Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Warm up your day with soft, gooey Cinnamon Roll Cookies, the perfect cozy treats that satisfy your sweet tooth anytime. These delightful cookies capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient, bite-sized form. The irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar combined with a tender, chewy texture makes them a must-bake for anyone craving comfort and flavor in one delicious package.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: These cookies bring the beloved cinnamon roll flavor to your cookie jar, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these ready in no time, even if you’re not an expert baker.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and gooey centers paired with slightly crisp edges make each cookie an irresistible treat.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack, these cookies fit any time of day.
- Customizable Flavors: The recipe is flexible enough to add nuts, glaze, or even a drizzle of icing to suit your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From fluffy flour to warm cinnamon spice, every component contributes to that irresistible cozy sensation.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb texture for the cookie base.
- Baking Powder: Offers the gentle rise needed to keep the cookies light and tender.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a moist, chewy bite.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and depth with its caramel notes.
- White Sugar: Balances sweetness and encourages a slight crispness on cookie edges.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings the iconic warm, aromatic flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds softness to the dough.
- Powdered Sugar: For the optional glaze, creating a sweet finish.
- Milk or Cream: Used in the glaze for a smooth, glossy texture.
Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Feel free to make the Cinnamon Roll Cookies your own by experimenting with different mix-ins, toppings, or swaps. It’s surprisingly easy to adjust this recipe to suit any dietary needs or flavor cravings.
- Nuts and Raisins: Add chopped pecans or raisins for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep these cookies cozy and safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Maple Glaze: Replace vanilla glaze with maple syrup mixed with powdered sugar for a richer, spiced finish.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle atop the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and non-dairy milk to create a vegan-friendly batch without losing any softness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming softened butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and cinnamon—until everything forms a smooth dough.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a thin rectangle. Spread a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar over the dough, then carefully roll it into a log shape. Chill for around 30 minutes to firm the dough, making it easier to slice.
Step 3: Slice and Bake
Cut the chilled dough roll into ½-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream and a splash of vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm cookies and let it set for a sweet, glossy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Perfect Dough Consistency: Chill the dough before slicing to avoid misshapen cookies that lose their swirl pattern.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use a spoon and level method to prevent dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven as soon as edges turn golden to keep them soft inside.
- Use Fresh Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon enhances the warm, fragrant flavor significantly over old spice.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar to suit your taste preferences.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar or extra cinnamon on top of the glaze to boost the visual appeal and crunch. For special occasions, edible flowers or chopped nuts make a dazzling touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or a rich vanilla latte. Fresh fruit or yogurt on the side also balance the sweetness for a delightful snack or brunch addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies on a rustic wooden board layered with parchment paper for a charming, homemade look at gatherings. Alternatively, stack them in a glass jar tied with twine as a thoughtful gift that shows off their cozy appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain softness and freshness.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zipper freezer bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave or oven to revive that freshly baked, gooey texture, especially when topped with glaze or icing.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
While homemade dough offers the best texture and flavor control, using store-bought cinnamon roll dough can be a time-saving shortcut for those in a hurry.
Are Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free?
The original recipe uses regular flour, but you can easily adapt it to be gluten-free by substituting with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to four days at room temperature.
Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting adds a rich tang and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor for an extra indulgent treat.
What’s the best way to transport Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Place them in a sturdy container with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking or breakage when transporting to potlucks or parties.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about Cinnamon Roll Cookies that never gets old. They combine the best of cinnamon rolls and cookies into a warm, sweet package that’s easy to make and share. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to that cozy, homemade goodness anytime you need a little sweet escape.
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Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Warm up your day with soft, gooey Cinnamon Roll Cookies that capture the classic cinnamon roll flavor in a convenient, bite-sized cookie. Featuring a tender, chewy texture and an irresistible cinnamon sugar swirl, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and easy to customize with nuts, glaze, or icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free twist)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup White Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
For the Optional Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons Milk or Cream
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream softened butter with brown and white sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll dough on a floured surface into a thin rectangle. Spread melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar mixture evenly over top. Carefully roll into a log shape. Chill for around 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice and Bake: Cut the chilled dough log into ½-inch thick slices. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Add the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over warm cookies and let set for a glossy finish.
Notes
- Chill dough before slicing to maintain swirl pattern and avoid misshapen cookies.
- Measure flour using spoon and level method to prevent dense cookies.
- Remove cookies from oven as soon as edges turn golden for soft centers.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aromatic flavor.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cookies, soft cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cozy treats, bite-sized cookies, dessert, snack
