Cinnamon Roll Cookies – An Irresistible Treat
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls. These soft, chewy cookies combine the sweet, buttery flavor of a cinnamon roll with the convenience of a cookie. If you love the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time to roll and bake traditional dough, these cookies will be your new favorite. With a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling and a hint of vanilla, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, as a treat for your family, or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee, they are sure to please.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are super easy to prepare. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, you don’t have to worry about yeast rising or rolling out dough sheets. Instead, you can whip these up quickly, making them a fantastic option for busy days.
Secondly, they use simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This means fewer shopping trips and more time for enjoyment. These cookies are soft and chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, satisfying your cravings without being too overwhelming.
Finally, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are versatile. You can enjoy them warm straight from the oven or let them cool and store them for later. They also make a great gift or a special treat for friends and family. Baking is an act of love, and sharing these cookies will surely spread joy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Baking Cinnamon Roll Cookies is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these steps to create a batch that will impress everyone.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 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
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot when you place your cookies inside, helping them bake evenly.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mix will be the backbone of your cookies and will add great structure.
Cream the Sugars and Butter
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy. This should take a few minutes. Proper creaming adds air to the dough, which helps the cookies rise and become light.
Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated.
Mix in Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing as this can lead to tough cookies.
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon for your filling. This combination will provide that cherished cinnamon roll flavor.
Assemble the Cookies
- Take half of the dough and spread it out on a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle shape. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the top. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice it into ½-inch rounds.
Bake
- Place the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. The center may look slightly soft; this is okay as they will firm up while cooling.
Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Letting them cool properly helps them set up nicely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are delicious on their own, but there are endless ways to serve them. You can enjoy them warm right from the oven, or let them cool down and serve them later. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. For a special touch, consider drizzling a simple icing over the top for added sweetness and decoration.
Another great idea is to stack them on a plate, sprinkle a bit of powered sugar on top, and serve them at brunches or lunch gatherings. Their delightful aroma will fill the room and entice your guests.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Storing Cinnamon Roll Cookies is easy. Once they are fully cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them fresh and soft. If stored properly, they can last for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will hold their quality for about three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pull out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients to mix better, resulting in a smoother dough.
Don’t Overmix: Be cautious not to over-mix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Over-mixing can lead to dense cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough is too soft to roll out, consider chilling it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider making a cream cheese frosting to spread on your cookies after they have cooled. This frosting offers a tangy contrast to the sweet, warm flavors of the cookie. Another variation is to use different spices. Add nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will make the cookies healthier but may alter the texture slightly.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you love chocolate, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips to the dough. They’ll add a delightful contrast to the cinnamon filling.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a wonderful treat that brings comfort and joy. Everyone will love their soft texture and sweet spice. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon for your filling.
- Take half of the dough and spread it out on parchment paper into a rectangle.
- Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and slice it into ½-inch rounds.
- Place the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.