Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting sweets, then Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies are going to be your new favorite treat. Combining the melt-in-your-mouth softness of cinnamon rolls with the convenience and crisp charm of cookies, these delightful bites offer a gooey cinnamon swirl, a touch of sweetness, and an inviting aroma that can brighten any day. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of coffee or surprising friends at a gathering, these cookies deliver that perfect homemade feel everyone instantly loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Soft Texture: Unlike traditional crisp cookies, these stay tender and chewy, just like a fresh cinnamon roll.
• Rich Cinnamon Flavor: The bold swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar hits your palate with every bite.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a delight for any skill level.
• Great for Sharing: They’re mess-free and packed with flavor, ideal for parties or cozy nights.
• Versatile Treat: From breakfast to dessert, these cookies fit any craving or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies plays a key role in achieving that blissful softness, deep flavor, and rich color. Keeping it simple ensures the cookies shine without overwhelming the senses.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and soft.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise gently for that pillowy texture.
• Butter: Adds moisture and buttery richness essential for softness.
• Brown Sugar: Offers warmth, moisture, and a subtle molasses depth.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with light crisp edges.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Cinnamon: The star spice, giving that unmistakable cinnamon roll taste.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and extra softness to the dough.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, delivering that classic cinnamon roll finish.
• Milk: Perfect for thinning the glaze to a drizzle consistency.

Variations for Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Feeling adventurous? This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Whether you want to cater to dietary needs, change up the flavors, or add texture, these soft baked cinnamon roll cookies can be tweaked with ease.

• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour for a gluten-free blend to keep the texture delightful.
• Pecan or Walnut Addition: Stir in chopped nuts for crunch and earthy flavor.
• Maple Cinnamon Twist: Replace vanilla with maple extract for a cozy spin.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips inside the cinnamon swirl for melty surprises.

How to Make Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Slowly incorporate the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until just combined. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep the dough soft and moist.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Mix together additional cinnamon and brown sugar to make the signature cinnamon swirl. Spread the dough on parchment paper and lightly spread the cinnamon mixture over the surface before rolling or layering to create that irresistible spiral inside each cookie.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Roll out the dough into a log to form cinnamon roll-style spirals, then slice into cookies about one inch thick. Alternatively, you can drop spoonfuls of dough mixed with cinnamon swirl into mounds for softer shapes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at a moderate temperature until edges are set but centers remain soft—usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.

Step 5: Glaze and Cool

While the cookies are cooling, prepare a simple drizzle glaze with powdered sugar and milk. Once slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cookies to mimic that classic cinnamon roll frosting touch.

Pro Tips for Making Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps combine everything smoothly and improves texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough instead of soft.
• Watch Your Bake Time: Pull cookies out when centers are still slightly soft for maximum gooeyness.
• Chill the Dough: For cleaner swirls and easier handling, refrigerate dough before shaping.
• Glaze at the Right Time: Apply glaze when cookies are warm but not hot to prevent melting off.

How to Serve Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dash of extra cinnamon on top can amplify the warmth and adorability of these cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or even a warm glass of milk to complete the comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in a spiral pattern on a wooden platter or stack them for a rustic tiered cookie “cake.” Add edible flowers or cinnamon sticks as decoration for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

Wrap individual cookies or dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a resealable bag for up to one month. Thaw before baking or warming.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that just-baked softness.

FAQs

What makes Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies different from regular cinnamon cookies?

The key difference is the soft, tender texture achieved through a higher moisture dough and a cinnamon swirl that mimics traditional cinnamon rolls, resulting in a warm, gooey experience.

Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to enhance or customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Is it possible to make these cookies without baking powder?

Baking powder helps the cookies rise and stay soft, so it’s best not to skip it. If unavailable, you may substitute with baking soda and an acid like yogurt but proceed with adjusted measurements.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies stay fresh and soft for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, using a quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well to maintain texture while catering to gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting essence of cinnamon rolls and the convenience of cookies. Once you try these warm, gooey treats, they’re bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire, perfect for sharing, savoring, and brightening any moment.

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