There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of cinnamon. It’s like a warm hug, evoking memories of holiday mornings, bustling kitchens, and cozy evenings by the fire. These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring all the charm of classic cinnamon rolls into a bite-sized, handheld treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture, sugary-spiced swirl, and buttery richness, they’re destined to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
This recipe is a delightful blend of nostalgia and creativity, inspired by the irresistible combination of soft sugar cookies and the bold cinnamon flavor we all love. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, treating your coworkers, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a good book and a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this delicious experience to life in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Familiar yet Unique: These cookies merge the iconic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of sugar cookies, making them both comforting and exciting.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are beginner-friendly, with straightforward steps and no fancy equipment required.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their soft texture and sweet cinnamon filling make them a hit at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance, making it a great option for busy schedules or holiday prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small mixing bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of softened butter, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, and 1 ½ tablespoons of cinnamon. Beat the mixture until creamy and smooth, ensuring the cinnamon is evenly distributed. Place this mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Chilling helps firm up the swirl, making it easier to incorporate into the cookie dough later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ⅔ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for achieving tender cookies. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a warm, fragrant base. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cinnamon Swirl
Remove the chilled cinnamon mixture from the refrigerator. Roll it into small marble-sized balls. Gently fold these balls into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough. The goal is to create pockets of cinnamon goodness that melt into the cookies as they bake.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Chilling is Key: Chilling the cinnamon mixture makes it easier to handle and ensures it holds its shape in the oven. Don’t skip this step!
- Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down, as this can lead to dense cookies.
- Check for Doneness: Look for edges that are just beginning to turn golden. Overbaking can result in dry cookies, so keep an eye on them.
- Enhance the Presentation: Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the dough before baking for an extra touch of sparkle and flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Yield: About 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes and Variations
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and flavorful for days!
- Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a more indulgent finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Q: What can I use instead of cream of tartar?
A: You can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or vinegar, though the texture may vary slightly.
Q: How can I make the cinnamon flavor even bolder?
A: Double the cinnamon in the swirl mixture or sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for up to 7 days.
- In the Freezer: Place baked cookies or raw dough balls in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw dough balls overnight in the fridge.
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Conclusion
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm, nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the buttery goodness of sugar cookies. Their soft texture and irresistible aroma make them a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange or enjoying them as a special snack, these cookies are bound to bring joy with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the scent of sweet cinnamon bliss!
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Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
Description
There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of cinnamon. It’s like a warm hug, evoking memories of holiday mornings, bustling kitchens, and cozy evenings by the fire. These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring all the charm of classic cinnamon rolls into a bite-sized, handheld treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture, sugary-spiced swirl, and buttery richness, they’re destined to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
This recipe is a delightful blend of nostalgia and creativity, inspired by the irresistible combination of soft sugar cookies and the bold cinnamon flavor we all love. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, treating your coworkers, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a good book and a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this delicious experience to life in your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small mixing bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of softened butter, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, and 1 ½ tablespoons of cinnamon. Beat the mixture until creamy and smooth, ensuring the cinnamon is evenly distributed. Place this mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Chilling helps firm up the swirl, making it easier to incorporate into the cookie dough later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ⅔ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for achieving tender cookies. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a warm, fragrant base. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cinnamon Swirl
Remove the chilled cinnamon mixture from the refrigerator. Roll it into small marble-sized balls. Gently fold these balls into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough. The goal is to create pockets of cinnamon goodness that melt into the cookies as they bake.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and flavorful for days!
- Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a more indulgent finish.