Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic

Introduction

When I first stumbled upon the recipe for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who has a soft spot for both sugar cookies and the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, this seemed like the perfect dessert to try. I gathered my family in the kitchen, excited to bake and share these treats together. The moment the cookies emerged from the oven, the air filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar, and my family’s eyes lit up in delight. Each bite was a harmonious blend of soft cookie texture and the cozy flavors reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll, making them an instant hit. From the young ones to the adults, everyone couldn’t get enough!

Here’s how you can recreate this delicious experience in your own home.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is well combined.
5. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Add Cinnamon Filling: Brush the melted butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
8. Shape the Cookies: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
9. Bake: Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature.
• Drizzle with glaze right before serving for added sweetness.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Place cookies in a decorative tin or plate for gifting.
• Enjoy as a delightful dessert after meals or as an afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
2. Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be just lightly golden around the edges.
4. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll out, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping.
5. Customize the Glaze: Add a pinch of salt to the glaze for a salted caramel twist.

Recipe Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice in the filling.
• Frosting: Instead of glaze, top with cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee.
• Include in a dessert platter with other cookies and treats for a variety of flavors.
• Use as a topping for a warm fruit dessert or crumble.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough rounds by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Glazed Cookies: For best results, freeze cookies without glaze. Add glaze after thawing.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter?

• Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

1. How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.

1. Can I make this dough ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

1. Why are my cookies flat?

• This may be due to overmixing the dough or using melted butter instead of softened.

1. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

• Ensure your butter is not too soft and chill the dough before baking.

1. Can I add frosting instead of glaze?

• Yes, a cream cheese frosting would be delicious on these cookies!

1. What can I substitute for the egg?

• Use a flaxseed meal or applesauce as a substitute for binding.

1. How long do these cookies last?

• They can last about a week at room temperature in an airtight container.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets!

1. What’s the best way to reheat cookies?
   • Microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at low temperature.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls into the form of a soft, delicious cookie. Whether enjoyed with family during a cozy evening or served at a gathering, these cookies are sure to please. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this delicious recipe and make lasting memories in the kitchen. Give them a try, and you may just find a new favorite dessert that combines the best of both worlds!

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