Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

About Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Imagine the warmth of freshly baked cinnamon rolls: their sweet, spicy aroma swirling through your kitchen, promising comfort and indulgence. Now, picture that delightful experience packed into a cookie! Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies offer the best of both worlds, with a flavor profile that balances sweet and spicy notes seamlessly. These cookies feature a classic sugar cookie base elevated by the addition of cinnamon and brown sugar, mimicking the flavors of cinnamon rolls while maintaining the comfort of a cookie.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Complete Ingredients List

1. 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 tsp baking soda
3. 1 tsp baking powder
4. ½ tsp fine salt
5. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
6. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
7. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
8. 1 large egg
9. 2 tsp vanilla extract
10. ½ cup brown sugar, packed
11. ½ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Icing:

1. 1 cup powdered sugar
2. 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
3. ½ tsp vanilla extract
4. 1 pinch salt

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• All-purpose flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Butter: Coconut oil or vegan butter can be used in place of regular butter for a dairy-free version.
• Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to make the recipe vegan.
• Granulated Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or agave for a healthier option.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Adjust quantities or add other spices like cardamom or ginger for flavor variations.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this aside. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Once your dough is prepared, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour—or overnight for even better flavor. Chilling the dough helps to solidify the butter, ensuring your cookies maintain their soft and chewy texture while baking. It also helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place each ball of dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart since they will spread while baking. For a more uniform appearance, slightly flatten each ball before placing it in the oven.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked. This is key to achieving that chewy texture. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are cooling, prepare the icing.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Adjust the thickness of the icing by adding more sugar for a thicker consistency or more milk for a thinner icing. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag for more control.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

These cookies can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference. When served warm, the icing gently melts into the cookies, creating a gooey texture that’s difficult to resist. For room temperature, the cookies will firm up slightly but retain that delightful chewiness, making them perfect for mailing to friends or family.

For serving, consider placing them on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper. To create an appealing presentation, you can stack them up, add a little sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top, and place a small pitcher of milk or your favorite beverage beside them.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

These cookies pair exquisitely with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even hot chocolate for those cozy evenings in. For an elevated dessert experience, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also add toppings like crushed nuts or coconut flakes for additional texture and flavor, thus tweaking the recipe as per your creative flair.

Storing & Preserving Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Best Storage Methods

To keep your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies fresher for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically last for about 4-5 days if kept sealed properly. If you want to extend their shelf life further, consider refrigerating the cookies, although they might lose some of their chewiness.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds until warmed through. For freezing, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

One common error when baking cookies is using cold butter rather than softened butter, leading to dense and hard cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Be careful not to overmix your dough after adding the flour, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Lastly, ensure you are measuring your ingredients accurately, specifically your flour, which should be leveled off when scooping.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Room temperature ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for better emulsification.
• Dough chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step! It not only improves the flavor but also controls the spread of the cookies.
• Icing application: For a fancy finish, consider using a piping bag to create decorative patterns with the icing on top of the cookies.

Fun Variations of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

While the cinnamon roll flavor shines brightly, consider incorporating different flavors to keep things exciting! Adding bits of chocolate chips or white chocolate will provide an extra layer of sweetness. You can also experiment by swirling in some cream cheese frosting for a more decadent approach.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg.
• Sugar-free: Use erythritol or another sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Keto: Swap out all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour while ensuring to keep the baking powder, and sweetener aligned with keto specifications.

FAQs

What If My Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

There are a few troubleshooting steps to consider. If your cookies are too dry, it’s likely due to overmixing or measuring too much flour. Try using a kitchen scale to weigh your flour to ensure accuracy. If they are spreading too much, ensure that your butter is at the right consistency—softened but not melted. Additionally, make sure to refrigerate your dough before baking.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them, allowing them to stay fresh and chewy for several days. Just remember to allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Common allergen ingredients like wheat flour can be swapped with gluten-free flour blends, while dairy ingredients like butter and milk can be replaced with coconut or almond options. For sweeteners, replacing granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or honey can also adjust the recipe to meet dietary needs.

In summary, Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a delightful and creative take on a classic baked favorite. With their sweet, cinnamon-infused flavors and soft, pillowy textures, they are sure to become a staple in your cookie repertoire. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, comforting treat? Whether for a special occasion or simple everyday enjoyment, these cookies promise satisfaction in every bite!

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