If you are on the hunt for a sweet treat that perfectly captures the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but with a delightful twist, look no further than The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring the soft, buttery goodness and that fragrant cinnamon sugar sparkle into each bite-sized piece, making them the ultimate comfort snack. They bake up golden and tender, with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar crust to keep you reaching for more. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become your go-to recipe for holidays, gatherings, or any time you need a little sweet indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfect cookie texture and flavor harmony. From rich softened butter to the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these pantry staples work magic when combined thoughtfully.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened: Adds luscious richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and deep caramel notes that complement cinnamon beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides just enough crunch and sweetness in the cinnamon sugar coating.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together while contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, comforting sweetness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and adds to their tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Ensures a slight tang and acts as a stabilizer for texture.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough Base
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is the first cozy step. This ensures that when your dough is ready, you can bake immediately for perfect results. Start by creaming the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—this creates the foundation for those tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and silky. After the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract, which acts like magic, rounding out the sweetness and complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. These dry ingredients work together to give your cookies that ideal texture and subtle rise, making each bite light yet substantial.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. It’s important to not overmix here to keep the cookies tender and soft, which is exactly what you want for The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Shape and Coat
Roll the dough into small, uniform balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, roll each ball in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar, giving the outside that signature sweet-spiced crust that makes these cookies stand out.
Step 6: Flatten and Bake
Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie ball, which helps them bake evenly and creates those charming fork marks reminiscent of classic cinnamon roll texture. Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for them to set perfectly so that when you bite in, you get the flawless soft center and cinnamon-sugar crust you’re craving.
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate their presentation and flavor. The smooth, tangy glaze complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly, making each cookie look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk for a classic combo. Their sweet spiced notes are wonderfully balanced by creamy or slightly bitter beverages, making snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside cinnamon sticks and little bowls of dipping sauces like caramel or honey butter. This turns a simple cookie into a charming centerpiece for brunch or holiday dessert tables that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out. They typically stay fresh for up to three days—perfect for enjoying a little treat throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze these cinnamon roll cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gentle reheating softens the cookies and reactivates their cinnamon sugar aroma, giving you the joy of freshly baked treats anytime.
FAQs
Can I use salted or unsalted butter for The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe?
Salted butter is recommended in this recipe as it adds just the right amount of seasoning. However, if you only have unsalted butter, simply add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
If cream of tartar is not available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to maintain the tang and texture that cream of tartar provides.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To veganize this recipe, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), and replace vanilla extract with a plant-based option. Keep an eye on the texture as you mix.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
These cinnamon roll cookies are soft with a slight crispness on the edges thanks to the cinnamon-sugar coating, giving a delightful contrast that makes them so irresistible.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl and bake in batches to ensure every cookie gets the perfect oven heat.
Final Thoughts
Making The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is like bringing a warm hug from your oven straight to your heart. These cookies balance soft, buttery dough with that irresistible crunch of cinnamon sugar, crafting a treat everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy sharing these little bites of comfort with family and friends—you won’t regret it!
Print
The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Cinnamon Roll Cookies, combining the warm spices and sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make, bite-sized cookie form. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm drink, these cookies bake to golden perfection with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Topping
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s properly heated for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated, then blend in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar, forming the dry base of the dough.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls of roughly equal size and place them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and granulated sugar. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in this mixture to coat the exterior with sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Flatten and Bake: Slightly flatten each coated dough ball with a fork to promote even baking and create a nice texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring crisp edges and soft centers.
Notes
- Use softened butter (not melted) for the best texture and proper creaming with the sugar.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar adds extra flavor and a delightful crunch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.
