Why You’ll Love These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Customizable: Add icing, nuts, or even a touch of caramel for extra indulgence.
- Cinnamon Roll Flavor in a Cookie: All the goodness of cinnamon rolls, no rising dough required!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are tender and buttery, with a perfect swirl of cinnamon sweetness.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for cookie trays, holiday treats, or anytime you need a quick dessert fix.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing)
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Description
There’s something magical about the warm, sweet-spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls—especially when it’s transformed into a delightful, bite-sized cookie! These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine soft, buttery dough with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, perfect for a quick dessert or an afternoon treat. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, so grab your rolling pin and let’s get baking!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: For a rich, buttery base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: To help the sugar stick.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: For a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice of the filling.
Optional Icing (for Drizzling)
- ½ cup powdered sugar: For a sweet glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream: To thin the icing.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: For extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
4. Divide the dough in half. Roll one portion into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick, on a piece of parchment paper.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
5. Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter.
6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
7. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use the parchment paper to help guide it.
8. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) to firm up.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Add Optional Icing
12. While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: This ensures clean slices and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Use Dental Floss for Slicing: Unflavored dental floss cuts through the dough without squishing it, creating perfect rounds.
- Experiment with Fillings: Add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for variety.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store: Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze unbaked dough logs or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake (or enjoy) as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Q2: Do I have to add icing?
Not at all! These cookies are delicious on their own, but the icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look beautiful.
Q3: Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?
For a shortcut, you can use store-bought dough, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Sweet and Swirly Perfection
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine all the best parts of cinnamon rolls into a simple, shareable treat. With their beautiful swirls and warm, cozy flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try them today, and don’t forget to share your creations—we’d love to see them!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Serves: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 120
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these delightful cookies!