain that soft, chewy texture while still allowing the edges to become slightly crispy. You’ll absolutely love how these cookies fill your home with warmth and sweetness!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet, aromatic cinnamon that fills the air while baking.
Perfectly balanced crunchy sugar coating for a delightful contrast.
Heart shape makes them a charming gift for loved ones.

      

Dough Consistency Matters

Ensuring the right consistency of the dough is crucial for these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts. After you combine the wet and dry ingredients, the dough should be soft yet slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, the cookies may crumble, while overly sticky dough can be challenging to handle. If you find your dough too sticky, you can gradually incorporate a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the right texture for shaping without compromising flavor.

Another critical tip for the dough is to avoid over-mixing. Once you combine the ingredients and achieve a uniform consistency, it’s important to stop mixing. Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies rather than the intended soft, chewy texture. When you’re mixing, blend just until no flour pockets remain visible, ensuring your cookies will be tender and delightful.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating Techniques

The cinnamon sugar coating is what makes these heart cookies truly special. For the best results, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl to facilitate easy dipping. A tip I like is to ensure that the cookies are still warm when dipping; the heat helps the coating adhere better, enhancing that delightful crunch. By lightly pressing the cookies into the mixture, you can ensure an even coating on both sides.

If you're looking to switch things up, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warm spice variation. This addition complements the cinnamon beautifully and adds depth to the flavor profile. You can also experiment by replacing half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.

Make-Ahead and Storing Tips

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts are perfect for make-ahead baking. You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, simply roll and cut the cookies as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to three months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.

For storing baked cookies, I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer and transfer them to a freezer-friendly bag. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their chewiness.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your heartwarming cookies:

For the Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly baked Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and cinnamon, blending well.

Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.

Shape the Hearts

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then flatten them slightly. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes and place them on the baking sheet.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip each cookie heart into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy these heartwarming treats with your friends and family!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before rolling it out.

Serving Suggestions

These heart-shaped cookies make a charming addition to any dessert platter. I love to pair them with a cup of tea or coffee during a cozy gathering. They also shine as a sweet gift, beautifully packaged in a decorative box with a ribbon. Consider including a personalized note or a few additional cookies for an extra touch of love.

You can transform these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts into an elegant dessert by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold cream creates a delightful contrast that can elevate any occasion.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be a sign that the dough was too warm or not chilled enough. Ensuring the dough is well-chilled before baking can help maintain the heart shape and structure. You can also try chilling the shaped dough on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Conversely, if your cookies turn out too thick and cakey, check the measurement of your flour. The best method to measure flour accurately is to use the spoon and level technique instead of directly scooping from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to excess in the dough.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape instead of hearts?

Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce.