Description
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the delightful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple, soft, and swirled cookie form. Featuring a buttery cinnamon sugar swirl inside each cookie and an optional cinnamon sugar topping, they are perfect for a quick sweet treat or holiday baking. Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies offer a warm, comforting cinnamon aroma and a tender bite that pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Swirl
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 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, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside for assembling the cookies.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure even texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Form Dough Balls and Assemble Cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture in the center of the flattened dough. Fold the dough over the cinnamon swirl and carefully roll it back into a ball to encase the filling.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping: If desired, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of each cookie before placing them in the oven to bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Serve: Enjoy these soft, cinnamon-swirled cookies on their own or paired with a cold glass of milk for a comforting snack or dessert.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened for easier mixing and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Spacing dough balls about 2 inches apart prevents cookies from merging together while baking.
- The optional topping adds extra cinnamon sugar crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a festive touch, drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
