Welcome, cookie lovers! Get ready to experience a taste sensation that combines the best of two beloved treats: the cozy comfort of a cinnamon roll and the delightful chewiness of a perfect cookie. Our Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe delivers all the warm, spiced goodness you crave in an easy-to-make, handheld form. Forget the sticky buns; these cookies are about to become your new go-to.
Imagine a soft, buttery cookie dough generously swirled with a sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar filling. Each bite offers that familiar warmth and spice, reminiscent of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, but in a convenient, shareable (or not!) cookie format. They're perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack anytime the craving strikes. They are also fantastic for holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, or simply a cozy night in.
Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Pure Comfort: The classic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar evoke warmth and nostalgia.
- Easy to Make: While they look impressive with their beautiful swirls, the process is straightforward and fun.
- Perfectly Portable: Enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls without the mess!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore these unique and delicious cookies.
Ready to bake up a batch of pure joy? Let’s dive into the recipe and get those irresistible swirls happening!
Tips for Success
Achieving the Perfect Softened Butter
Many cookie recipes, including this one, call for softened butter. This isn't just a suggestion; it's crucial for the texture of your cookies. Softened butter creams easily with sugar, incorporating air that leads to a lighter, more tender crumb. If your butter is too cold, it won't cream properly, resulting in dense cookies. If it's too warm or melted, your dough might be greasy and your cookies could spread too much. The ideal softened butter should yield slightly when pressed with a finger, but not be oily or liquid. For more detailed guidance on getting your butter just right, check out this helpful guide on how to properly soften butter for baking.
The Art of the Swirl
The beautiful cinnamon swirl is what makes these cookies visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Don't rush the rolling process. A tight roll ensures a more defined swirl. Chilling the log of dough is also non-negotiable – it makes slicing much easier and prevents the dough from flattening or the filling from escaping too much during baking.
Don't Overbake!
For that perfect soft and chewy texture, keep a close eye on your cookies. They should be set around the edges and lightly golden, but still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Get Baking!
With these tips in mind, you're all set to create a batch of the most delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies you've ever tasted. They’re a fantastic way to bring warmth and joy into your kitchen. Enjoy every single spiced, sugary bite!
FAQs
How do you get the perfect swirl in cinnamon roll cookies?
Achieving a beautiful swirl is key! After rolling out your dough into a rectangle, evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling. Then, tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Chilling the log before slicing helps maintain its shape and prevents the filling from oozing out during baking, ensuring distinct, pretty swirls.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! You can make the dough and chill it for up to 2-3 days before rolling and baking. Alternatively, you can roll and slice the cookies, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What's the best way to store Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Once cooled, store your Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If they have a glaze, ensure the glaze has fully set before stacking to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I add a glaze to my Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Absolutely! A simple cream cheese glaze or a classic powdered sugar glaze elevates these cookies. For a cream cheese glaze, whisk together 2 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and u00bd teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistible cinnamon roll cookies combine the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of a soft, chewy cookie, complete with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ½ cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Form it into a rough rectangle, then roll it out to a rectangle approximately 12x10 inches in size.
Step 6: Prepare the filling by combining the remaining ½ cup packed brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) along one of the long edges.
Step 7: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm. This helps maintain the swirl shape during baking.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough log is firm, unwrap it and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still look soft. Do not overbake. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies. To make it, combine 2 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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