The BEST Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies combine the best of both worlds: the comforting, spicy-sweet flavor of a cinnamon roll and the convenience of a cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that gives every bite the rich taste of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat, a dessert, or something to satisfy your mid-afternoon snack cravings, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.

The dough is slightly sweet, tender, and perfectly spiced with hints of vanilla, while the cinnamon-sugar filling creates a swirl that’s just as delicious as it sounds. After baking, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a touch of extra sweetness and makes these cookies a visual and flavorful treat. These cookies are easy to make, and they’re perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or a simple family dessert. If you’re looking for a new twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, these cinnamon roll cookies are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon roll cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, and they’re far easier to make than rolling and baking traditional cinnamon buns. These cookies have the same delicious flavors of cinnamon and sugar, but with the added convenience of a cookie form. They’re perfectly soft and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges, making them a great treat for any occasion. Plus, the dough is easy to work with, and the process comes together quickly for a homemade dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. The cinnamon-sugar swirl inside each cookie is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, creating an irresistible bite every time.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the dough:

• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 and 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

For rolling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Variations

• Frosting: You can drizzle a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting over the top of the cookies for added sweetness and a more traditional cinnamon roll feel.
• Nut Add-ins: If you enjoy the crunch of nuts, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use an egg substitute, like flaxseed meal or applesauce, to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You should have a smooth dough.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle shape, approximately 12×8 inches in size. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 5: Spread the Cinnamon Filling

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 6: Roll the Dough

Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a log. Once rolled up, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch thick cookies.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle.
• Even Slicing: To get even slices of dough, you can use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the rolled-up dough into cookies.
• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for both the dough and the filling. This ensures the ingredients mix together properly.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so be careful not to overbake them. Take them out as soon as the edges start turning golden to keep them soft and chewy.

How to Serve

These cinnamon roll cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet snack or dessert, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them at a holiday gathering, or enjoy them as an afternoon treat. For an extra indulgence, you can drizzle some icing over the top or serve them with a side of whipped cream for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy for several days after baking.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough before baking. Slice the dough into rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze the slices for about 30 minutes before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies in a microwave-safe container and heat for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. They’ll taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight before rolling it out and baking. This will also help the dough firm up if it’s too soft to handle.

2. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to increase the salt in the dough slightly to make up for the lack of salt in the butter.

3. Can I add icing to these cookies?

Absolutely! A simple glaze or cream cheese frosting would be a wonderful addition to these cinnamon roll cookies.

4. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture. You can also place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them moist.

5. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, different types of flour may affect the texture, so you may need to adjust the proportions or add more liquid.

6. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can replace the butter with vegan butter and use an egg substitute, such as flaxseed meal or applesauce, to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

7. Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the filling, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute regular granulated sugar in the filling.

8. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

9. Can I use different spices for the filling?

Yes! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a slightly different flavor.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are firm. Be careful not to overbake, as they can dry out quickly.

Conclusion

The BEST cinnamon roll cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants a simpler, quicker option. These cookies are packed with cinnamon sugar swirls, soft and chewy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a treat to brighten your day, these cinnamon roll cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

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