Growing up, Cinnamon Roll Cookies were always the highlight of our family’s holiday baking traditions. I can still vividly remember the warm, spicy aroma that would fill our cozy kitchen as my grandma carefully rolled out the dough and sprinkled the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The anticipation was almost too much to bear as we waited patiently for the Cinnamon Roll Cookies to emerge from the oven, their golden tops glistening.
There was just something so comforting and nostalgic about those perfectly soft and pillowy cookies, with their gooey cinnamon centers and crisp edges. Grandma would let us kids help with the final step – drizzling the tangy cream cheese frosting over the top. We’d fight over who got to lick the spoon, giggling as the sweet icing melted in our mouths. To this day, the taste of those homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies takes me right back to those cherished holiday memories.
Why This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
This Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe is truly special because it combines the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease and convenience of drop cookies. Rather than having to roll out dough and carefully assemble individual rolls, you simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and let the oven do the work. The result is a soft, gooey cookie that captures all the delicious essence of cinnamon rolls – without any of the fuss.
What really sets these Cinnamon Roll Cookies apart is the unique technique of swirling the cinnamon-sugar filling right into the dough. This gives you pockets of intense cinnamon flavor in every bite, rather than just a surface coating. Plus, the cookies stay perfectly soft and chewy for days, thanks to a secret ingredient that helps lock in moisture. Your family and friends are going to be begging you to make batch after batch of these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies come together quickly, with just a few simple steps. You’ll need about 30 minutes total, including baking time. Make sure to have a baking sheet, mixing bowls, and a hand mixer or stand mixer on hand.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Cinnamon Roll Cookies, be sure not to overbake them. You want the centers to still be slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven – they’ll continue to set up as they cool. Also, don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar swirl! Make sure to really work it into the dough for maximum cinnamon flavor in every bite.
Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter, alongside classic Christmas cookies like gingerbread and snowballs. For a decadent dessert, try serving the Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cinnamon Roll Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
You can also make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed. This makes Cinnamon Roll Cookies a perfect make-ahead holiday treat.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Creative Cinnamon Roll Cookies Variations
For a fun twist on these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling. You could also drizzle the baked cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or dip them in melted white chocolate.
In the fall, replace the ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cookie. And during the holidays, sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candy for a festive Candy Cane Cinnamon Roll Cookie.
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and replace the eggs with flax or chia “eggs.”
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar in the dough, and opt for a sugar-free powdered sweetener in the cream cheese frosting. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and texture accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: You can use salted butter, but you’ll want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by about 1/4 teaspoon to account for the extra saltiness.
Q: How do I get the cinnamon-sugar filling to swirl properly?
A: The key is to really work the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the dough with your fingers or a spoon. Gently fold and press it in, rather than just sprinkling it on top.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
A: Absolutely! The baked cookies freeze very well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature.
Q: How many Cinnamon Roll Cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size you scoop them. It’s easy to double or triple the batch if you need to feed a crowd.
Q: Why are my Cinnamon Roll Cookies spreading too much?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, it’s likely due to either over-mixing the dough or using butter that’s too soft/melted. Be sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly, but don’t overbeat once the dry ingredients are added. And make sure your butter is just softened, not completely melted.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with these easy, 5-ingredient Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these cookies are the perfect quick and comforting treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. – Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
8. – Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon to 3 teaspoons. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just nothing quite like the cozy, comforting taste of homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies. This easy recipe captures all the delicious flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple drop cookie format. With its soft, gooey centers, crisp edges, and tangy cream cheese frosting, this is sure to become your new go-to holiday baking staple.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the amazing aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished tradition in your family too. Be sure to let me know how your Cinnamon Roll Cookies turn out in the comments below!
