Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delectable **Cinnamon Roll Cookies**! Imagine the warm, comforting essence of a classic cinnamon roll, complete with its signature swirl and luscious icing, all condensed into a convenient, chewy cookie. This **Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe** delivers just that, making it an irresistible dessert that is as stunning to behold as it is delightful to eat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weekends, or simply when you crave a touch of spiced sweetness, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Their beautiful swirls of cinnamon and heavenly drizzled icing make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
As a huge enthusiast of anything infused with cinnamon, the idea of transforming the beloved flavors of Cinnamon Rolls into an easy cookie recipe was an exciting adventure! The outcome exceeded all expectations, yielding soft, chewy cookies bursting with rich cinnamon flavor, perfectly complemented by a sweet, creamy glaze. They were an instant hit with everyone, especially the kids, who couldn’t get enough of these delightful treats. This recipe has quickly earned its place among my top Cinnamon Dessert Recipes, offering all the joy of a traditional cinnamon roll with the convenience of a cookie.
Table of contents
- Why We Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Cookie Dough
- Luscious Cinnamon Filling
- Sweet Vanilla Icing
- Creative Recipe Variations
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Expert Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- More Irresistible Cinnamon Recipes
Why We Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies
There’s so much to adore about this **cinnamon cookie recipe**! Despite appearing intricate, the process is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Each cookie boasts a stunning visual appeal with its distinct cinnamon swirl, which will have everyone believing you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s quite simple! The ingredients are common pantry staples, ensuring that these homemade cinnamon roll cookies are not only delicious but also budget-friendly. This recipe truly combines the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of homemade cinnamon rolls in a convenient, portable cookie form. The exquisite balance of the rich cinnamon swirl and the sweet, tangy cream cheese-like icing creates an explosion of flavor that makes these cookies utterly irresistible. They are the perfect treat to brighten any day, celebrate special occasions, or impress guests without the fuss of traditional cinnamon rolls.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Crafting these heavenly cinnamon roll cookies requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Knowing a little more about each ingredient will help you get the best results every time.
Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie. For accurate measurement, always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This prevents overpacking and ensures a tender cookie.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for a smooth, well-combined dough. It contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the cookies. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that wonderful soft, chewy texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on quality here! Pure vanilla extract significantly enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a warm, aromatic depth.
- Large Eggs: Use room temperature eggs. They incorporate more easily into the butter and sugar mixture, resulting in a smoother, more emulsified dough.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cookies are light and slightly puffed, not flat and dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Luscious Cinnamon Filling
- Melted Butter: A small amount of melted butter helps bind the cinnamon and sugar mixture, allowing it to spread evenly over the dough and create that signature swirl.
- Ground Cinnamon and Granulated Sugar: The dynamic duo that creates the iconic cinnamon roll flavor. This simple blend is incredibly effective and fragrant. For an even deeper flavor, you can use a high-quality Ceylon cinnamon.
Sweet Vanilla Icing
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): The base of our smooth icing. Sifting it before use is crucial to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
- Whole Milk: I prefer whole milk for its richness, which gives the icing a wonderfully creamy texture. You can adjust the amount slightly to reach your desired consistency, from a thick glaze to a thinner drizzle.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla in the icing adds another layer of flavor and aroma, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
A comprehensive list of exact measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of the page.
Creative Recipe Variations
While the classic **cinnamon roll cookie** is undeniably perfect, there are many ways to customize this recipe and make it your own. Get creative with these delicious variations!
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a delightful twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the rolled-out cookie dough after spreading the cinnamon filling. The melty chocolate combined with cinnamon is a match made in heaven!
- Include Nuts: Introduce a lovely crunch and earthy flavor by adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling mixture, or even gently fold them into the cookie dough before chilling. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand can enhance their flavor even further.
- Experiment with Frosting: Instead of the simple powdered sugar icing, elevate your cookies with a rich cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of cream cheese perfectly cuts through the sweetness, just like on traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Use Pre-Made Cookie Dough: Short on time? You can absolutely use store-bought pre-made sugar cookie dough as a base. Simply roll it out, add the cinnamon filling, and proceed with the rest of the recipe. This is a fantastic shortcut for quick and easy cinnamon roll cookies without compromising on flavor.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling: For a deeper, more caramel-like flavor in your filling, substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds a wonderful richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon filling can add another layer of warm spice, enhancing the “cinnamon roll” experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Follow these easy steps to create beautiful and delicious **homemade cinnamon roll cookies**. Precision and patience are key for that perfect swirl!
- Step 1 – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. For best results, we highly recommend using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer. Once creamed, add in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, blending until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently stir by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
Step 4. Divide the cookie dough evenly into two separate bowls. Flatten each portion slightly, then wrap each dough ball tightly with wax paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, until it is firm enough to handle easily. Chilling is essential for easier rolling and maintaining the cookie shape.
Step 5. Once chilled, remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly dust the dough and your rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately ¼ inch thick. Aim for a relatively even thickness to ensure consistent baking.
Step 6. Repeat the rolling process with the second portion of dough, creating another ¼ inch thick rectangle. Now, gently spread approximately 1 tablespoon of melted butter evenly over the surface of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 7. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle half of this fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the melted butter on each dough rectangle. Use your fingers to gently press the mixture into the butter, ensuring it adheres well.
