Cinnamon Roll Cookies

If you love the comforting aroma and sweet flavor of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, but don’t want to fuss with yeast or hours of preparation, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect solution. They combine the warm, cinnamon-sugar swirls of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease and portability of a cookie. Each bite is soft, chewy, and indulgent, making them a delightful treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a quiet afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this easy, visually stunning recipe that brings all the charm of a bakery into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Soft and chewy: The perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
• Visually appealing: Beautiful swirls make them look like a mini cinnamon roll.
• Versatile: Serve warm for breakfast or packaged as gifts.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet without being overly rich.
• Customizable: Add glaze, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields about 24 cookies. All ingredients are measured for accuracy.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk and electric mixer (or hand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife for slicing rolled dough
• Spatula for transferring cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large bowl, cream together:
  • ½ cup softened unsalted butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
• Mix until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or by hand.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla

• Beat in 1 large egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft.

6. Prepare the Filling

• In a small bowl, combine:
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Mix until uniform.

7. Roll the Dough

• Place half of the dough on a sheet of parchment paper.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
• Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing the edges gently.

Pro Tip: Rolling tightly ensures distinct swirls but avoid compressing too much, or the cookies may become dense.

8. Slice and Arrange

• Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into rounds about ½ inch thick.
• Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.

9. Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center.

Pro Tip: Do not overbake—these cookies continue to set as they cool.

10. Cool and Serve

• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

Texture and Flavor Enhancements

• Add a simple glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream and drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) inside the filling for crunch.
• Mix in mini chocolate chips with the filling for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.

Dietary Adjustments

• Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to make this gluten-free.
• Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Swap butter with vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Flavor: Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced with cinnamon.
• Texture: Soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.
• Occasions: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert.
• Pairings: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or warm milk.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145 kcal
Sugar	9 g
Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Unsaturated Fat	2 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fiber	<1 g
Protein	<1 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	80 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Dough Preparation: Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Slice and bake when ready.
• Freezing: Slice rolled dough and freeze on a parchment-lined tray. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough?
Yes! Simply cut into slices and bake as directed, though texture may differ slightly.

2. Can I make mini cookies?
Absolutely! Slice thinner for bite-sized treats; reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes.

3. How do I keep cookies soft?
Do not overbake, and store in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture.

4. Can I add a glaze?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over cooled cookies complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

5. Are these suitable for gift-giving?
Yes! They can be packaged in decorative tins or boxes for homemade gifts.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 minutes
Mix Dough	5 minutes
Roll and Slice	5 minutes
Bake	10–12 minutes
Cool & Serve	5 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a drizzle of glaze for a breakfast treat.
• Plate with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Pack in a small tin for holiday gifting or potluck contributions.

Recipe Variations

1. Maple Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Replace brown sugar in the filling with maple sugar and add 1 tsp maple extract.
2. Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
3. Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the filling before rolling.
4. Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Use plant-based butter and egg substitute.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon

• Provides warm, sweet-spicy flavor and aroma.
• Use freshly ground cinnamon for the most intense flavor.

Brown Sugar

• Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to cookies.
• Packed properly for accurate sweetness in the filling.

Pro Baking Tips

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
• Slice the rolled dough evenly for uniform baking.
• Avoid overworking the dough to maintain soft, chewy cookies.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze sliced cookie dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145 kcal
Sugar	9 g
Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Protein	<1 g

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a quick, delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With soft, chewy texture and that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar swirl, they satisfy sweet cravings while being easy enough for weeknight baking.

Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, these cookies are visually appealing and versatile. Add a simple glaze, sprinkle with nuts, or pair with chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours.

Once you try these, you’ll see why they’re a fast favorite in the kitchen—all the joy of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cookie form. Bake a batch today and enjoy a warm, cozy treat that everyone will love.

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