Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie transfer and cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until these ingredients are fully incorporated into the fluffy mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix the dough to keep your cookies tender.
Gently fold in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and the mini chocolate chips, if using, until evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, checking for lightly golden edges. The centers should remain soft to achieve a chewy texture.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the cookies to firm up slightly.
Notes
For an enticing display, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate. Sprinkle a few crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces on top for an eye-catching garnish.