Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat
If you’re a fan of the classic cinnamon roll but crave something a bit more manageable, say in the form of a cookie, then you’re in for a treat. Imagine the delightful flavors of a cinnamon roll, packed into a bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. This Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe by Sally is the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence, ideal for any occasion—from a casual afternoon snack to a sophisticated dessert platter.
The Inspiration Behind Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cinnamon rolls have long been a staple in the world of sweet treats. Their origins date back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Traditionally enjoyed with coffee, these sweet rolls have been adored for their fluffy texture, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy icing. However, as much as we love a good cinnamon roll, they can be quite time-consuming to prepare. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Cookie—a delightful alternative that retains all the flavors we adore but in a more convenient, cookie-sized package.
Sally, the creator of this recipe, has masterfully transformed the essence of a cinnamon roll into a cookie that is not only easier to make but also offers the same warm, comforting flavors. The recipe brings together the soft, buttery texture of a sugar cookie, the sweet and spicy kick of a cinnamon-sugar filling, and a drizzle of sweet icing to top it all off. It’s a cookie that feels both nostalgic and innovative, satisfying both our love for traditional flavors and our need for quick, easy-to-make desserts.
The Ingredients: A Simple Pantry Staple List
One of the many reasons this recipe shines is its simplicity. The ingredients are likely ones you already have in your pantry and fridge, making it an accessible recipe for any time the craving strikes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt: These form the foundation of your cookie dough, providing structure and balance. The flour is the bulk ingredient, while baking powder helps the cookies rise, giving them a light, fluffy texture. A touch of salt enhances the flavors.
- Butter and Sugar: The butter, softened to room temperature, ensures that the cookies are tender and rich, while the sugar provides sweetness and aids in the browning process.
- Egg and Vanilla Extract: The egg binds the ingredients together, while vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor, making the cookies more aromatic and flavorful.
- Cinnamon and Sugar (for the filling): The combination of cinnamon and sugar is what gives these cookies their signature cinnamon roll taste. The cinnamon provides warmth, while the sugar balances it with sweetness.
- Confectioners’ Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla (for the icing): The icing is a simple blend that’s drizzled over the cookies, mimicking the classic cinnamon roll glaze.
Step-by-Step: Creating the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookie
Let’s walk through the process of creating these delightful cookies. While the steps are straightforward, each one plays a crucial role in ensuring your cookies turn out perfect.
- Making the Dough: Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the backbone of your cookie dough. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about two minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookies achieve a light texture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The dough will be soft, but if it feels too sticky to handle, a bit more flour can be added to make it more manageable.
- Shaping and Filling the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a rectangle, about 9×7 inches in size and 1/4 inch thick. The dough should be soft but firm enough to roll without sticking too much. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough. This step is where the magic happens—the cinnamon-sugar filling is what gives these cookies their signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Rolling and Chilling: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to how you would roll a traditional cinnamon roll. If the dough cracks slightly, don’t worry—this is normal and can be smoothed out with your fingers. Once rolled, chill the logs in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling process is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to slice into cookies without losing their shape.
- Baking the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Slice the chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. The baking time is short, which ensures the cookies remain soft and tender with a slight crisp around the edges.
- Icing the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to add the finishing touch—the icing. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies, mimicking the classic cinnamon roll glaze. The icing not only adds sweetness but also enhances the overall appearance, making these cookies look as good as they taste.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time:
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to slice but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them maintain their shape.
- Even Rolling: When rolling out the dough, try to keep the thickness even. This ensures that all cookies bake at the same rate, preventing some from being over or underbaked.
- Customizing the Icing: If you prefer a thicker icing, reduce the amount of milk slightly. Conversely, for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are perfect for making ahead of time, whether for a special occasion or to have on hand for unexpected guests. The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, you can either freeze the dough logs or the baked cookies. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator and continue with the baking instructions. Baked cookies can also be frozen, with or without icing, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
The Perfect Occasion for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, potlucks, or as a special treat for your family. The nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls combined with the ease of a cookie makes them a hit at any gathering. They also make a wonderful gift—package them in a decorative tin, and you have a homemade present that anyone would appreciate.
Conclusion
Sally’s Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering the best of both worlds—the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in a convenient, easy-to-make cookie form. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a new recipe to try, these cookies are sure to impress. Their sweet, buttery flavor combined with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweet drizzle of icing makes them an irresistible treat that you’ll find yourself making again and again. So why not give them a try? Your kitchen will be filled with the inviting aroma of cinnamon, and your taste buds will thank you.