There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, gooey cinnamon bun. Now, imagine that same delicious flavor packed into a soft, buttery cookie! That’s exactly what you get with these Cinnamon Bun Cookies. This cinnamon bun cookies recipe is perfect for those who love the classic cinnamon roll but want the convenience of a cookie. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend treat or a holiday dessert table, these cookies are sure to impress with their cinnamon-sugar swirls and sweet icing drizzle.
These cookies capture the essence of a traditional cinnamon bun—rich, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar—without the need for yeast or extended rising times. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make, with no special skills required.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that delivers all the comforting, sweet, and spiced goodness of a cinnamon bun in a bite-sized cookie form!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe. Not only are these cookies packed with warm cinnamon flavor, but they’re also simple to make and versatile for any occasion. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your next baking list:
1. Quick and Easy
Unlike traditional cinnamon buns, which require yeast and rising time, these cookies come together quickly. There’s no waiting for dough to rise—just roll, bake, and enjoy. You can have these cookies ready in under an hour!
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon bun cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their elegant swirl makes them stand out on a cookie platter, yet they’re simple enough for an everyday dessert.
3. Cinnamon Lovers’ Delight
If you’re a fan of cinnamon, these cookies will be your new favorite treat. The cinnamon-sugar filling gives each bite a warm, spiced flavor, while the sweet icing drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch.
To learn more about the popularity and history of cinnamon buns, you can read about them on Wikipedia’s Cinnamon Roll page.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Bun Cookies
These Cinnamon Bun Cookies require just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Each component adds to the rich, buttery flavor and soft texture of the cookie, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl provides that signature spiced sweetness.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and structure.
- Egg: 1 large egg, to bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, to form the structure of the cookie.
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for a slight lift.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (for the filling), to give the cinnamon-sugar swirl its rich, caramelized flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons (for the filling), for that warm, spiced flavor.
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (for the icing), to create a sweet drizzle.
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons (for the icing), to thin the icing to the perfect consistency.
These simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful, buttery dough and a cinnamon-sugar filling that mirrors the flavors of classic cinnamon buns.
How to Make Cinnamon Bun Cookies
The process of making Cinnamon Bun Cookies is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be baking soft, cinnamon-filled cookies in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft cookie dough. Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the dough to stay tender and soft.
Once the dough is mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is chilling, make the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix until the two ingredients are well combined. This cinnamon-sugar mixture is what will give the cookies their signature swirl of flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, remove one disk from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the edges as even as possible for consistent cookies.
Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Gently press the filling into the dough using your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure it sticks.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. Chilling the dough again will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the dough has chilled, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the centers to remain soft and chewy. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top using a spoon or a piping bag. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the icing before it sets.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bun Cookies
While this recipe is simple, following a few tips will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is crucial for keeping the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps the cookies hold their swirl shape. Be sure to chill the dough both before and after rolling it.
2. Use a Sharp Knife
When slicing the rolled dough, use a sharp knife to get clean, even slices. A dull knife can squish the dough, distorting the cinnamon swirl.
3. Don’t Overfill
It’s tempting to add extra cinnamon-sugar filling, but too much can cause the dough to tear when rolling. Stick to the recommended amount of filling to ensure the cookies keep their shape.
4. Watch the Baking Time
Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Overbaking can cause them to become too crisp, so aim for lightly golden edges and soft centers.
Variations on Cinnamon Bun Cookies
While the classic Cinnamon Bun Cookie is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few fun variations to try:
1. Chocolate Cinnamon Bun Cookies
For a chocolatey twist, spread a layer of melted chocolate or Nutella on the dough before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar filling. This adds a rich, chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
2. Pecan Cinnamon Bun Cookies
To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough. The pecans add a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Bun Cookies
For a fall-inspired version, replace the vanilla icing with a maple glaze. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk for a sweet, flavorful topping that enhances the cinnamon spice.
4. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bun Cookies
Add a touch of fall by mixing pumpkin spice into the cinnamon-sugar filling. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger creates a warm, spiced flavor perfect for autumn.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Bun Cookies
These Cinnamon Bun Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas to enhance your cookie experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon flavor complements warm beverages, making them the perfect snack for any time of day.
- As a Holiday Treat: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert table. Their festive swirls and sweet icing make them a great addition to any holiday party or cookie exchange.
- As a Gift: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift. They’re a thoughtful and delicious treat that’s sure to impress friends and family.
- With Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm cinnamon and cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Bun Cookies
1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll it out and bake.
2. How Should I Store Cinnamon Bun Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
3. Can I Freeze the Dough?
Definitely! After rolling the dough into logs, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the warm, spiced flavors of a cinnamon bun but wants the convenience of a cookie. With their soft, buttery texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and drizzled icing, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, giving them as a gift, or simply enjoying them with your morning coffee, these cookies are sure to impress.
Looking for more sweet treats? Check out our Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe for another delicious and easy dessert idea!