Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

There is something utterly delightful about Cinnamon Roll Cookies that combines the best of two beloved treats into one adorable, bite-sized indulgence. These cookies capture the warm, spicy sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls but with the crisp edges and chewy centers that only a cookie can offer. Imagine the soft swirl of cinnamon sugar baked into tender dough, a perfect balance of buttery richness and sugary spice that will have you reaching for just one more. Cinnamon Roll Cookies are not just a snack; they are a cozy experience in every little round, and once you try making them yourself, they’ll swiftly become your go-to treat for sharing with friends or savoring quietly with a hot cup of tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role — from the tender texture given by the butter, to the warm spice of cinnamon creating that signature swirl. Together, these basics come alive in a perfectly balanced, unforgettable cookie.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to your cookies, ensuring a soft but sturdy bite.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a tender texture without losing the cookie’s cozy chew.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The heart of these cookies; perfectly balanced for warmth and spice.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness that make every bite melt in your mouth.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with that classic cookie crunch on the edges.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out the rich flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
• For the filling: ½ cup brown sugar, packed: The gooey center’s sweetness, creating that irresistible swirl effect.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (filling): A double dose of cinnamon magic for the filling, making these cookies truly special.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by setting your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake the cookies as soon as you finish prepping. Having your butter softened beforehand will make blending your dough smooth and effortless.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. This blend ensures that every bite of your cookie gets a consistent touch of spice and texture, and the leavening helps keep them tender rather than dense.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light. This crucial step traps air, giving your cookies lift and softness, while the sugars caramelize beautifully during baking for golden edges.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. The vanilla lends that warm aroma that fills your kitchen, signaling something delicious is underway.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the flour mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here—keeping the dough tender is what makes these Cinnamon Roll Cookies so irresistible.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. This mixture will form the sweet, spicy swirl that makes these cookies reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.

Step 7: Roll and Sprinkle

Spread half of your dough evenly on parchment paper, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface. Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log—it’s like creating your own cinnamon roll, but cookie-sized!

Step 8: Slice and Arrange

Slice the dough log into round cookies about ½ inch thick and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room to spread. Each slice reveals that lovely swirl pattern promising deliciousness.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Cinnamon Roll Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn a warm golden brown at the edges. Once out of the oven, let them cool briefly so the flavors can settle while you prepare to enjoy these bites of cinnamon bliss.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

To add a lovely finishing touch, drizzle your Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or dust them lightly with cinnamon sugar for an extra hint of sweetness. Even a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft swirls.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a hot drink—think steaming cups of coffee, chai latte, or a bold black tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into an indulgent dessert, while plain yogurt offers a creamy contrast if you prefer something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these Cinnamon Roll Cookies into a beautiful tower tied with a ribbon for gift-giving, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and fresh orange slices for a stunning dessert table display. Their charming swirl makes them as visually delightful as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them a great treat to savor over the week.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place unbaked rolled dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, or freeze baked cookies in airtight containers separated by parchment paper for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness and boost their cinnamon aroma. A warm cinnamon cookie is pure comfort!

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Cake flour has less protein and will produce a softer, more delicate cookie. While it can work, the texture of Cinnamon Roll Cookies might be a bit lighter and less chewy, so if you like that classic chew, stick to all-purpose flour.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or margarine and make sure your egg replacement (like flax egg or applesauce) works well in cookie recipes. The cinnamon and sugar flavors will still shine through!

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar filling from leaking out?

Rolling the dough tightly is key to keeping the cinnamon sugar filling inside. Also, spreading the dough evenly before sprinkling the filling and slicing carefully helps maintain those neat swirls and prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cookies?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add wonderful texture and flavor, while raisins provide bursts of chewy sweetness. Just sprinkle your add-ins over the filling before rolling up the dough to incorporate them evenly.

What is the best way to transport Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Use a sturdy container with parchment paper layers between the cookies to prevent sticking or breakage. For longer trips, keeping the container in a cool place avoids butter melting and helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for regular cookies. Their perfect blend of soft, buttery dough and cinnamon-sugar swirls brings a sweet sense of nostalgia and joy with every bite. Whether for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of cozy bliss, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful treat worth baking again and again. Go ahead, make a batch today and watch how quickly they disappear!

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