Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies – sweet dreams kitchen

Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—cookies and cinnamon rolls. These soft, gooey cookies have a rich cinnamon flavor and are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive holiday celebration. Their unique texture and sweet glaze make them irresistible, ensuring they’re always a hit among friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
Delicious Flavor – The warm blend of cinnamon and sugar creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual snack, these cookies fit right in.
Versatile Treat – Enjoy them as a dessert or pair with coffee for a delightful breakfast option.
Soft and Gooey Texture – These cookies maintain their moisture, offering a satisfying bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on making these Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Plastic wrap
Parchment paper
Serrated knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls – Ideal for combining ingredients without any mess. A good set can handle all your mixing needs.
Rubber spatula – Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls to ensure even mixing, making sure nothing goes to waste.
Plastic wrap – Keeps dough cold while it chills in the refrigerator, which is crucial to prevent stickiness during rolling.
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking when baking, ensuring your cookies come off the sheet easily without breaking.

Ingredients

For these Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
1 egg (room temperature)
1/4 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

For the Glaze

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2-3 teaspoons milk (may need more or less to achieve desired texture)
vanilla extract (splash)

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, butter-flavored shortening, and butter.
Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Form Dough

Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir until you form a soft dough.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Place the dough in a plastic bag and flatten it slightly. Refrigerate for at least one hour; overnight is even better.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Mixture

While the dough chills, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside for later use.

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Once chilled, prepare your work surface by mixing one tablespoon of flour with one tablespoon of powdered sugar for dusting. Roll out your dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 9: Add Filling

Brush melted butter over the rolled-out dough then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon mixture. Press it down gently into the dough.

Step 10: Form Rolls

Starting from one end, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

Step 11: Slice Cookies

Using a serrated knife, slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick pieces. Place cookies on parchment paper lined baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden at edges. Keep an eye on them around six minutes to ensure they maintain their shape.

Step 13: Prepare Glaze

While cookies are baking, combine cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Step 14: Finish Baking Process

Once baked, let cool on baking sheets for about two minutes before transferring to cooling racks. Brush warm cookies with glaze and let set before storing in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.

Now you have delicious Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These delightful Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

With a Cup of Coffee

Pair these cookies with your favorite brewed coffee for a delicious morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert that combines warm and cold textures.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle extra glaze over the top before serving. This gives a beautiful finish and enhances the flavor.

Fresh Fruit Sides

Serve with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness. The tartness complements the cookies perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange them on a decorative platter alongside other baked goods for an eye-catching dessert table at parties or gatherings.

Gift Boxes

Place these cookies in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family. They make thoughtful treats for holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Making the perfect Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right every time.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough is crucial; it keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in fluffier treats.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder, baking soda, and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and texture in your cookies.
Don’t Skip the Flour Mixture: Generously flour your work surface and hands while rolling out the dough. This prevents sticking and helps maintain shape.
Cut Evenly: Use a serrated knife to cut the cookie log evenly, ensuring uniform baking and presentation.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. They should be slightly underdone when you take them out for that perfect soft texture.
Let Them Cool Properly: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack lets air circulate, preventing sogginess while allowing flavors to set.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here’s a list of tasty options to consider serving alongside them.

Chai Latte
A spiced chai latte adds warmth and depth that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon flavors of the cookies.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that balances out the indulgence of cookies.
Cheese Board
A small cheese board featuring mild cheeses can create an interesting savory-sweet combination when enjoyed with your cookies.
Hot Chocolate
A cup of creamy hot chocolate is comforting and pairs well with cinnamon flavors, making it a delightful pairing choice.
Creamy Oatmeal
Serve creamy oatmeal topped with nuts and dried fruits; its heartiness complements the cookie’s sweetness without overwhelming it.
Savory Scones
Savory scones can provide contrast, offering a different texture and flavor experience while still being easy to enjoy together.
Spiced Apple Compote
Warm spiced apple compote drizzled over each cookie adds moisture and additional layers of flavor that enhance every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are a few mistakes to be aware of:

Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough properly can lead to sticky cookies that lose their shape. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until a soft dough forms for a tender cookie texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can throw off your cookie’s balance. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precision when adding flour and sugar.
Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary to ensure accuracy.
Failing to seal cookie ends: Not pressing the ends of the rolled cookies tightly can cause them to unravel while baking. Make sure to seal them well before placing them in the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Layer with parchment paper for easy separation.

Reheating Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add nuttiness but may slightly alter texture.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should appear lightly golden, and the centers will look slightly underdone. They will continue cooking as they cool.

Can I customize my Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture variations.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, add a little extra flour while mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency before refrigerating.

Final Thoughts

Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various spices or fillings based on your preference. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying any time of day!