Cinnamon Roll Cookies

If you’re craving something that combines the warm, comforting flavors of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a cookie, you’re in for a real treat. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture that soft, gooey perfection you love in every bite, packed with cinnamon warmth and topped with luscious icing that melts just right. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or an impressive dessert, these cookies are easy to make and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Gooey Texture: These cookies have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth softness reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
• Rich Cinnamon Flavor: Loads of cinnamon spice are swirled throughout each cookie for that unmistakable warmth.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, so you can have delicious treats ready in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, casual snacks, or a sweet breakfast surprise.
• Customizable Icing: The glaze adds a delightful sweetness but can be tweaked or omitted based on your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that build the soft structure, bold flavors, and irresistible sweetness. Each one plays a key role, from creating tender dough to enhancing that cinnamon punch you crave.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure to make cookies soft yet sturdy.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a fluffy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a moist crumb to the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in browning.
• Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and depth with its molasses notes.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show, delivering that signature warm spice flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients while adding moisture and tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
• Powdered Sugar: For the icing glaze that completes the cookie’s look and taste.
• Milk or Cream: Thins the glaze for perfect drizzling.

Variations for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own by swapping or adding ingredients to match your mood or dietary needs. This easy base lends itself to lots of creative twists.

• Nutty Upgrade: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra flavor.
• Spiced Cinnamon Blend: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to deepen the spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture soft without gluten.
• Vegan Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with a flaxseed or chia egg substitute.
• Maple Icing: Swap vanilla extract in the glaze for maple extract to add a rich, earthy sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon—until just combined.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, about one to one and a half inches in diameter. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a round disk shape that mimics a cinnamon roll swirl.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet, spacing them at least two inches apart to allow gentle spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 4: Add the Icing

While the cookies cool slightly on a wire rack, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm cookies to achieve the classic cinnamon roll cookie finish.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps the dough come together smoothly and bake evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine dry and wet ingredients just until incorporated to ensure soft cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dry, dense cookies.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft for optimal gooey texture.
• Customize the Icing Thickness: Add liquid a little at a time to reach your preferred drizzle consistency.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, a dash of cinnamon powder, or a pinch of colorful sanding sugar atop the icing before it sets to add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a mug of hot coffee, chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate for an indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a tiered stand for parties, stack them with parchment paper in between as a gift, or pair with mini fruit skewers to balance the sweetness for a delightful dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven to regain that fresh-baked softness and gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute different types of sugar in Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Yes, you can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or a combination for a different caramel-like flavor, but brown sugar helps keep the cookies moist and tender.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk option for the icing glaze to keep the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing taste.

Is it possible to make Cinnamon Roll Cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan butter and substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to achieve a similar texture.

Can I add cream cheese to the icing for a richer flavor?

Yes, mixing cream cheese into your icing adds a tangy richness that complements the cinnamon perfectly, turning these cookies almost into mini cinnamon roll bites.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and avoid using too much butter or overfilling the baking sheet to help cookies maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished for a treat that blends the irresistible charm of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a cookie, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are exactly what you need. Soft, gooey, and bursting with warm cinnamon goodness, they’ll quickly become your new favorite to bake and share. Give them a try, and watch how these treats bring smiles with every bite!

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