Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier to share, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are an absolute game changer. They capture the soft, chewy texture and that irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar right in cookie form, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Each bite offers that perfect balance of buttery dough and sweet cinnamon filling, all without the wait time of traditional cinnamon rolls. Trust me, once you try these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, they’ll become your new go-to treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating these scrumptious cookies. The combination of pantry staples ensures a delightful flavor and a perfect texture every time.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft, tender cookies.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a light, fluffy bite.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Fundamental for that warm, spicy note throughout the dough.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering it.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and chewiness with its molasses content.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to tenderness.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Complements the cinnamon and adds a lovely aroma.
• For the Filling – ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Sweet and caramel-like, perfect for the cinnamon swirl.
• For the Filling – 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Ensures a cinnamon punch in every bite of filling.

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 that each bite of your Cinnamon Roll Cookies gets an even distribution of spice and rise. Set it aside while you cream the butter and sugars.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will incorporate air, giving the cookies that tender and soft crumb everyone loves. Don’t rush this step—it really makes a difference!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, helping balance out the cinnamon and sugar filling you’ll add next.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can create tough cookies instead of soft, pillowy Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. This simple but delicious mixture will create the classic cinnamon swirl that defines this cookie.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each into a rectangle on a floured surface, spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly, and carefully roll up each rectangle like a jelly roll. Chill the rolls for about 20 minutes to make slicing easier.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough rolls into ½-inch thick cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly before enjoying these Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh from the oven.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the warm cookies to add a sweet, delicate finish that mimics traditional icing. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweetness and add a surprising twist.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully. For a heartier option, serve them alongside creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Cinnamon Roll Cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting to create mini cookie cakes. You can also pack them in decorative boxes or jars as delightful gifts, perfect for sharing a little love through baked treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the unbaked cookie rolls wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed as directed. This method lets you enjoy freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies anytime.

Reheating

To revive those cozy flavors, warm the cookies briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This simple step will bring back that soft, gooey texture reminiscent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

All-purpose flour works best for these cookies to achieve the right texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it might alter the tenderness slightly.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This substitution should maintain the soft texture typical of Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts make an excellent addition to the cinnamon sugar filling, adding a nice crunch and extra flavor that works beautifully with the cinnamon.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated before baking?

Chilling the rolled dough before slicing helps maintain the cookie shape and makes slicing easier, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just handle the dough gently when slicing.

How long do Cinnamon Roll Cookies stay fresh after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain soft and flavorful for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the irresistible charm of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a cookie, making them an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or just because, they’re sure to warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings alike. Go ahead and try this recipe—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!

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