There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? It takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings, where the world outside felt still, and the only thing that mattered was the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. Now, imagine capturing that bliss in a cookie! These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience. They’re soft, sweet, and oh-so-easy to whip up, making them a fantastic treat for busy days or a delightful surprise for loved ones. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a game-changer for anyone who craves the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls but lacks the time for the traditional process. They’re quick to make, taking just over half an hour from start to finish. Plus, the soft, chewy texture combined with the sweet glaze will have your taste buds dancing. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a simple afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft texture.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It infuses your cookies with that warm, comforting flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a rich, creamy base for your dough.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
Brown sugar: This brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
Eggs: They bind everything together, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, making it irresistible.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch, these nuts add texture and flavor.
Raisins (optional): A sweet addition that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
For the filling:
Brown sugar: Sweet and rich, it forms the base of the gooey filling.
Ground cinnamon: More of this spice for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Unsalted butter: Softened, to create a smooth filling that oozes out when you bite in.
For the glaze:
Powdered sugar: This gives the glaze its sweetness and smooth texture.
Milk: A splash helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint to tie all the flavors together.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey cookies in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices. Set this mixture aside for now; it’ll come into play shortly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the optional chopped nuts and raisins for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter for the filling. This gooey mixture is what makes these cookies so special. It’s the heart of the cinnamon roll experience!
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball. Place these cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect balance of soft and chewy. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Glaze the Cookies
For the finishing touch, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled cookies. It adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness that’s hard to resist!
Tips for Success
Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming; it should be at room temperature.
Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough.
Let the cookies cool completely before glazing for a neater finish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheets: Essential for baking; you can use any flat, oven-safe tray.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking; aluminum foil works in a pinch.
Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; any large bowl will do.
Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients; a fork can work as an alternative.
Cookie scoop: For uniform cookies; a tablespoon works just as well.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Swap out the nuts for chocolate chips for a sweeter twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Maple Glaze: Instead of a vanilla glaze, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a plant-based treat.
Spiced Variation: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Serve them warm on a decorative platter for a delightful dessert at gatherings.
For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzle extra glaze over the cookies for a beautiful presentation.
FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
Can I add more spices to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger. Just a teaspoon can elevate the flavor profile of your Cinnamon Roll Cookies!
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy that comes from baking these Cinnamon Roll Cookies. The process is simple, yet the results are nothing short of spectacular. Each bite transports you back to those cherished moments of warmth and comfort. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, these cookies bring a smile to your face. They’re not just a treat; they’re a reminder of the little pleasures in life. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the sweet aroma, and let these cookies create delightful memories in your kitchen!
Delicious and soft cinnamon roll cookies that combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)
For the filling:
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter for the filling.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
You can also substitute the nuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
