Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes · Serves: 24 cookies · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for up to one week.
Quick Answer
Create warm and comforting Cinnamon Roll Cookies that capture the festive spirit of the holidays with gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze.
As the crisp air of late autumn rolls in New York City and the scent of cinnamon wafts through holiday markets, I find myself craving something warm and comforting to bake. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, there's no better way to impress friends and family than with a delightful twist on the classic-Cinnamon Roll Cookies. These scrumptious bites bring all the familiar flavors of gooey cinnamon rolls, wrapped up in a fun and easy-to-eat cookie form.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in a fun cookie form.
- Perfect for the holiday season and impressing friends and family.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Customizable-add your favorite nuts or adjust the spices.
- Great for making ahead and storing for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to craft the perfect cinnamon roll cookies:
For the cookie dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the cinnamon filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cinnamon roll cookies!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the temperature climbs, the anticipation begins to build-soon your kitchen will be filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well-combined. This step ensures even distribution of all ingredients and makes me appreciate the warmth of the spices that will fill my kitchen.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy-about 3 to 5 minutes. The texture should be soft and creamy, and the aroma of the butter will start to fill the air!
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined. The mixture should turn glossy as the egg incorporates, indicating you're on the right path.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing here.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Add in the softened butter and mix until it becomes a spreading consistency. This filling should have a caramel-like scent that pairs beautifully with the dough.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough. Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a log tightly. The filling peeks through as you roll, creating beautiful swirls!
Step 8: Slice and Bake
Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers have a slight jiggle-this keeps them soft and chewy!
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. It should be pourable but somewhat thick, perfect for drizzling.
Step 10: Drizzle Glaze
Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Your kitchen will now smell like a bakery, and these cookies will look utterly irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underbaking: Resist the urge to pull them out of the oven early; a slight jiggle is ideal, but they shouldn't be raw in the center.
- Overmixing: Once you incorporate the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Not Chilling the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle when rolling.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra touch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.
- These cookies can easily be made ahead of time; simply store uncooked dough in the fridge and slice before baking.
- Be creative with the glaze! A hint of maple syrup or a sprinkle of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.
Variations
- Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
- Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve
- Drizzle with glaze just before serving for a fresh look.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve on a festive platter for special occasions or holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
- Storage: Keep your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to three months; let them come to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I discovered just how versatile these cookies can be. You can play with the spice ratios and even add in your favorite nuts. They're not just a festive treat; they bring warmth and comfort that feels like a hug in every bite. Happy baking!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 cookies · Serving Size: 1 cookie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~180 calories · 2g protein · 24g carbs · 8g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well-combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Add in the softened butter and mix until it becomes a spreading consistency.
- Roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
- Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may affect the texture of the cookies. The cookies may be denser, so you might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for the best results.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, and the centers should have a slight jiggle. Keep a close eye on them to avoid underbaking.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough for up to three months. Just slice the cookies while frozen and bake them directly, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
4. What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
For an egg substitute, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken).
5. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
