Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies, offering a unique treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious. These cookies feature a soft, buttery sugar cookie base swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a drizzle of vanilla icing. They capture the essence of traditional cinnamon rolls in a convenient, bite-sized form, making them perfect for any occasion.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Baking Cinnamon Roll Cookies is an enjoyable experience for both novice and seasoned bakers. The process is straightforward, involving familiar steps like preparing a simple sugar cookie dough, spreading a cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolling, slicing, and baking. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies don’t require yeast or extended rising times, allowing you to achieve that beloved cinnamon roll flavor in less time. The end result is a batch of soft-centered cookies with slightly crisp edges, each showcasing a beautiful cinnamon swirl. Drizzling them with vanilla icing adds a sweet finishing touch that enhances their flavor and presentation. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Icing:
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Used
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Wire cooling rack
Directions & Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- First, in a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Then, using a mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- After that, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Finally, divide the dough into two portions for easier handling.
2. Roll & Add Cinnamon Filling
- Roll out one portion of dough into a 9×7-inch rectangle.
- Next, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the shorter end into a log.
- Repeat the process with the second portion of dough.
3. Chill the Dough
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- This crucial step ensures the cookies keep their shape during baking.
4. Slice & Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is chilled, slice it into ½-inch thick cookies and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Then, bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- After baking, allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before icing.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Icing
- In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Lastly, drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (active) + 2 hours (chilling)
- Cook Time: 10-11 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
Variations
- Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla icing with a maple-flavored glaze by adding a small amount of maple extract to the icing mixture.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough.
- Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough logs for up to 3 months and slice and bake them as needed.
How do I store these cookies?
Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; just let them thaw before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well, so you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Pro Tips By Emma
- For clean slices, use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough logs instead of a knife.
- Chill the dough logs thoroughly to prevent them from losing their shape when baking.
- Drizzle the icing when the cookies are completely cool to prevent it from melting and absorbing.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie platters and dessert tables. For a festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg over the icing before serving.
Enjoy baking these delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies, and share them with family and friends for a sweet treat everyone will love!
Soft & Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cookies : A Must-Try Recipe!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 170g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 3 tablespoons 45g unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Icing:
- 1 cup 120g confectioners’ sugar
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough
- First, in a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Then, using a mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- After that, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Finally, divide the dough into two portions for easier handling.
- Roll & Add Cinnamon Filling
- Roll out one portion of dough into a 9x7-inch rectangle.
- Next, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the shorter end into a log.
- Repeat the process with the second portion of dough.
- Chill the Dough
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- This crucial step ensures the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Slice & Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is chilled, slice it into ½-inch thick cookies and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Then, bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- After baking, allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before icing.
- Prepare the Vanilla Icing
- In a bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Lastly, drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.