There’s something undeniably magical about the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon wafting through a cozy kitchen, isn’t there? I still vividly remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of Cinnamon Roll Cookies. One chilly autumn afternoon, while trying to combine my love for traditional cinnamon rolls with the ease of cookies, I found myself experimenting with a simple mix of dough and delightful fillings. The moment those cookies emerged from the oven, their soft, pillowy texture and sweet, gooey center brought a smile to my face. The first bite unleashed not just flavors but memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the quiet joy of sharing warmth and sweetness. So come, let’s share this cozy baking experience together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here! Mixing and rolling have never been more delicious.
• Quick Baking Time: These little delights come together quickly, letting you indulge without a long wait.
• Cozy Flavors: Bringing together the familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls in a cookie form that’s wonderfully delightful.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, your friends and family will find it hard to resist these gems!
• Versatile Base: You can easily switch up flavors or fillings to match any season or preference.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies; ensure it’s spooned and leveled for the perfect texture.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Our leavening agent that adds a lightness to each cookie. Always check the expiration date for best results!
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Use a good quality cinnamon for robust flavor.
• ½ tsp salt: Just a bit to enhance the sweetness — this balance is key.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness to our cookies! If it’s too cold, pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness; we want balance and joy in every bite!
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: The moisture from brown sugar gives us that soft, chewy texture — yum!
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla elevates this cookie to another level of flavor magic.

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: A little extra sweetness, easily replacing granulated sugar for an even softer center.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: To pack that classic cinnamon roll flavor into our filling.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown.

Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step is crucial! It evenly distributes the baking powder and cinnamon, creating a unified flavor profile.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream our softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until it’s fluffy and light. The smell is divine! This airiness will make your cookies tender and delightful.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Ah, the aroma! It should remind you of cozy bakeries lined with sweet pastries.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! We want soft cookies, not tough ones.

Make the Filling

Prepare the filling by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. The sweet, spicy smell will draw everyone into the kitchen!

Roll It Up

Spread half of the dough on parchment paper, sprinkle on the filling, and roll it up tightly like a cinnamon roll! Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the warm flavors will make you forget any minor imperfections.

Slice and Bake

Slice the rolled dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The moment those cookies hit the oven, let the cozy vibes envelop you!

Pro Tips for Success

1. Chill Your Dough: If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier.
2. Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
3. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different; keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.

Flavor Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy surprise!
• Seasonal Spice: During the holidays, sprinkle in nutmeg or ginger for a festive twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet variation — yum!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm, maybe with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee. Arrange them on a rustic plate, and watch as loved ones gather around, drawn in by that delightful aroma!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge — just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week!

Leftovers

If you have extra cookies, try crumbling them over yogurt or ice cream for a delightful dessert. A sprinkle of maple syrup can elevate that experience even more!

Freezing

Absolutely! After slicing into rounds, you can freeze the unbaked cookies on a sheet pan. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container. Thaw before baking or bake straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For the best results, warm them in the oven at 300°F (148°C) for about 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works too!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may change the texture slightly, making them denser. Consider mixing half and half!

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While possible, butter gives the cookies superior flavor and texture. I recommend sticking with butter for best results.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set, and the center should be slightly soft to the touch. They will firm up as they cool.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a delicious alternative!

Final Thoughts

Baking should be a joyous, cozy experience, one that fills your space with warmth and love. Each batch of Cinnamon Roll Cookies is not just an indulgence but a chance to create memories, bring people together, and savor the simple joys of life. So put on that apron, let’s bake those cookies, and let the aromatic embrace of cinnamon fill your home! Remember, you got this! Enjoy every minute of this delicious adventure!

Happy baking, dear friends! 💖

---

Full Recipe Card:

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Prepare the filling by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Spread half of the dough on parchment paper, sprinkle with filling, and roll it up tightly.
8. Slice into rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy the sweetest, coziest treat!