Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

If you have ever wished to enjoy the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of waiting for dough to rise or dealing with sticky icing, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are about to become your new best friend. These delightful treats capture the very essence of a cinnamon roll’s sweetness and spice in a perfectly bite-sized cookie form. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness wrapped in a soft, tender cookie that delivers the cozy vibes of freshly baked morning pastries anytime you crave them. Trust me, once you try these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, they’ll quickly become a staple for your cookie jar and your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Cookies lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. You’ll notice familiar pantry basics come together effortlessly, ensuring the process is as enjoyable as the results.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender bite for the cookie base.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a subtle lift so your cookies aren’t dense or heavy.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with that warm, spicy signature taste.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness with a slight crunch inside the dough.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and that coveted caramel depth.
• 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients and adds a lovely softness.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with sweet, floral notes.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for filling): The star of the cinnamon swirl.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling): Intensifies the spicy sweetness within the rolls.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have your oven fully heated so that the cookies bake evenly, achieving that perfect golden edge without becoming dry.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that the leavening is distributed evenly and the cinnamon is well blended, setting a harmonious base flavor for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until you have a creamy, fluffy mixture. This creaming process is crucial for lightness and the melt-in-your-mouth texture these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are famous for.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. This step brings moisture and adds those complex vanilla aromas that make these cookies so comforting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Over-mixing here can make your cookies tough, so be gentle for tender results.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. This simple yet powerful mixture will become the gooey, sweet swirl inside each cookie that recreates the magic of a cinnamon roll.

Step 7: Roll Out and Add the Filling

On a large piece of parchment paper, spread half of your cookie dough into a rough rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. Then, carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one long side, to form a log packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Cut the rolled dough into rounds about ½-inch thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each as they’ll spread slightly. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden on the edges but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are fantastic all on their own, a drizzle of simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or a light sprinkling of powdered sugar, transforms them into a café-worthy treat. You can also add chopped nuts on top before baking for a lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon roll-inspired cookies pair deliciously with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate for an indulgent snack or breakfast. Add fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a balanced and inviting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging Cinnamon Roll Cookies in a festive tin for gift-giving or stack them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for a charming hostess gift. For parties, serve them atop a wooden board alongside different flavored spreads like cream cheese frosting or maple butter for guests to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for quick snacks during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting cookies weeks later—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your Cinnamon Roll Cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the cinnamon aroma, making them taste like they just came out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. This swap keeps your cookies tender and flavorful without compromising the recipe.

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

You can substitute dark or light brown sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or a mix of granulated sugar and molasses. These alternatives keep the warm, caramel flavor that’s essential for the filling.

How thick should I slice the rolled dough?

Slicing the dough into rounds about ½-inch thick is perfect. Thinner slices can dry out and thicker ones may not bake evenly in the center.

Can I add nuts or raisins to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make fantastic additions either sprinkled into the filling or added on top before baking for extra texture and sweetness.

Do these cookies taste exactly like cinnamon rolls?

While they’re not identical to traditional cinnamon rolls, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the cinnamon-sugar swirl and buttery sweetness in a quicker, easier cookie form that’s just as satisfying and indulgent.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Cinnamon Roll Cookies enough for anyone who loves cozy, cinnamon-packed treats without the fuss. They are fun to make, impressive to serve, and simply delicious. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies bring warmth and happiness in every bite. So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to enjoy a new favorite that’s guaranteed to brighten your snack time.

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