Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute obsession with cinnamon roll cookies! These little bites of heaven combine the soft, chewy delight of a cookie with the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll. I remember the first time I made them—my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a few before they even cooled down. Trust me, the swirl of cinnamon in every bite paired with the creamy frosting is just divine! They’re perfect for a weekend treat or when you want to impress your friends with something that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Honestly, once you try these cinnamon roll cookies, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives the cookies their structure. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and a delicious buttery flavor. Let it sit out for a bit to soften!
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: For that lovely caramel flavor and chewy texture. Don’t forget to pack it well!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp slightly on the edges.
- 1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Trust me, this elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show! This gives those iconic cinnamon roll vibes.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: For a creamy frosting that’ll make you swoon. Let it soften for easy mixing!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it that dreamy consistency.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Just enough to make your frosting smooth and spreadable.
How to Prepare Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these cinnamon roll cookies! I promise, the process is just as enjoyable as the end result. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture is your base, and whisking helps combine everything well.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll want to see a lovely pale color!
- Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just combined. It should smell amazing right about now!
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix—just until the flour disappears!
- Now for the fun part! In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with a tablespoon of sugar. This will be your cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Lightly flour your work surface and spread the cookie dough out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. You want every bite to have that delicious swirl!
- Starting at one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure to roll it as evenly as possible to get nice, uniform cookies. Once rolled, slice the log into rounds, about 1 inch thick.
- Place the cookie rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. Don’t worry if they look a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by mixing together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy. It should be spreadable but not too runny.
- Once the cookies are fully cool, generously frost each one with your cream cheese frosting. Oh my goodness, you’re going to love this part!
And there you have it! Your cinnamon roll cookies are ready to be devoured. Just try not to eat them all in one sitting—though I totally get it if you do!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! These cinnamon roll cookies are not just delicious, but they also come with some pretty straightforward nutritional info. Each cookie is estimated to contain about 150 calories, with 6 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 10 grams of sugar and 21 grams of carbohydrates in each treat. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy these cookies, but maybe keep an eye on how many you indulge in—it’s hard to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting creates a delightful taste that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Soft and chewy texture: These cookies are perfectly soft in the center with just the right amount of chewiness, making every bite a treat.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up these cookies in no time, even if you’re a beginner!
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with add-ins or frostings to make these cookies uniquely yours!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your cinnamon roll cookies turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this means it should be at room temperature and not melty. If it’s too hard, your cookies won’t spread as they should. Also, when measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This helps prevent dry cookies!
Another little trick? Chill your dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain those beautiful swirls. If your cookies spread too much while baking, try chilling the dough longer next time or adding a touch more flour. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on those cookies in the last few minutes of baking. Happy baking, my friend—you’ve got this!
Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity with these cinnamon roll cookies! Want a chocolate twist? Add some cocoa powder to the dough for rich chocolate cinnamon roll cookies. If you’re a fan of nuts, sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Feeling fruity? Toss in some dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips for an extra pop of flavor. And let’s not forget about the frosting! You can swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze or even a maple icing for a seasonal flair. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with these cinnamon roll cookies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cinnamon roll cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before diving in!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies and want to enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive their soft, chewy texture without drying them out. Enjoy every cozy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give your cinnamon roll cookies a denser texture, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
No worries! You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla extract instead. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies before or after frosting. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to look set but still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I add more cinnamon to the dough?
Definitely! If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add a bit more. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so start with an extra 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies: 10 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon roll cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon with a tablespoon of sugar.
- Spread cookie dough on a floured surface and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into rounds.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- For frosting, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Frost cookies after they cool.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate frosting if not using immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cookies