Step 8. Starting from one long side of each rectangle, gently and tightly roll the dough into a log. As you roll, carefully peel away the parchment or wax paper from the bottom. Aim for a snug roll to create distinct cinnamon swirls in your cookies. If the dough becomes too soft during this process, briefly return it to the refrigerator to firm up.
Step 9. Once both logs are formed, wrap them individually and tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. This extra chill time is crucial for easy slicing and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled logs, unwrap them, and slice each log into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place these rounds on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 10. Bake the cookies for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers might still appear slightly soft, but they will set as they cool. While the cookies are baking and cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
Step 11. Once the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, generously drizzle the prepared icing over each cookie. Allow the icing to set slightly before serving. Now, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Expert Pro Tips for Baking Success
Achieving bakery-quality **cinnamon roll cookies** is easy with these helpful tips:
- Proper Dough Chilling is Essential: If you find the cookie dough sticky or difficult to work with during rolling or slicing, simply return it to the refrigerator. A well-chilled dough is firmer, less sticky, and will hold its shape much better, resulting in cleaner swirls and preventing excessive spreading during baking. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of chill time after mixing and again after forming the logs.
- Cooling Cookies Correctly: After baking, allow your cinnamon roll cookies to cool on the hot baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This initial cooling time helps the cookies set and firm up, preventing them from breaking when transferred. Then, gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures even cooling and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
- Silicone Baking Mats for Easy Rolling: For effortlessly rolling out the dough and preventing sticking, a silicone baking mat is a game-changer. Alternatively, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. The non-stick surface of the mat or sufficient flour dusting will make the process much smoother.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Ensure your butter is truly softened (not melted) when creaming it with sugar. This process incorporates air, creating a light and airy base for your cookies. Cream for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Using a Stand Mixer: While a hand mixer works, a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is ideal for mixing the dough ingredients thoroughly and efficiently. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper before placing the cookie slices. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your beautiful **cinnamon cookies** slide right off the pan.
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Once your delicious cinnamon roll cookies have cooled completely to room temperature and the icing has set, store them in an airtight container. Placed on the counter, they will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. You can easily bake these cookies ahead of time, making them a fantastic option for parties, cookie exchanges, or just to have on hand for a sweet craving.
Absolutely! This is a wonderful recipe for meal prepping or holiday baking. You have two main options for freezing:
1. Freezing the Dough: Prepare the cookie dough as instructed, forming it into logs. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil or wax paper, and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough logs in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can proceed with slicing, baking, and icing as usual.
2. Freezing Baked Cookies: If you have leftover baked cookies or want to prepare a large batch, let them cool completely and ensure the icing is fully set. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Freezing makes these the best cookies to prepare for all your holiday baking needs or unexpected guests.
Yes, you certainly can! While this recipe provides a fantastic from-scratch cookie base, using premade sugar cookie dough is a convenient shortcut that still yields delicious results. The star of these cookies is truly the cinnamon and sugar swirl layer, which creates that unmistakable mini cinnamon roll appearance and flavor in cookie form. Feel free to use whatever cookie base you prefer. If you have all the ingredients on hand, making the dough from scratch is an easy and budget-friendly approach.
Excessive spreading is often due to dough that isn’t cold enough or butter that was too soft. Ensure your dough logs are thoroughly chilled (at least 1 hour, or even longer if your kitchen is warm) before slicing and baking. You can also try chilling the sliced cookies on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before putting them into the preheated oven.
Absolutely! The icing consistency is easy to adjust. For a thicker, more opaque icing, add less milk, or a tiny bit more powdered sugar. For a thinner, more translucent drizzle, add milk a half teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Always mix well after each addition to avoid making it too thin.
More Irresistible Cinnamon Recipes
If you love the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon as much as we do, you’ll want to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile spice:
- Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Waffles
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
- Easy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Now it’s your turn to experience the magic of this easy **Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe**! Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating once you’ve made these delightful cookies. Your feedback helps other bakers discover and enjoy these wonderful treats.
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Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 3 Cups Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Butter Softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 eggs
Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 Tablespoon Butter melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Icing:
- 1 1/4 cup Powder Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Then in a separate mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter with the sugar until smooth (use a hand held or stand up mixer for this). Then add in the eggs and vanilla and blend until combined.
- Then gradually hand stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Divide the dough evenly into 2 separate bowls.
- Wrap each dough with wax paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes-1 hour until the dough is firm.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Then place one of the dough on parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly dust with flour. Then with a rolling pin, roll out the dough until a rectangle approximately ¼ in thick.
- Follow the same process with the other batch of the dough.
- Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of melted butter on top of each of the dough rectangles. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the filling and sprinkle half of this amount on each rectangle as well.
- Then roll both of the logs gently starting on one side of the rectangle and gently remove the bottom wax or parchment paper as you roll. (If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it again so that it’s easier to work with).
- Then wrap both of entire logs with plastic wrap after it’s formed and refrigerate it for 30 minutes-1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Remove the logs from the refrigerator, unwrap and cut the log into ¼ inch thick slices to make the cookies and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet approximately 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned on the sides.
- Remove from the oven, cool for approximately 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, make the icing by whisking all the icing ingredients together. After the cookies have cooled, drizzle over the cookies and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
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