If you’ve been searching for a delightful way to enjoy cinnamon rolls without all the fuss, look no further than these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe. This recipe brings together all the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into a convenient cookie form, perfect for sharing at parties, sneaking as an afternoon pick-me-up, or gifting to friends. Imagine the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen, with soft, tender bites that melt in your mouth. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become your favorite go-to when you want something sweet, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these cookies is a breeze because each component is simple yet essential, contributing unique elements to the flavor, texture, and appearance. From the soft structure the flour provides to the rich warmth of cinnamon, each ingredient plays a starring role.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure; measure accurately to ensure the right texture.
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tenderness; can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to help these cookies rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor; don’t skip this step for balance.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter: Essential for moisture and flavor; make sure it’s solid, not margarine.
- 1 large Egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon: The star flavor in these cookies; adjust it based on your taste preferences.
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar: Adds depth to the cinnamon filling; can swap it out for granulated sugar if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile of the icing; try swapping in almond extract for a delightful twist.
- 2 tablespoons Milk: Needed for achieving the perfect icing consistency; adjust the amount to your liking for thickness.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon — in a large bowl. Next, cut the chilled unsalted butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating tender cookies with just the right buttery texture. Then, beat the egg and add it to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it comes together smoothly.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the dough, then dust with an extra pinch of cinnamon if you like your cookies extra spiced. Gently press the sugar mixture into the dough so it sticks well without tearing. This layering is what gives these cookies their signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into approximately 24 equal pieces. Place each slice flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. This shaping step is the magical moment where the cinnamon swirls start to take form.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them because you want soft, fluffy cookies, not crispy ones. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible and signals that you’re almost ready to enjoy these little cinnamon delights.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Icing
While the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, mix vanilla extract and milk with a little powdered sugar until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this icing over the warm cookies to let it melt slightly into the crevices, creating a perfect glossy finish. This finishing touch ties the whole Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe together with a little sweetness and flair.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra pop of color and flavor by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on your icing before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a sparkly, sweet crunch that heightens the overall experience. Fresh mint leaves on the side can offer a surprising but delightful contrast to the warm flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or rich hot chocolate for a cozy snack time. You might also serve them alongside fresh fruit for a breakfast or brunch spread that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. They’re versatile enough that the sweet cinnamon notes complement both morning and afternoon delights.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe on tiered trays or cookie platters with delicate doilies for an inviting look. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift. You can even accompany each cookie with a small dipping bowl of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for guests to enjoy a little extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving that tender crumb and cinnamon flavor. If you notice any dryness, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds restores their softness beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. Wrap unbaked cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Baked cookies freeze well too—just place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For a warm, freshly baked feel, reheat cookies individually in the microwave for about 12-15 seconds or place a few on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Adding a small pat of butter on top before reheating takes the experience to the next level, mimicking that just-out-of-the-oven deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar adds a richer, more caramel-like flavor, which complements the cinnamon beautifully in these cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter is key for flavor and texture in this recipe, but if needed, you can try using a mild-flavored oil. Expect the texture to be a bit different, more tender but less flaky.
How spicy are the cinnamon flavors?
The cinnamon quantity is moderate, giving a warm but not overpowering flavor. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon amount up or down to suit your spice preference.
Can I add frosting instead of the vanilla glaze?
Definitely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze both work wonderfully and provide a delicious, creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe are a total game changer for anyone who loves those classic cinnamon roll flavors but wants something quicker and easier. Each bite brings a cozy, comforting hug in cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself — you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Your New Go-To Sweet Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining a soft, tender cookie texture with the warm, sugary spice of cinnamon. Perfect as a sweet treat for any occasion, they are quick to prepare and bake, making them your new go-to dessert when craving something comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (solid)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the solid unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Make the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar. This mixture will provide the signature sweet-spicy swirl and flavor for the cookies.
- Shape the cookies: Roll out the dough onto a floured surface into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a log. Slice the log into 24 equal pieces to form the cookies.
- Bake the cookies: Place the sliced cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set but still soft.
- Prepare the icing: While the cookies bake, whisk together milk and vanilla extract. After removing the cookies from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, drizzle this icing over the top for extra sweetness and shine.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the icing set for a few minutes on the cookies. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious treat with coffee or tea.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is solid and cold to achieve the right dough texture.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon quantity slightly based on preference.
- Brown sugar can be swapped for granulated sugar in the filling, but it will alter the depth of flavor.
- Adjust milk quantity in the icing to make it thicker or thinner as desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
