Growing up, the smell of freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies wafting through the house was like a siren’s call I couldn’t resist. My grandma would make them every Christmas, and I’d find myself hovering in the kitchen, waiting with bated breath for that first warm, gooey bite. The combination of buttery, cinnamony goodness was simply irresistible, and I’d end up with cinnamon-sugar dusted all over my face, giggling as my grandma playfully scolded me for sneaking an extra cookie (or three). Those memories are so precious, and to this day, Cinnamon Roll Cookies remind me of the magic and comfort of the holidays spent with loved ones.
Why This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which can be doughy and heavy, these cookies have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that’s complemented by the rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. The key is in the technique – we’ll be using a special method to create that signature cinnamon roll appearance without the hassle of yeast dough. Trust me, your family and friends won’t be able to get enough of these Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
The Secret Behind Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
The secret to these Cinnamon Roll Cookies lies in the way we handle the dough. Instead of a traditional yeast-based dough, we’ll be using a simple sugar cookie base that’s rolled out and filled with a luscious cinnamon-sugar mixture. By carefully rolling and slicing the dough, we can achieve that iconic cinnamon roll shape without all the time-consuming proofing and kneading. The result is a cookie that’s equally tender and flavorful, with a gorgeous swirled appearance that’s sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of these cookies, providing rich, creamy flavor.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and that perfect cookie texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a slightly puffed, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: The star ingredient, delivering that iconic cinnamon roll taste.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a delightful chewiness to the filling.
Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In this recipe, we’ll be creating Cinnamon Roll Cookies that bake up beautifully in just 12-15 minutes. Let’s get started!
1- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
3- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar for the filling.
4- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Gently roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side, to create a long, spiral log.
5- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds and arrange them, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6- Bake the Cinnamon Roll Cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra cinnamony kick, dust the baked cookies with a light coating of cinnamon-sugar before serving.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and slicing can help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Be gentle when rolling the dough to avoid tearing the layers and losing the swirled effect.
- Avoid over-baking the cookies, as they can become dry and crumbly. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or steaming mug of hot chocolate. Their warmth and comforting flavors also make them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or cozy afternoon tea. For a special treat, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cinnamon Roll Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies also make a wonderful make-ahead option – you can prepare the dough, roll it up, and slice and bake the cookies as needed. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Creative Cinnamon Roll Cookies Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flavors in your Cinnamon Roll Cookies. For a festive twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or swap the cinnamon for ground cardamom. You could also try swirling in a layer of chocolate, chopped pecans, or a dollop of your favorite jam. The possibilities are endless!
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and flax or chia eggs in place of the regular egg. And for a low-carb take, replace the granulated sugar with your favorite keto-friendly sweetener and use almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour instead of all-purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?
A: Absolutely! While brown sugar is traditional, you can experiment with other types of sugar, such as turbinado or even coconut sugar, to create unique flavor profiles.
Q: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
A: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before slicing and baking can help the cookies maintain their shape. You can also try reducing the amount of butter in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake as directed.
Q: How many Cinnamon Roll Cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 20-24 cookies, depending on how thickly you slice the dough.
Q: My cookies turned out dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry, crumbly Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Be sure to keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 18
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the classic, irresistible flavors of Cinnamon Roll Cookies. These homemade treats combine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon with a soft, buttery cookie base for a heavenly dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. – In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar.
7. – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating completely.
8. – Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
10. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of ground cinnamon in the filling. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a true delight, capturing the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in a delectable cookie form. With their tender crumb, swirled cinnamon-sugar filling, and irresistible aroma, it’s no wonder they’re a holiday favorite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own cherished memories baking these Cinnamon Roll Cookies with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turned out!