The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that captures the warm, nostalgic flavors of your favorite morning pastry, look no further. This is The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe you’ll ever try—combining the soft, buttery goodness of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of a cookie. Each bite is bursting with cinnamon-sugar swirls, tender crumb, and a delicate crisp edge that makes these cookies utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just because, these cinnamon roll-inspired cookies will steal the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this delightful cookie recipe. Every element plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, softness, and just the right hint of spice.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep, molasses notes that complement the cinnamon perfectly.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the cookies with warm, fragrant goodness.
- Granulated sugar: Used to roll the dough balls, creating a crackly, sweet crust.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep cookies soft but sturdy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, floral undertone.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough, giving it shape and chew.
- Baking soda: Offers just enough leavening to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the cinnamon’s depth.
- Cream of tartar: Helps tenderize the dough and adds a subtle tang.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature so your cookies develop their signature golden edges and soft centers. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened salted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key; it aerates the sugar and butter, helping to create those tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies we love.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract for a fragrant, sweet backdrop that brings all the flavors to life.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar. Mixing these first ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, leading to a perfectly balanced cookie.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make your cookies tough, so keep it light and easy here.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Balls
Roll your dough into small, uniform balls—about 1 to 1.5 inches—and place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet. Consistency in size ensures your cookies bake evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss
Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball generously in this mixture to coat. This step gives the cookies that iconic cinnamon roll taste and a delightful sugary crust.
Step 8: Flatten and Bake
Gently press each coated dough ball with a fork to flatten slightly. This not only helps the cookies bake evenly but creates a charming crisscross pattern reminiscent of a cinnamon roll’s swirling layers. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives them time to set just right without losing their tender texture.
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider drizzling a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cookies or dusting them lightly with extra cinnamon. A dollop of cream cheese frosting makes these cookies feel like an indulgent cinnamon roll in cookie form.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. The warm spices and rich butteriness create a comfort-food vibe that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cinnamon roll cookies on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter for festive gatherings. You could also stack them and tie with a ribbon as a charming homemade gift. For brunches, serve them alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream for a truly special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps retain their soft texture while keeping them perfectly fresh.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to three months, making snack-time easy and convenient.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or stored cookies warm, simply pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their soft, just-baked texture and revives that heavenly cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute unsalted butter for salted butter?
Absolutely! Just add a pinch more salt (around 1/4 teaspoon) to compensate, so your cookies maintain that wonderful balanced flavor.
Will these cookies spread during baking?
The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is designed to hold its shape well, thanks to the cream of tartar and precise measurements, so you shouldn’t see much spreading. Just be sure to flatten dough balls gently as instructed.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might vary slightly but the cinnamon roll essence will still shine through.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
With a few substitutions such as vegan butter and flax eggs, you can enjoy a vegan version of this recipe. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may differ slightly but still be delicious.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for both everyday treats and special occasions. These cookies bring all the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll into a hand-held delight that anyone can enjoy anytime. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare for plenty of smiles and happy hearts around your kitchen table.
Print
The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the delightful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a quick and easy cookie form. Soft, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they are perfect for a cozy treat or sharing with friends and family. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cookies bake up perfectly golden and delicious in just minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Brown Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, creating a rich base for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar to prepare the dry component of the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl, stirring thoroughly until the dough forms and is evenly combined without streaks of flour.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small, evenly sized balls and place them spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid even baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and granulated sugar. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in this cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them well for a sweet, spiced crust.
- Flatten and Bake: Slightly flatten each coated dough ball with a fork to create cookie shapes. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a nice golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt if preferred.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top immediately after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
