Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Introduction

When it comes to baking, few things can brighten a day quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Recently, I tried my hand at Cinnamon Roll Cookies, and the experience was nothing short of delightful. The warm scent of cinnamon filled my kitchen, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere that my family loved. The moment they came out of the oven, we couldn’t resist sampling them. The cookies had a wonderful chewy texture, reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls, yet with the delightful simplicity of a cookie. Each bite was a heavenly combination of soft dough and sweet glaze, making it a new family favorite. Here’s how I made these scrumptious treats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small flour pockets.
6. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies cool, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
9. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or a piping bag for more precision.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Indulge in these delightful cinnamon roll-inspired cookies!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 130

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 12 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Drizzle with additional glaze just before serving for extra sweetness.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the dough for added texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing and a fluffy texture.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
3. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking for a thicker cookie that holds its shape better.
4. Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon flavor.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer taste.
• Pumpkin Spice Variation: Substitute 1/2 cup of flour with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Package them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Dough Freezing: Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

• Yes, but brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor, which enhances the cookie’s taste.

1. What if I don’t have parchment paper?

• You can lightly grease the baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat instead.

1. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using.

1. How can I tell when the cookies are done?

• The edges should be golden, and the centers should look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

1. What can I use instead of milk in the glaze?

• You can use water or any non-dairy milk substitute for the glaze.

1. How do I store leftover cookies?

• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

1. Can I use salted butter?

• Yes, but if you do, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.

1. What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

• Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

1. Can I add more cinnamon?

• Absolutely! Feel free to increase the cinnamon in both the cookie dough and glaze to your liking.

1. Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

• Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect blend of classic cookie flavors with the warmth and spice of cinnamon rolls. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed any time of day, whether for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. With their delightful texture and sweet glaze, these cookies are bound to become a beloved recipe in your household, just as they have in mine. So gather your ingredients and indulge in the cozy flavors of cinnamon roll cookies that will surely bring joy to your kitchen!

Print