Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining the best flavors into a cookie form. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies offer a gooey center and a sweet icing that’s hard to resist. Their unique combination of cinnamon sugar and soft dough makes them suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies without fuss.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and buttery dough create a comforting taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or even as a sweet snack during the week.
• Perfectly Iced: The creamy icing adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cookies beautifully.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the essential tools that will make this process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing butter and sugar until creamy.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough for uniform cookies.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for baking multiple cookies at once.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 2 Tablespoons (28g) butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• 3 Tablespoons (45ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside to ensure even mixing later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. If your dough feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion out into a rectangle about 9×7 inches on a floured surface. Spread melted butter over each rectangle, then sprinkle with combined cinnamon and sugar evenly.

Step 5: Shape Logs

Carefully roll each rectangle tightly into a log shape. If there are small cracks, gently smooth them out with your fingers. Chill logs in plastic wrap for at least 2 hours or freeze them for up to three months.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 7: Slice Cookies

Remove chilled logs from the fridge. Slice them into half-inch pieces and place them on prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-11 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. Let cool on sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Step 10: Store Your Cookies

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies are deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these cookies pair beautifully with various accompaniments.

With Coffee

• Enjoy your cinnamon roll cookies with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the cookies complement the bitterness of the coffee perfectly.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Serve these cookies alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat that satisfies your sweet tooth.

At Brunch Gatherings

• Include cinnamon roll cookies in your brunch spread. They add a sweet touch that balances savory dishes like quiches or frittatas.

With Ice Cream

• Top vanilla ice cream with crushed cinnamon roll cookies for an indulgent dessert. The warm cookie pieces create a delightful contrast with the cold ice cream.

Drizzled with Extra Icing

• For those who love extra sweetness, drizzle additional icing over each cookie before serving. This creates a beautiful presentation and enhances flavor.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

To ensure your cinnamon roll cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly into the dough for better texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down. This prevents dry cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to slice and helps maintain shape during baking.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

• Experiment with Icing: Feel free to adjust the icing consistency by adding more sugar or milk to find your perfect drizzle.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy varieties, pairs nicely with sweet treats like these cookies.
4. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit complements the flavors in cinnamon roll cookies.
5. Nut Butter Dip: Serve peanut or almond butter as a dip for added protein and richness alongside your sweet treat.
6. Granola Bars: Offering granola bars provides an easy grab-and-go option that works well with cinnamon flavors while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can prevent the dough from mixing well, leading to uneven cookies. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps it firm up and keeps cookies from spreading too much while baking. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Overbaking: Baking for too long can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are lightly browned.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them helps avoid breakage. Give them a few minutes on the sheet first.
• Not using parchment paper: Skipping parchment paper or a silicone mat can cause sticking. Use these for easy removal and cleanup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper to keep them separate.

Reheating Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Roll Cookies that may help you in your baking journey.

Can I substitute butter with margarine in Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. However, ensure it is fully softened for proper mixing.

How do I make my Cinnamon Roll Cookies softer?

Adding a touch more butter or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar can help achieve a softer texture in your cookies.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your dough by adding walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for an extra treat.

Why are my Cinnamon Roll Cookies spreading too much?

If your dough is too warm when placed in the oven or if you didn’t chill it long enough, it may spread excessively while baking. Make sure to chill adequately!

How should I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful and versatile treat that combines the best flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies. You can easily customize them with nuts or chocolate, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love sharing these delicious treats with friends and family!