Variations on Zesty Orange Smoothie Bliss

Buttery Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Joy

Soft, buttery cookies swirled with delectable cinnamon roll magic create an irresistible treat that bridges classic pastry and cookie perfection.

These delightful morsels capture the warm, nostalgic essence of traditional cinnamon rolls in a convenient handheld form.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet cinnamon and tender cookie texture.

Rolled with care and baked to golden precision, these cookies promise to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary confection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of decadence that elevates these cookies from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Ingredient Breakdown

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base and adds delicious flavor to the cookies.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic cinnamon roll flavor swirl inside the cookies.
  • Melted Butter: Helps distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly in the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combined to make a sweet glaze that tops the finished cookies.

Gear Up for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough into a precise 13×13-inch square.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes rolling and transferring dough easier.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing cookie rolls into even rounds.
  • Baking Sheet: Used for baking cookies to golden perfection.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool and crisp up after baking.
  • Small Bowl: Useful for mixing glaze ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Bake Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly combined and free of any lumps.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dough Base

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Roll Out Delicious Canvas

Dust your work surface with flour and spread out parchment paper.

Gently roll the dough into a generous rectangular shape, aiming for about 13×13 inches of deliciousness.

Step 4: Whip Up Cinnamon Magic

Gather your filling ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Stir these together until they create a rich, aromatic mixture.

Step 5: Build Cookie Roll

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help guide you.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Wrap the cookie log tightly in plastic wrap and tuck it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Remove the chilled dough and slice into neat rounds about 1/2-inch thick.

Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until edges are lightly golden, approximately 10-12 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Sweet Glaze

Mix your glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle generously over the cooled cookies.

Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Best Advice for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges during baking.
  • Use a ruler to roll dough into an exact 13×13-inch square for consistent cookie thickness and even baking.
  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect dough texture and fluffy consistency.
  • Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion when cutting cookie rounds to maintain the roll's beautiful swirl pattern.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a clean, attractive finish.

Change Up Cinnamon Roll Cookies – New Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Maple Cinnamon Cookies: Swap vanilla glaze with maple-flavored icing for a rich, autumnal taste.

Serving Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Style

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these sweet cinnamon roll cookies with a warm mug of freshly brewed coffee or creamy cappuccino for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Plate Perfection: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation that wows guests.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Create a decadent dessert by sandwiching vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent summer-inspired twist.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons as a homemade gift that spreads warmth and love during special occasions.

Storing Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap unbaked rolled dough tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before slicing and baking.
  • Place cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and enhance cinnamon flavor.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! While they look fancy, the recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll create delicious cinnamon roll cookies easily.

  • Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. This makes the recipe perfect for advance preparation and saves time on baking day.

  • What kind of texture do these cookies have?

These cookies are soft and buttery with a crisp edge, mimicking the texture of a classic cinnamon roll but in a convenient cookie form. The filling provides a rich, warm cinnamon flavor throughout.

What Makes Cinnamon Roll Cookies a Favorite

  • Transform classic cinnamon rolls into delightful cookies, offering a unique twist on a beloved treat that surprises and delights taste buds.
  • Perfect for bakers looking to expand their repertoire, this recipe combines simple techniques with a creative approach to traditional pastry making.
  • Engage kids and adults alike in a fun cooking experience, with simple steps that encourage teamwork and create lasting memories.
  • Impress friends and family with minimal effort, delivering a bakery-worthy dessert that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated.
Print
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Variations on Zesty Orange Smoothie Bliss

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon roll cookies blend classic bakery magic with comforting dessert charm. Sweet spirals with rich cinnamon swirls promise delightful moments you will savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

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

Filling:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare dry ingredients by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of components.
  2. Create cookie base by creaming butter and sugar until light and airy, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, gradually blending in the dry ingredient mixture.
  3. Transform dough into a thin, uniform square approximately 13×13 inches on a lightly floured parchment surface, maintaining consistent thickness.
  4. Craft cinnamon filling by whisking melted butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Construct cookie roll by evenly spreading the cinnamon mixture across the rolled-out dough, then carefully rolling from one edge to create a compact log.
  6. Stabilize dough by tightly wrapping in plastic and chilling in refrigerator for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor and facilitate easier slicing.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F and slice chilled dough into half-inch thick rounds, arranging on baking sheet with adequate spacing.
  8. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown, allowing slight color development without overcooking.
  9. Complete cookies by preparing glaze and delicately drizzling over completely cooled cookie rounds for final touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • Flour Power Choose high-quality all-purpose flour for consistent texture and smoother cookie dough.
  • Butter Matters Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better incorporation with sugar.
  • Chill Factor Longer refrigeration helps develop deeper flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
  • Glaze Technique Drizzle glaze when cookies are completely cool to prevent melting and ensure beautiful presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 116 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 34 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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