Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine all the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll captured in a soft, chewy cookie. With their buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a delightful crunch of sugar on the outside, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Before we start baking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious cookies:

For the Filling:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Dough:

• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

For Rolling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Preparing the Filling: The Sweet Center

1. Begin by making the filling. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 6 tablespoons of softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
3. Line a baking sheet or large platter with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Create space in your freezer for this pan.
4. Using a spoon, form small balls of filling, about the size of a marble. Place them on the prepared pan in a single layer. Freeze for about 20 minutes or until the balls are firm. If space is limited, use the refrigerator instead, but allow 1-2 hours for them to firm up.

Creating the Cookie Dough: The Foundation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare additional baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In the same bowl or stand mixer (no need to wash it), beat 1 cup of softened butter for about 2 minutes until smooth, scraping the sides occasionally.
3. Add 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar and continue to beat for another 2 minutes until light and fluffy, with no sugar chunks remaining.
4. Mix in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

Combining the Filling and Dough: A Perfect Harmony

1. Add 3 1/2 cups of flour (make sure to spoon and level your flour) to the bowl, but don’t mix it in yet.
2. Use a small spoon to stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar into the flour.
3. Gently fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, ensuring that you don’t over-mix. There should still be a few flour streaks visible.
4. Once the filling balls are firm, fold them into the dough gently using a wooden spoon or spatula. Avoid using a mixer to keep the filling intact.

Rolling and Shaping the Cookies: Tips for Success

1. Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to shape the dough into balls about 2 inches in diameter. Overfill the scoop slightly for a nice size.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this mixture to coat.
3. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Baking to Perfection: How to Know They’re Done

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes. The cookies may not look completely done when you first remove them – the cinnamon filling will appear shiny while the outer edges should be firm.
2. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use a couple of spoons to push the edges toward the center to reshape them into circles. This technique also helps keep the cinnamon filling inside.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the flour with the butter mixture, stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Keep the Filling Intact: Gently fold in the frozen filling balls to prevent them from breaking apart and spreading too much during baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Prevent Spreading and Flattening: Make sure to shape the cookies quickly after baking to keep them thick and chewy. Also, ensure the filling balls are firm before mixing them into the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but not golden, and the centers still look slightly shiny. This will keep them soft and chewy.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Arrange for Maximum Visual Appeal: Place the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered tray to showcase their beautiful cinnamon swirls.
• Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea to complement the warm, spicy flavors.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Storing Cookies for Freshness: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their softness.
• Freezing the Dough: Prepare the dough as instructed, shape it into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and store them in a ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly in the oven, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Can I Use Unsalted Butter Instead of Salted? Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
• What to Do if the Cookies Spread Too Much? Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
• How Long Can These Cookies Be Stored? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic cinnamon roll, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to try this recipe? Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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