If you love the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker treat, I have just the recipe for you! My Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine soft, chewy cookie goodness with that iconic cinnamon swirl flavor. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies will impress everyone. Ready to dive into a delicious baking adventure? Let’s get started on this delightful treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The warm, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls is perfectly captured in cookie form, making these treats irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are a hit with everyone.
- Customizable Icing: The icing can be adjusted in thickness and flavor, allowing you to personalize your cookies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Icing Ingredients
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients make up the base of your cinnamon roll sugar cookies. The all-purpose flour gives the cookies their structure. I always use unsalted butter because it allows me to control the salt level better. The granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with texture. The egg binds everything together, while vanilla extract gives a warm flavor that I adore.
In the dry ingredients, baking powder helps the cookies rise. Baking soda also aids in this process, while salt enhances all the flavors. Ground cinnamon is what makes these cookies taste like cinnamon rolls. It adds that cozy, warm spice.
For the icing, powdered sugar provides the sweetness and a smooth texture. Adding milk makes the icing easy to spread. A touch of vanilla in the icing creates a lovely flavor contrast.
Gather these ingredients before you start baking. Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.
– In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Use 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until they mix well.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
– In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar together. Use a mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. Your mix should be light and fluffy.
– Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
– Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Shaping and Baking
– Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball, about 1 inch wide.
– Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between them to allow for spreading.
– Flatten each ball gently with your palm to create a small disc.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be firm, and the tops should be lightly golden.
– After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Icing
– In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
– Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Adjust the milk if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Bake cookies until edges are firm. This helps them hold their shape.
– Avoid overmixing for tender cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
Icing Tips
– For thicker icing, reduce milk. Less milk makes the icing hold its shape better.
– Drizzle vs. spread for different looks. Drizzling gives a fun, casual vibe, while spreading offers a more polished finish.
Presentation Tips
– Arrange cookies on a platter. A nice display makes them more inviting.
– Add a dusting of cinnamon for effect. It adds a lovely touch and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes. This ensures even baking and a uniform appearance.
- Perfect Icing Consistency: Adjust the milk in the icing to achieve your desired consistency. A thicker icing will hold its shape better, while a thinner icing will create a lovely drizzle effect.
- Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can add fun twists to your cinnamon roll sugar cookies. Try mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for extra crunch. If you want a unique taste, experiment with different extracts. Almond extract can give a lovely flavor, while maple can add a warm touch. Each variation opens up new flavor paths.
Dietary Options
If you need gluten-free cookies, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap works well and keeps the taste great. For those who follow a vegan diet, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of the large egg. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until thick.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm drink enhances the flavors of the cookies. You can also use these cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches. Just scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a tasty treat!
Storage Info
Cooling and Storing
First, let your cookies cool completely before storing them. This step helps keep cookies fresh. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. This container will lock in moisture and flavor.
Shelf Life
These cookies stay good at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. However, room temperature storage is best for taste and texture.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze cookie dough, scoop dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the balls to a freezer bag. This method saves space and keeps the dough fresh.
When you want to bake cookies from frozen dough, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your warm, fresh cookies anytime!
FAQs
How long do cinnamon roll sugar cookies last?
Cinnamon roll sugar cookies stay fresh for about one week. Store them in an airtight container. They can last longer if you freeze them. Just remember to thaw them before enjoying.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It makes the cookies denser and adds a nutty flavor. Start with a 1:1 ratio, but expect some changes in texture.
What can I use instead of eggs for baking?
You can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as egg substitutes. Use 1/4 cup of either for each egg. This will keep your cookies moist and sweet.
How can I make the icing creamier?
To make your icing creamier, add a bit more milk. Start with a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. This will help the icing spread smoothly.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
You can substitute butter with margarine. The taste and texture might be slightly different, but it will still work well. Just use the same amount of margarine as the butter.
This blog post covered everything you need to know to make cinnamon roll sugar cookies. You learned about the main and dry ingredients, along with icing options. The step-by-step instructions guide you from preparation to baking and icing. Baking tips and variations help you customize the cookies. Lastly, storage info ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Enjoy making these cookies and share them with family and friends! Your baking adventure starts no
