Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the flavor of a cinnamon roll and the convenience of a cookie. These soft, buttery cookies are swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a creamy glaze, making them irresistible for any occasion. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet treat any time of the year!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg for extra spice
• ½ cup finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added texture

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Filling

1. Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough

1. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log, just like you would with cinnamon rolls.
2. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up (this makes slicing easier).
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Slice and Bake the Cookies

1. Once the dough is firm, slice the log into ¼-inch thick slices using a sharp knife.
2. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once the glaze is set, serve the Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat!

Cooking Notes

• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough before slicing ensures clean, even slices and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk to thin it or more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Variations

1. Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough for added crunch.

2. Cream Cheese Glazed Cookies

For a richer glaze, replace the vanilla glaze with a cream cheese glaze by mixing 4 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth.

3. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough or filling for a fall-inspired twist on the classic recipe.

4. Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cookies

For a chocolatey version, replace half of the brown sugar filling with mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and roll it into logs up to 2 days in advance. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to slice and bake.

Q: How do I store Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! After rolling the dough into logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough slightly in the refrigerator before slicing.

Q: What can I serve with Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
These cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or tea. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful blend of the classic cinnamon roll flavor in a cookie form. With a buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and drizzled glaze, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts, chocolate, or even a cream cheese glaze, and enjoy the irresistible combination of soft, chewy, and sweet in every bite.