There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Now, imagine combining that sweet scent with the buttery goodness of cookies! Enter Cinnamon Roll Cookies—a delightful hybrid of classic cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies. These cookies pack all the flavors you love about cinnamon rolls into a delicious, bite-sized form that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a special weekend treat, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are sure to impress. These cookies capture the essence of a cinnamon roll, complete with that irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar, but in a form that is quicker and easier to bake. Best of all, you don’t need yeast or hours of rising time like traditional cinnamon rolls. Instead, you’ll be using a simple cookie dough base and turning it into a soft, buttery treat with a warm, spiced filling.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees soft, buttery cookies with a perfect swirl of cinnamon and sugar. Plus, we’ll explore some fun variations, answer common questions, and offer tips to make sure your cookies turn out just right.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies
There are many reasons to love Cinnamon Roll Cookies, and the best part is that they’re a delightful treat for any time of year. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, baking them for an afternoon snack, or giving them as a gift, these cookies never disappoint. Let’s explore why these cookies are a must-bake:
1. Simple to Make
Even though Cinnamon Roll Cookies look impressive with their beautiful swirls, they are surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment beyond a rolling pin and a knife, and the dough comes together in just a few minutes. Plus, because you don’t need yeast, you don’t have to worry about proofing or rising times. You’ll have warm, homemade cookies in no time!
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend gathering, or just craving something sweet, cinnamon roll cookies fit the bill. Their elegant swirls make them look fancy enough for a party, but they’re also simple enough to make for everyday snacking. Furthermore, they’re great for cookie exchanges or potlucks since they’re unique and eye-catching.
3. Customizable
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences or add new flavors to the filling. While the classic cinnamon-sugar swirl is a favorite, you can experiment by adding chocolate, nuts, or different spices. You can even change the glaze to fit different themes or seasons. Customizing the cookies allows you to create a treat that perfectly matches your taste buds or the occasion.
Additionally, if you love learning about how cinnamon has influenced desserts around the world, you can read more about its historical impact on Wikipedia’s page on Cinnamon.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
To create these delicious cinnamon roll cookies, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. These pantry staples come together to create a soft dough, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sugar. You’ll also make a simple icing to drizzle over the cookies, giving them that final, sweet touch. The ingredients are simple, but together they create a flavorful and buttery cookie.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and structure.
- Egg: 1 large egg, at room temperature to bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor enhancement.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, to form the structure of the cookie.
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for a slight lift in the cookies.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
- Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons, for the filling that brings the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, to complement the cinnamon in the filling.
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup, to make the sweet icing drizzle.
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons, to thin the icing to drizzling consistency.
- Ground cinnamon: Additional for topping, optional, if you want more cinnamon flavor in the glaze.
These ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making this recipe accessible to everyone. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies
The process for making Cinnamon Roll Cookies is similar to making cinnamon rolls but much faster. By following the steps below, you’ll achieve soft, chewy cookies with a perfectly swirled filling. The dough is buttery and soft, while the filling adds a sweet and spicy kick. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar creates air pockets that will help give the cookies a tender texture. Afterward, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. The egg binds the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds warmth to the overall flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as you want it to remain soft and pliable. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough.
Step 3: Roll and Chill the Dough
After preparing the dough, divide it in half. Shape each portion into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential because it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll out later. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will be spread on the dough before rolling it up, giving the cookies their signature cinnamon swirl.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, take one disk out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or surface, sprinkle a little more flour to prevent it from sticking. Spread 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 to ensure it sticks.
Step 6: Roll and Slice the Dough
After filling the dough, carefully roll it up tightly from one of the long sides. Rolling the dough tightly ensures that the swirl pattern stays intact during baking. Once the dough is rolled into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap again and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This additional chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is firm, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: 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 they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Make the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the tops. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon over the icing before it sets.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies
By following a few helpful tips, you can ensure your cinnamon roll cookies come out perfectly every time. Even though these cookies are easy to make, there are a few techniques that will elevate your baking skills.
1. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Chilling also firms up the butter in the dough, making it easier to roll out and slice. Skipping this step could result in flat, misshapen cookies.
2. Don’t Overfill the Dough
It’s tempting to add extra cinnamon-sugar filling, but too much filling can cause the dough to tear while rolling or result in cookies that lose their swirl pattern. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for the best results.
3. Use a Sharp Knife
When slicing the rolled dough, make sure to use a sharp knife to get clean cuts. A dull knife may flatten the dough, ruining the beautiful swirl that makes these cookies so eye-catching.
4. Even Spacing
When placing the cookie slices on the baking sheet, ensure they are spaced evenly apart. This allows the cookies to bake uniformly and prevents them from merging together.
Variations on Cinnamon Roll Cookies
While the classic version is always a hit, there are several ways to customize Cinnamon Roll Cookies to suit your taste. These variations are fun, easy, and allow you to experiment with different flavors.
1. Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
For a chocolate twist, spread a layer of melted chocolate or Nutella over the dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This creates a rich, chocolatey addition to the cookie’s sweet flavor. The chocolate complements the cinnamon beautifully, making these cookies even more indulgent.
2. Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cookies
To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. Pecans add a delightful nutty flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the cookies. You can also try using other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
3. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Roll Cookies
For a fall-inspired treat, replace the vanilla icing with a maple glaze. To make it, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a little milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies for an autumnal twist. The maple flavor adds warmth to the cookies, making them perfect for cooler months.
4. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Add a touch of fall by mixing pumpkin spice into the cinnamon-sugar filling. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds depth to the cookies and pairs beautifully with the sweet dough. These are perfect for fall gatherings or as a Thanksgiving treat.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
There are countless ways to enjoy these delicious cinnamon roll cookies. They’re versatile enough to serve on different occasions, and they pair well with several accompaniments.
- With coffee or tea: Enjoy these cookies as a snack alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon flavor pairs wonderfully with warm beverages, especially in the morning or afternoon.
- As a holiday dessert: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as part of a festive dessert platter. They’re visually appealing and have a nostalgic holiday flavor.
- As a gift: Packaged in a decorative tin or box, cinnamon roll cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift for family and friends. You can even tie the tin with a ribbon for a special touch.
- With Ice Cream: For a more indulgent dessert, serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced cookies and the cold ice cream is irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies
1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, until you’re ready to roll it out and bake. The longer the dough chills, the easier it will be to roll and slice.
2. How Should I Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh, place a slice of bread in the container; this helps prevent the cookies from drying out. For longer storage, freeze the 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 tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. This makes it easy to prepare cookies ahead of time for busy weeks or special occasions.
Conclusion
These delicious cinnamon roll cookies are a fun and flavorful take on a classic treat, combining all the sweet, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of cookies. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet cinnamon swirl, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you serve them at a holiday party, make them as gifts, or enjoy them with your morning coffee, these cookies are a surefire hit.
If you’re looking for more fun baking ideas, check out our Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe for another sweet treat that’s equally delicious!