There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies wafting through the kitchen. It takes me right back to my grandma’s house as a kid, where she’d have a fresh batch waiting for us after school. Grandma’s Cinnamon Roll Cookies were the stuff of legends – soft, pillowy dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling, and blanketed in a warm vanilla glaze. Whenever I’d come home to visit, she’d make sure to have a big plate waiting for me, and I’d gobble them up, savoring every cinnamony bite. To this day, that nostalgic flavor is my ultimate comfort food.
Why This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
I’m thrilled to share my grandma’s famous Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe with you. These cookies capture all the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a portable, easy-to-make treat. The dough is incredibly soft and tender, with just the right amount of chew. And the cinnamon-sugar filling is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, with a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
The Secret Behind Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
The secret to these Cinnamon Roll Cookies is all in the technique. Instead of rolling out the dough and cutting circles like traditional cinnamon rolls, we’re going to shape the dough into balls and then stuff them with the cinnamon-sugar filling. This gives you the same great flavors, but in a more cookie-like texture. Plus, it’s way easier and faster than rolling out dough. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to standard cinnamon rolls!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter – This gives the cookies a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Granulated sugar – For sweetness and that classic cinnamon roll taste.
- Eggs – Help bind the dough and add structure.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect soft, fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon – The star of the show!
- Brown sugar – Combines with the cinnamon for the irresistible filling.
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. In about 30 minutes, you can have a batch of warm, freshly baked cookies ready to enjoy. You’ll need a standard baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a spoon or electric mixer to make these.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
4- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and remaining cinnamon for the filling.
6- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, flatten them slightly, and place a teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and gently roll into a smooth ball, sealing the edges.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Cinnamon Roll Cookies, be sure not to overmix the dough, as that can result in tough, dense cookies. Also, don’t be tempted to add too much filling – a little goes a long way. And be careful not to overbake them, as you want those soft, pillowy centers. Lastly, let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape.
Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect anytime treat – they make a great snack, dessert, or even breakfast! They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive twist, try serving them alongside a mug of warm apple cider or hot chocolate. And of course, they’re always a hit at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cinnamon Roll Cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Then, simply scoop, fill, and bake the cookies when you’re ready.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Creative Cinnamon Roll Cookies Variations
If you want to get creative with your Cinnamon Roll Cookies, there are so many fun ways to mix it up. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty twist. You could also swirl in a bit of cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat. For the holidays, use pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread spice in place of the cinnamon. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different glaze flavors, like maple, orange, or even chocolate.
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies a little more diet-friendly, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or use almond flour instead. For a vegan version, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax or chia eggs in place of the regular eggs. And for a lower-carb option, you can use Swerve or another granulated sugar substitute in place of the regular sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?
A: Absolutely! While brown sugar is the traditional choice, you can also use white granulated sugar or even a combination of the two. Just keep the total amount the same.
Q: How can I get the cookies to be perfectly round?
A: The key is to gently roll the dough balls between your palms to shape them into smooth, uniform spheres before baking. Avoid overhandling the dough, as that can cause the cookies to spread and lose their shape.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Cinnamon Roll Cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes for super easy and convenient cookie prep.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft. Keep in mind that they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Q: My cookies came out flat – what did I do wrong?
A: If your Cinnamon Roll Cookies turned out flat, it’s likely that the dough was overmixed, causing the gluten to develop too much. Be sure to just mix the ingredients until they’re combined, without over-beating.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 18
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cinnamon Roll Cookies – a quick and easy recipe that delivers the perfect balance of soft, gooey centers and crisp edges.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. – In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
6. – On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
7. – Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly, starting from the long side.
8. – Slice the rolled-up dough into 1-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges.
10. – Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the Cinnamon Roll Cookies with powdered sugar before serving. These cookies also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that these Cinnamon Roll Cookies will become a new family favorite. With their soft, pillowy texture and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so much easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I promise, one batch won’t be enough! Be sure to let me know how they turn out. Enjoy!
