Homemade cinnamon roll treats

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of cinnamon roll cookies baking in the oven on a weekend morning. These cookies combine the tender crumb of a sugar cookie with all the nostalgic flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. Whether you crave a cozy dessert or want a fun baking project with kids, you will love how these spiral treats turn out.

I started making these for holiday cookie trays, and now every time I bake a batch the kitchen fills with joyful memories and laughter. Even on rainy days, this recipe never fails to spark smiles.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the cookie dough and gives structure. Always choose fresh flour for the best flavor and check for a fine soft texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff a little creating that lovely soft bite. Make sure your baking powder is active by checking the date or testing with a little water.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy warmth and signature swirl flavor. Opt for Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon for extra fragrant results.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the sugar content. Use sea salt for a clean taste.
• Unsalted butter: Is the key to a rich tender crumb. Choose high quality butter for a more flavorful dough and always let it soften before creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create the perfect light texture. Use a fine crystal cane sugar to ensure it incorporates smoothly.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel-like notes. Pack it gently into the cup for accurate measuring and brighter cookies.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and gives the cookies a little chew. Use room temperature eggs for smooth even mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting aroma. Choose pure extract for the richest result.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon filling: Is what gives these cookies their swirl and classic taste. Mix together just before using and spread evenly for beautiful layers.

How to Make It

Prepare Ingredients:

Measure and line up all ingredients to make mixing seamless and help you avoid missing a step.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder salt and cinnamon until everything is evenly combined. This helps the baking powder distribute well and ensures the flavor is balanced throughout the dough.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl use a mixer or sturdy whisk to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about three minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step introduces air which results in cookies with a light tender texture.

Add Egg and Vanilla:

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Scrape down the bowl as needed so no streaks of butter remain.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Add half of the dry mixture into the butter mixture on low speed. Blend gently until just combined then add the remaining dry ingredients. Do not overmix which can toughen the dough.

Prepare Cinnamon Filling:

In a small bowl stir together brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. This sweet spiced combination will create that signature swirl.

Roll Out and Fill Dough:

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion out into a rectangle about quarter inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough gently patting to help it adhere.

Create the Swirl:

Starting from the longer side carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into cookies about half inch thick using a sharp knife. Repeat with the second half.

Bake:

Arrange cookie slices on a parchment lined baking sheet spacing them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until edges are just golden and centers look set about twelve to fifteen minutes. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy center.

Cool and Enjoy:

Let cookies cool for at least five minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. These are best enjoyed slightly warm but will stay soft for days.

My favorite part is always the aroma of cinnamon swirling through the house as these bake. My sister still talks about the day we baked three batches in a row laughing as we tried to make the tightest roll for the perfect swirl.

Flavor Boosters

If you run out of brown sugar you can use coconut sugar for a deep caramel taste. Dairy free butter works well for a vegan option and you can swap in gluten free flour blend for the all purpose flour. Always check that your cinnamon is fresh for the most vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for that true cinnamon roll touch or set out as part of a homemade cookie sampler tray with family favorites.

Creative Twists

Use pumpkin pie spice in autumn for an extra cozy twist. Add finely chopped pecans to the filling for more crunch during the winter. Swirl in a bit of orange zest to the dough in spring for a brighter flavor.

These cinnamon roll cookies always disappear fast from the cookie jar and have become a go to pick for bake sales and family celebrations. Try sharing a batch with neighbors or friends and watch how quickly they become a new tradition.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of flour is best for these treats?

All-purpose flour provides the perfect texture balance for the soft and tender crumb of cinnamon roll inspired cookies.

→ How do I get the cinnamon flavor to stand out?

Use freshly ground cinnamon and incorporate it both into the dough and the brown sugar filling to intensify the warm spice notes.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the dough in advance and chilling it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to improve before baking.

→ What’s the best way to store these treats?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and flavor.

→ Can I substitute brown sugar in this preparation?

Light or dark brown sugar both work well, but dark brown sugar enhances the molasses flavor, enriching the filling and dough.