Cinnamon Roll Cookies: 5 Easy Steps to the Best Flavor
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: The Best of Both Worlds
- 2. Why These Cinnamon Roll Cookies Are a Must-Try
- 3. Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Cookies
- 4. How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies: 5 Easy Steps
- 5. Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- 6. Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Cookie
- F.A.Q
Craving the warm, comforting taste of a homemade cinnamon roll but don’t have hours to spare? These incredible Cinnamon Roll Cookies: 5 Easy Steps to the Best Flavor are your answer! Combining the chewy texture of your favorite cookie with the iconic swirl and glaze of a classic cinnamon roll, these treats are truly the best of both worlds.
Get ready to impress friends and family with a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. This recipe makes it incredibly simple to whip up a batch of delicious, bakery-worthy cookies in no time at all.
1. Introduction: The Best of Both Worlds
Imagine biting into a soft, sweet cookie that delivers all the spiced goodness of a traditional cinnamon roll. That’s exactly what you get with these amazing Cinnamon Roll Cookies! They capture the essence of a breakfast pastry in a convenient, handheld form, perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a delightful snack, or something special for a brunch gathering, these cookies fit the bill. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
2. Why These Cinnamon Roll Cookies Are a Must-Try
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a flavor sensation! What makes our Cinnamon Roll Cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of a tender, buttery vanilla cookie base, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a sweet, creamy glaze that ties it all together.
Beyond their incredible taste, they’re also surprisingly quick and simple to prepare. No yeast, no extensive rising time – just pure cookie magic. They’re a fantastic alternative when you’re short on time but long on cravings for that beloved cinnamon roll flavor.
3. Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Cookies
3.1. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll be delighted to find that most of the ingredients for these delightful treats are likely already in your pantry. We’re talking basic baking staples that come together to create something extraordinary.
For the dough, you’ll need butter, sugar, flour, and a few other essentials. The cinnamon swirl is just three ingredients, and the glaze is even simpler!
Cookie Dough Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4. How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies: 5 Easy Steps
Let’s dive into the simple process of creating these heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Follow these five easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey goodness in no time!
4.1. Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll.
4.2. Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- While the dough chills, prepare the cinnamon swirl filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a smooth, spreadable paste forms.
4.3. Step 3: Swirl and Slice
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled cookie dough into an approximately 9×12-inch rectangle.
- Evenly spread half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Repeat with the second half of the dough and remaining cinnamon swirl.
- Wrap both logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm enough to slice. This step is crucial for clean swirls!
- Once firm, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each chilled log into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the sliced cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
4.4. Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4.5. Step 5: Frost and Enjoy!
- While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze generously over each one.
- Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies!
5. Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon swirl cookies is easier than you think with a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some pro tips to ensure your batch is absolutely perfect every time.
- Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the chilling steps! This prevents the dough from spreading too much and helps maintain those beautiful, distinct swirls.
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter for both the dough and the swirl is truly softened, not melted. This is key for texture and even mixing.
- Even Spreading: When applying the cinnamon swirl, spread it as evenly as possible right to the edges (leaving a small border for sealing). This ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- Sharp Knife for Slicing: A sharp, thin knife will give you clean cuts and help maintain the cookie’s round shape and swirl definition.
- Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, pull them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden and the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
For more baking tips and delicious recipes, Read our in-depth guide here.
6. Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Cookie
While these cinnamon roll cookies are absolutely divine on their own, there are many ways to elevate your serving experience! They are versatile treats perfect for various occasions.
Serve them alongside your morning coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat. They also make an excellent addition to any dessert platter, holiday cookie exchange, or an afternoon snack. You could even warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to mimic a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll experience!
F.A.Q
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and roll it into logs, then store them tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the logs for up to 2-3 months. Just slice and bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
How do I store Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Once glazed, these cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking.
What if my swirl isn’t perfect?
Don’t worry if your first few attempts at rolling or slicing don’t result in perfectly uniform swirls. The taste will still be amazing! Practice makes perfect. Ensure your dough is well-chilled and use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts. The deliciousness of these cookies will always shine through!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies: 5 Easy Steps to the Best Flavor
- Total Time: 2
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These incredible Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the chewy texture of a sugar cookie with the iconic swirl and glaze of a classic cinnamon roll. No yeast required! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday dessert platter.
Ingredients
Group 1: Cookie Dough
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Group 2: Cinnamon Swirl
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Group 3: Cream Cheese Glaze
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
First Chill: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare Swirl: While dough chills, mix ½ cup softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until a smooth paste forms.
Roll and Spread: On a lightly floured surface, roll one half of the dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over it, leaving a small border.
Form Log: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side. Repeat with the second half of dough.
Second Chill: Wrap logs in plastic and chill for 1-2 hours until firm.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice logs into ½-inch thick rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
Glaze: Beat cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
Chill the Dough: Do not skip the chilling steps (30 mins for dough, 1-2 hours for logs). This prevents spreading and keeps the swirl defined.
Softened Butter: Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for both the dough and the filling.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Serving: Warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
- Prep Time: 35
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cookies, Cinnamon Swirl, Cream Cheese Glaze, Holiday Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipe, Christmas Cookies
These look delicious and so easy to make! Can’t wait to try them.
★★★★★