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If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, you’re in for a treat with these Cinnamon Roll Cookies! Imagine rich, buttery cookie dough enveloping a decadent cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped off with a luscious vanilla glaze. The convenience of enjoying the flavors of a cinnamon roll in cookie form is simply unbeatable. These cookies have quickly become a favorite in my household, disappearing faster than I can bake them, especially during family gatherings!
I still remember the first time I attempted these Cinnamon Roll Cookies – let’s just say it was a learning experience! But through multiple batches and a few mishaps, I’ve perfected the art of making these delectable treats. Whether served for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these cookies are a hit every time. With endless possibilities for customization, from pumpkin spice in the fall to a cream cheese glaze for a more indulgent touch, these cookies are sure to impress both picky eaters and avid dessert lovers alike.
From festive holiday spreads to casual weekend brunches, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any occasion. The joy of slicing through these cookies to reveal their intricate swirls never gets old, and the memories created while baking and sharing them with loved ones are truly priceless. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delightful cookies, and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in every bite!
Quick Benefits
- Convenient alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, without the need for yeast and rising
- Versatile and customizable with various flavor tweaks like pumpkin spice, chocolate chips, or pecans
- Stay soft and delicious for several days, and can be frozen for longer storage, making them a great make-ahead option
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Convenient alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, perfect for those short on time but craving the classic flavors
- Rich buttery cookie dough wrapped around warm cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with sweet vanilla glaze delivers all the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll in a cookie form
- Highly addictive – disappear quickly at family gatherings and have people sneaking extras for later
- Adaptable recipe with various flavor options like pumpkin pie spice, chocolate, or pecans, catering to different tastes and occasions
- Versatile serving options – perfect for brunch with fresh berries and coffee, or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream
- Beautiful addition to any dessert spread, especially during the holidays; visually appealing when served on a tiered cake stand with fresh greenery
- Stays soft and delicious for days in an airtight container, with a tip to maintain moisture by adding a piece of bread
- Freezer-friendly – bake ahead and freeze for up to a month, or freeze unbaked logs for fresh cookies on demand
- Great for bonding and making memories in the kitchen, especially with kids who can join in the baking process.
Ingredients for Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cookie Dough
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 4: Roll & Fill
On a floured surface, roll out one dough portion into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Repeat with the second dough portion. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour before slicing.
Step 5: Slice & Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the logs into ½-inch thick cookies and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Drizzle mixture over warm cookies.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
After baking a batch of these delightful cinnamon roll cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To help maintain their softness and freshness, place a piece of bread in the container along with the cookies. The bread will absorb excess moisture, keeping the cookies moist and delicious for about 3-4 days. Interestingly, these cookies tend to taste even better on the second day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your cinnamon roll cookies, consider freezing them. The baked, unglazed cookies can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and add a fresh glaze before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough logs for up to three months. This way, you can slice and bake them whenever the craving strikes, ensuring you have warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll cookies in just minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can make some ingredient substitutions in these cinnamon roll cookies. To reduce the overall sugar content, you can try using a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. You can also swap out some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to lower the saturated fat content while still maintaining moisture in the cookies. Additionally, you can experiment with using whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a boost in fiber and nutrients.
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make in this recipe. For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, the eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, and the milk in the glaze with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour and ensure that all ingredients, including the baking powder, are certified gluten-free. You can also customize the filling by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon roll cookies can be served in a variety of creative ways to suit different occasions. For a festive holiday gathering, arrange them on a tiered cake stand with fresh evergreen sprigs for a visually appealing and seasonal touch. Serve them during brunch alongside fresh berries and hot coffee to create a balanced and flavorful breakfast spread. The combination of tart berries, sweet cookies, and bitter coffee is sure to delight your guests. To elevate them for dessert, pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that balances the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with cool, creamy goodness.
For a fun twist, consider customizing these cookies with different variations. Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice during the fall season, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling for a melty and indulgent chocolate version, or incorporate finely chopped pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor. For a richer and creamier option, substitute cream cheese for half the butter in the glaze to mimic the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll. These versatile cookies can be enjoyed fresh or frozen, making them a convenient and delicious treat for any occasion.
FAQs for Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked logs of cookie dough for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake them, simply slice the frozen dough, place the cookies on a baking sheet, and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked cinnamon roll cookies whenever you have a craving!
How can I store the baked cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep the baked cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For an extra tip, place a piece of bread in the container with the cookies – the bread will absorb moisture and help the cookies stay moist. The cookies should stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored this way.
Are there any variations I can try with these cinnamon roll cookies?
Yes, there are many delicious variations you can experiment with! For a fall twist, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the filling. For a chocolate version, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling. You can also add finely chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch or substitute cream cheese for half the butter in the glaze for a cream cheese twist.
Why do these cookies taste better on the second day?
The flavors of these cinnamon roll cookies tend to meld and develop over time, making them even more delicious on the second day. The glaze has a chance to fully soak into the cookie, enhancing the overall taste and texture. So, if you can resist devouring them all on the first day, you’ll be rewarded with even tastier cookies on day two!
Conclusion
As you wrap up your baking adventure with these delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies, remember that the joy of homemade treats lies not just in the delicious flavors but in the memories created along the way. Whether you’re baking these cookies for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, the time and effort you put in will surely be appreciated by those lucky enough to enjoy them.
So, next time you’re in the mood for the comforting essence of a cinnamon roll but want the convenience of a cookie, remember this recipe. The swirled dough, the warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and that sweet vanilla glaze all come together to create a treat that’s sure to impress. Embrace the process, enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen, and savor each bite of these delectable Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Happy baking!
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Indulge in the convenience of cinnamon roll flavors with these swirled cinnamon roll cookies topped with sweet vanilla glaze.
Prep Time30 Minutes
Cook Time12 Minutes
Total Time42 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings24 Servings (24 cookies)
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Make the Dough: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
-
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling.
-
Make the Cinnamon Filling: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
-
Roll & Fill: On a floured surface, roll out one dough portion into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Repeat with the second dough portion. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour before slicing.
-
Slice & Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the logs into ½-inch thick cookies and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
-
Make the Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Drizzle mixture over warm cookies.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
