Name: Indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup Butter, softened; ¾ cup Granulated Sugar; ¾ cup Brown Sugar, packed; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 2 tablespoons Cinnamon; 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 2-3 tablespoons Milk

Indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect treat for any time of day, combining the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies. Imagine the warm, fragrant aromas of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen as these delightful cookies bake to golden perfection. Their inviting, swirled design, topped with a creamy icing, makes for a beautiful presentation, perfect for family gatherings or just a satisfying snack on a weekday. With their tender texture and rich flavor, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a sweet treat, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are here to warm your heart and soul.

Understanding Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon rolls have a long-standing tradition in many cultures, often associated with weekends and family gatherings where they are lovingly made from scratch. The genius of Cinnamon Roll Cookies is that they offer all the comfort of these classic breakfast pastries in a cookie form that’s quick and easy to make. This adaptation allows for flexibility; you can whip them up in no time without the need for hours of rising dough. Historically, cinnamon has been used not just for its irresistible flavor but also for its warmth and comfort, making these cookies an amazing pick for all occasions.

This recipe bridges the gap between traditional baking and modern convenience, perfect for busy weeknights or as a sweet treat to bring to a potluck. The texture of these cookies is tender and soft with just the right amount of chewiness, while the cinnamon and sugar create a delightful swirl inside every bite. These cookies can be enjoyed straight out of the oven, or they can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready—a perfect balance of ease and flavor!

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

There are countless reasons to love this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe that will surely find a place in your heart and kitchen.

Ease of Preparation: This cookie recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, using basic pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
Flavor Complexity: The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and creamy icing creates a delicious flavor profile that dances on your palate.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re serving kids or adults, everyone loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, and these cookies are no exception.
Budget-Friendly: With ingredients that are inexpensive and easy to find, you can treat yourself and your family without breaking the bank.
Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to meet dietary needs or personal preferences—add nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of maple syrup for an extra layer of flavor!

Let’s Cook Cinnamon Roll Cookies at Home

Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies is a breeze! You’ll just need a few basic kitchen tools, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll have these sweet delights ready for indulging. The main steps involve preparing the dough, rolling it out, adding the cinnamon mixture, cutting, and baking the cookies to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Butter: ½ cup, softened; adds richness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup; sweetens the dough.
Brown Sugar: ¾ cup, packed; adds a molasses flavor.
Eggs: 1 large; binds the ingredients.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon; enhances the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups; gives structure to the cookies.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons; helps cookies rise.
Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons; delivers that warm, cozy taste.
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup; for the icing, making it smooth and sweet.
Milk: 2-3 tablespoons; needed for the icing.

Directions

Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You’ll want your oven nice and hot to ensure that lovely, golden exterior!
Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale and have a soft texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated. You’ll notice a creamy consistency forming—this is what you want for a delicious dough!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Create the Cinnamon Swirl: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and spread this over the dough. Roll up tightly from one edge to the other.
Cut Cookies: Slice the rolled dough into ½ inch thick pieces and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Make the Icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top for that perfect finishing touch.

Delicious Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

When it comes to serving Cinnamon Roll Cookies, the options are endless! These delightful treats perfectly complement a hot cup of coffee or tea, enhancing their cozy, comforting flavors. You might consider pairing them with a side of fresh fruit for a delightful contrast; sweet strawberries or tangy raspberries add a refreshing touch.

For an even sweeter experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a dessert lover’s dream. If you’re hosting a brunch, these cookies will shine alongside other breakfast favorites, such as breakfast casseroles or a rich quiche.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Mastering the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies comes down to a few important techniques that will elevate your baking game.

Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: If time allows, let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon provides a more robust flavor compared to older spices, enhancing your cookies’ taste.
Storing Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to retain their soft texture.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking—overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Remove them when the edges are just turning golden, as they’ll continue cooking slightly after being taken out of the oven.

Variations & Add-Ins

Feel free to play around with this basic Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe to make it uniquely yours! Consider adding:

Chocolate Chips: Mix in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent twist on these cookies.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added for some added crunch and flavor contrast.
Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries or raisins can bring a burst of flavor and chewy texture to each bite.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs while maintaining that soft texture.

Kid-Friendly Version

Making these Cinnamon Roll Cookies even more appealing to children can be as simple as letting them help with the preparation! You can involve them by allowing them to sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough or even choosing fun cookie shapes using cookie cutters. Try using mini chocolate chips in place of the traditional icing to give them a chocolatey surprise!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh and delicious! Once the cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week; however, they are often best enjoyed within the first few days, as they tend to lose their softness over time.

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is unlikely!), you can reheat them by popping them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it come back to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture and flavor. However, the cookies may be slightly denser.

Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes! Once cooled, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw by leaving them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Q: What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
A: If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. Avoid adding too much; you want to keep that lovely soft texture.

Q: How should I store the cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also wrap them individually and freeze them for longer enjoyment.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring a comforting twist to a classic favorite with their warm, gooey center and delightful frosting. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from cozy family nights to festive gatherings. The moment you sink your teeth into one, the delicious aroma will envelop you, reminding you of lazy Sunday mornings filled with laughter and warmth. So grab your ingredients and let’s make these delightful cookies! Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!

Indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup Butter, softened
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
¾ cup Brown Sugar, packed
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
2 tablespoons Cinnamon
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2–3 tablespoons Milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the dough and roll it tightly.
Slice the rolled dough into ½-inch thick pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk for the icing, drizzle over cooled cookies.