Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the best aspects of both cookies and cinnamon rolls. They have a delightful, chewy cookie texture, infused with the warm and inviting flavor of cinnamon and sugar. These cookies are perfect for any occasion. You can serve them at family gatherings, bake them to share with friends, or enjoy them as a warm treat for yourself. Their unique flavor makes them a crowd favorite. When you take a bite, you will experience the sweetness of the cookie and the comforting aroma of cinnamon.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also very easy to make. You do not need fancy equipment or techniques. If you can mix, roll, and slice, you can make these cookies. Baking these cookies fills your home with a wonderful smell that invites everyone to come and enjoy. They are best served warm, straight from the oven, but they also store well for later. This means you can savor them long after baking.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Cinnamon Roll Cookies can be a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire. So why not indulge yourself and those you love with these heavenly treats?
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies at home is a simple but rewarding process. Follow these easy steps, and you will soon have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
To make Cinnamon Roll Cookies, you’ll need the following 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
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find at your local grocery store. This makes Cinnamon Roll Cookies an accessible treat for everyone.
Directions
Now that you know your ingredients, let’s move on to making the cookies. Follow these steps:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as your cookies will bake better in a preheated oven.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Take a medium-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is well mixed. This helps the baking powder to distribute evenly, which is essential for the cookies to rise properly.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula if you do not have one. Mix until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This can take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well blended. This step adds flavor and moisture to your cookies.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the additional cinnamon for the filling. Mix until it is evenly blended.
Shape the Cookies: Lay down a piece of parchment paper on a clean countertop. Spread half of your dough onto the parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Be sure to even it out as much as possible.
Add the Filling: Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the dough you spread out. This will create that delicious cinnamon taste throughout the cookie.
Roll it Up: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Take your time to make this as tight as possible without squeezing out the filling. Once you have a log shape, pinch the seams to seal it.
Slice the Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into rounds about 1 inch thick. Be gentle to ensure that the filling does not ooze out during the slicing.
Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your sliced cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them some space in between. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, you can serve them in various delightful ways:
- Warm: Serve the cookies warm. The cozy, melted cinnamon filling creates a comforting experience.
- With a Beverage: Pair your cookies with a hot beverage, such as coffee or hot chocolate, for a perfect afternoon snack.
- With Frosting: If you want an added touch, drizzle a simple icing (made with powdered sugar and milk) over the top after they cool. This can elevate the flavors even more.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast with a side of fruit. They bring the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a cookie format.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies
If you have any leftover cookies, proper storage is essential to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. They should last about a week.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper. They will keep for about 2 months in the freezer.
To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or heat them a little in the oven.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted. Soft butter is easier to cream and produces light and fluffy cookies.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Your Dough: If your dough is too sticky, consider chilling it for 30 minutes before rolling. This can make it easier to handle.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
Variation
While Cinnamon Roll Cookies are fantastic as they are, you can make fun variations:
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate twist.
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins or cranberries in the filling to add some chewiness and a fruity flavor.
- Spices: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor in the dough.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Margarine can be used instead of butter, but it may affect the texture and flavor slightly. Always opt for unsalted margarine, similar to unsalted butter.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it up, and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just slice and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and slightly softer in the middle. They will continue to firm up a bit as they cool.
Enjoy baking these delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies, and share them with family and friends!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy and light (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Spread half of the dough onto a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape and pinch the seams to seal.
- Slice the rolled dough into rounds about 1 inch thick.
- Place the sliced cookies onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space in between.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.