Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)

Warm cinnamon, soft brown sugar, and buttery caramel make these cookies perfect for fall gatherings or cozy winter treats. Bite into a gooey center and a sparkling sugar top—one to keep handy.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/4 cup white sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling and Garnish

10 - 12 to 14 soft caramel candies, unwrapped or 1/2 cup caramel baking bits
11 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon white sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - A pinch of flaky sea salt

→ Optional Add-Ins

15 - 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
02 - In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, blending until fully incorporated and scraping down the sides as needed.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in finely chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
06 - Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Flatten each portion slightly, place a caramel candy or caramel baking bits in the center, and wrap the dough around to seal.
07 - In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon white sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
08 - Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
09 - Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain their softness.