Cinnamon Roll Cookies

There’s something truly magical about Cinnamon Roll Cookies that captures the heart and taste buds all at once. Imagine the tender, buttery texture of a cookie, combined with the irresistible swirls of cinnamon and sugary filling reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll—only easier to eat and perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. These cookies bring that iconic flavor into a delightful handheld treat, making them a surefire way to brighten any moment, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though Cinnamon Roll Cookies might sound indulgent, the ingredients are wonderfully simple and work together harmoniously to create a perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and that unmistakable cinnamon warmth.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for these cookies, providing the perfect structure without heaviness.
• Baking powder: A key leavening agent to keep the cookies light and tender.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with its warm, comforting flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Delivers richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds pure sweetness for a clean flavor profile.
• Brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness and keeps the cookies delightfully chewy.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
• Brown sugar for the filling: Combines with cinnamon to create the signature gooey swirl inside each cookie.
• Ground cinnamon for the filling: Concentrated spice mixture to intensify the cinnamon roll experience.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the cinnamon and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is crucial for each cookie to have a consistent texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aerates the dough, giving the cookies their tender crumb and slight lift.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars, beating just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want everything smoothly incorporated but still tender.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. The dough will begin to form a soft, manageable texture ideal for rolling out and filling.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. This simple yet flavorful mixture will create the iconic cinnamon spiral once the dough is rolled.

Step 6: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar filling over the dough, pressing it lightly to adhere.

Step 7: Roll Up and Slice

Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, mimicking a classic cinnamon roll shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½ inch thick cookies, placing them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool slightly on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape and remain tender on the inside.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze can take your Cinnamon Roll Cookies to the next level, adding visual appeal and extra sweetness. For a cozy touch, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon on top before serving.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. Their buttery, cinnamon-flavored crumb complements the boldness of brewed drinks and is equally lovely alongside a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a wooden serving board with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears for a rustic vibe. For parties, placing them in decorative tins or wrapping them with colorful ribbons makes for a delightful gift or eye-catching dessert table addition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This retains their soft texture while protecting them from drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully both pre- and post-baking. To freeze dough, wrap it tightly in plastic and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. For baked cookies, layer parchment paper between cookies in an airtight container and freeze for the same amount of time.

Reheating

Enjoy your frozen or stored Cinnamon Roll Cookies warm by reheating them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and intensifies the cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use butter substitutes for this recipe?

While unsalted butter is recommended for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses or honey to mimic brown sugar’s flavor and moisture content.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are designed to be soft and tender with a slight chew, capturing the essence of a cinnamon roll rather than a crispy cookie.

Can I add icing like a traditional cinnamon roll?

Absolutely! Drizzling a simple powdered sugar glaze over cooled cookies adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal that echoes classic cinnamon rolls.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Rolling the dough tightly and slicing the cookies carefully helps keep the filling sealed inside, ensuring neat spirals and minimal leakage.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat with all the charm of cinnamon rolls but in a delightful cookie form, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are here to make your day. They’re incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and sure to become a beloved favorite for gatherings or quiet moments with a warm drink. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself baking these over and over again!

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