Cinnamon Roll Cookies

You know, every now and then, you stumble upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug—you know, the kind that transports you back to a place where nothing else matters, and all you’ve got is a plate of something delightful in front of you. For me, that recipe is for Cinnamon Roll Cookies. It’s a whimsical mash-up of two beloved treats, and I tell you, it’s pure magic. The first time I made these, the aroma filled my kitchen like a cozy blanket, wrapping me in nostalgia. Just imagine it: buttery, soft cookies with that sweet, spicy filling that you can't resist. It’s a bit like childhood mixed with a little bit of indulgence. Are you ready to whip up a batch?

Why you'll love this recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are special—they aren’t just cookies; they’re little wheels of joy! Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, reminiscent of fresh cinnamon rolls, but in a handheld cookie form. They’re irresistibly soft and who doesn’t love the warm embrace of cinnamon? Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or hosting a casual gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that feels like a warm hug, right from your oven. Imagine serving these at a brunch or enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Gather these ingredients

Now, before we dive into the fun part—the baking—let’s gather some essential players for our cinnamon roll cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: We’ll need 2 cups of this versatile staple. It’s the backbone of our cookies!

• Baking Powder: Just 1 teaspoon is needed to give our cookies that lovely rise.

• Ground Cinnamon: Ah, the hero of our story! You’ll need 1 teaspoon for the dough and 2 teaspoons for the filling. That rich spice flavor is what makes your cookies sing!

• Salt: Half a teaspoon balances everything out and enhances the sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Half a cup, softened to perfection, will help create cookie magic. You can use margarine in a pinch if you’re in a bind!

• Granulated & Brown Sugar: Together, they bring bliss—each half cup adds sweetness and that rich, molasses flavor we adore.

• Egg: One large egg binds everything beautifully.

• Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons of this heavenly extract will add depth.

For the filling, we need:

• Brown Sugar: Another half cup, please! Packed tightly for that gooey pull.

• Ground Cinnamon: Yes, more! Just 2 teaspoons will do the trick.

Preparing Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the good stuff! Here’s how we make these delicious cookies.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for perfectly baked cookies, so don’t skip it!

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Take a moment to inhale that beautiful aroma.

3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until it’s light and fluffy. I love using an electric mixer here for a little less elbow grease.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should be smooth and velvety, like a caress of goodness.

5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t over-mix; we want tender cookies, not tough ones!

6. Now, for the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. More sweetness, please!

7. Spread half of the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle that glorious filling all over, then roll it up tightly like a jelly roll.

8. Slice into rounds about 1/2 inch thick and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Leave a little space because they’ll spread!

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Keep your eye on them—they bake quickly!

Best way to enjoy it

When your cinnamon roll cookies come out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them slightly warm or let them cool completely. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy chai—all the flavors sing together, trust me! You could also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk for a sweet touch—now you’re talking!

Keeping leftovers fresh

If, by some miracle, you have cookies left over (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh for about three days—if they last that long! You can freeze them too; just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for an extra soft cookie experience.

Helpful cooking tips

1. Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This gives you that lovely fluffy texture.

2. Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting them cool properly enhances the flavors. Plus, there’s something about the patience that makes them taste even better!

3. Spice it Up: Want deeper flavors? Toast your ground cinnamon in the pan for a few minutes before using it. It’s like magic!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Why not try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch? Or, switch things up by using pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-worthy treat. If you’re into chocolate, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling it up. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

How to prepare it

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
7. Spread half of the dough on parchment paper, sprinkle with filling, and roll it up tightly.
8. Slice into rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Your questions answered

1. Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it up, and refrigerate it for later baking.

2. What can I serve with them? They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

3. How do I make them gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.

4. Can I add icing? Yes! Drizzle a simple icing of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

5. What’s the best way to reheat them? Microwaving them for about 10-15 seconds works perfectly for a soft, warm cookie.

Let’s be honest: these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are bound to whisk you away into a delightful moment of sweet nostalgia, and I can’t wait for you to try them. Each bite is a reminder of the comfort that home-baked goodies bring. So roll up those sleeves, embrace the cinnamon-spiced aroma, and bake your way into a world of smiles. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or any variations you come up with in the comments below; we’re all in this delicious journey together!