Description
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are soft, cinnamon-swirled treats that combine the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into a quick and simple cookie form. With a buttery cinnamon swirl inside each cookie and an optional cinnamon sugar topping, these cookies offer a delightful spiced sweetness perfect for anytime snacking or holiday baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup butter, 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 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside for later use.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes a few minutes and ensures a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to blend properly. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could lead to tougher cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each dough ball slightly to prepare for filling.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl Filling: Place about one teaspoon of the prepared cinnamon swirl mixture in the center of each flattened dough ball. Fold the dough over the cinnamon mixture and gently roll it again into a smooth ball, sealing in the filling.
- Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheet: Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Apply Optional Topping: If using, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the cookies before baking for an added layer of sweetness and spice.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy these soft and flavorful cinnamon roll cookies on their own or paired with a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Spacing cookies about 2 inches apart is important to prevent them from merging.
- The cinnamon sugar topping is optional but adds a nice extra crunch and flavor.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
