Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls without the fuss and time commitment, then Cinnamon Roll Cookies are your new best friend. Imagine bite-sized treats that capture all the sweet, spicy, buttery magic of classic cinnamon rolls in a crisp, delightful cookie form. These cookies bring together soft dough and a cinnamon-sugar swirl that melts in your mouth, making every bite a cozy hug of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about Cinnamon Roll Cookies is how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and rich cinnamon flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender structure to your cookies.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a soft, light texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and depth.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cinnamon’s spice.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Offers richness and helps achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a crisp edge.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings molasses undertones that complement the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds a tender crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and warmth of the cookie.
- Filling: ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Creates that irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Filling: 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Intensifies the classic cinnamon roll flavor inside the cookies.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
To start off perfectly, set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and that lovely ground cinnamon. This combination forms the base of your cookie dough and ensures every bite carries that unmistakable cinnamon spice.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light. This beating process is vital to incorporate air, which will give your cookies a tender texture and sweet caramel notes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. These ingredients add moisture and richness, building the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth softness you’re after.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender, not tough.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple filling is what transforms your cookies into Cinnamon Roll Cookies by layering in that classic cinnamon roll sweetness and spice.
Step 7: Shape and Roll the Dough
Spread half of your dough out thinly on parchment paper, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, then carefully roll it up like a jelly roll. This swirl effect is key to delivering that unmistakable cinnamon roll look and flavor in cookie form.
Step 8: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice your rolled dough into rounds about ½ inch thick. Place these on your prepared baking sheet, giving them room to spread just a bit as they bake.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the aroma fills your kitchen with cinnamon-scented happiness. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before indulging.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful on their own, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate their look and add an extra layer of indulgence. Freshly ground cinnamon dusted on top adds a charming finish and aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pairing Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a steaming cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea creates a cozy experience that makes for an ideal breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up. For a brunch spread, add some fresh fruit or yogurt alongside for a balanced and delicious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the cookie jar—arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with a few cinnamon sticks and sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for an elegant, inviting presentation. They also make a lovely gift when packed in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a cinnamon stick and ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to five days, ready whenever a cinnamon craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time or preserve extras, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Cookies as if freshly baked, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds. This revives their softness and amplifies their delicious cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is best for achieving the right texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?
If you’re out of brown sugar, white sugar mixed with a small dab of molasses can work in a pinch, but using brown sugar delivers the classic caramel-like richness vital to Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg. The cinnamon-sugar swirl will taste just as delightful.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe since the roll and slice technique helps hold the cookie shape, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigerating the dough for 15-20 minutes can make rolling easier.
How do I avoid the filling leaking out during baking?
Roll the dough tightly and evenly, press the edges gently to seal the swirl, and slice carefully with a sharp knife. These tips help keep the cinnamon-sugar filling inside for perfectly swirled Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about Cinnamon Roll Cookies—they bring together convenience and that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor in a way that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are bound to become a beloved favorite. So, grab your mixing bowls and start baking—you’re about to make some delicious memories!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture all the delightful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. Perfectly soft and chewy with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, these cookies are an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 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
Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, which will add the signature sweet and spicy flavor to the cookies.
- Form Dough and Add Filling: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly onto a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up tightly into a log shape, using the parchment paper to help you shape it neatly.
- Slice Into Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into rounds about ½ inch thick and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll cookies!
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- You can substitute brown sugar in the filling with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a glaze, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk once cookies have cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, easy cookies, baked treats, cinnamon desserts
