Imagine all the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll captured in a perfectly bite-sized cookie. Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together soft, tender dough infused with fragrant cinnamon and swirls of sweet icing-inspired glaze—offering a deliciously nostalgic treat without the fuss of baking a full roll. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or a charming dessert, these cookies deliver that irresistible cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies
All the Flavor, Less Time: Enjoy the essence of a cinnamon roll with the quick convenience of a cookie.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie is tender and melts in your mouth, just like the original pastry.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: A subtle cinnamon spice paired with a light glaze creates a harmonious and comforting taste.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
Great for Sharing or Gifting: Their charming appearance and delicious flavor make them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Sweet cinnamon and sugar spiral through soft cookies like your favorite morning pastry. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect texture.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It infuses your cookies with that warm, cozy flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a rich, creamy base for your dough.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
Brown sugar: Packed with moisture, it gives your cookies a deeper flavor and chewiness.
Large egg: This binds everything together, adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, making it irresistible.
Cinnamon-sugar mixture: A blend of granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling the cookies, adding a sweet, spiced coating.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step creates a rich base for your cookies, making them soft and delicious.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds moisture and a lovely flavor that will make your cookies irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies tender and chewy.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling. This sweet, spiced coating is what makes these cookies truly special.
Step 7: Form and Roll Dough Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully covered. This gives each cookie a delightful exterior that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden for that perfect doneness.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set perfectly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, it’s time to enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them sit on the baking sheet longer.
Experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheets: Essential for baking your cookies. If you don’t have them, a sturdy oven-safe dish works too.
Parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking. Aluminum foil can be a substitute, but it may not prevent sticking as well.
Mixing bowls: Use any size you have on hand; just ensure they’re large enough for mixing.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients. A fork can work in a pinch!
Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning dough. A regular tablespoon will do just fine.
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookies.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Spiced Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a latte for a delightful afternoon treat.
Milk Dipping: Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that never disappoints.
Presentation: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just roll the dough into balls and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture when you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for about a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Can I add frosting to my Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Definitely! A simple cream cheese frosting drizzled on top can elevate these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness. Just mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a quick frosting.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Cinnamon Roll Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about crafting moments of joy. The warm, inviting aroma fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. Each bite offers a delightful blend of soft, chewy goodness and sweet cinnamon flavor that transports you back to simpler times. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, these cookies bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic unfold. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your home!
