Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Ah, the aroma of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen, the warmth of freshly baked cookies wrapping around you like a cozy hug—there’s nothing quite like it. These Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are not just baked goods; they are memories waiting to be created. Picture this: it’s a chilly afternoon, and you want to fill your home with something sweet. These cookies are reminiscent of the classic cinnamon rolls we all know and love, but easier to make and more fun to share. Just imagine the delightful surprise of biting into a soft, gooey cookie filled with that dreamy cinnamon-sugar goodness, drizzled with a creamy glaze. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly Fun: This recipe is perfect for baking with the kids, turning your kitchen into a sweet adventure.
Quick & Easy to Prepare: These cookies can be made in a breeze, with minimal fuss and maximum joy.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With their tender texture and comforting flavor, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a chilly Holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies resonate with the warmth of love and comfort.
Adaptable Recipe: Easy to customize to your liking with various spices and add-ins!

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Soft Cinnamon Roll 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
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
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)
Splash of vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps to bake your Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, butter, and butter-flavored shortening until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, buttermilk, and a splash of vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Place the dough in a plastic bag, flattening it slightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is ideal!).
Meanwhile, prepare the cinnamon mixture by combining the brown sugar and cinnamon—set aside.
When the dough is nicely chilled, prepare to work quickly, as it will warm up and become sticky.
Mix together 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and generously flour a nonstick work surface (like a silicone baking mat or parchment paper) and your hands and rolling pin.
Roll out the cold dough into a rectangle measuring about 12×9 inches and 1/4-inch thick.
Brush the surface generously with melted butter and immediately sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top, pressing down slightly.
Begin rolling the dough tightly from the longest side to form a log, adding more flour to your hands and the surface if needed.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it on a pan to freeze for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to cut.
Carefully slice the cookies about 1-inch thick using a serrated knife—I often trim the edges first for a neat look!
Place the cookie slices on parchment paper, spaced 2 inches apart, and gently press the cookie rolls to seal the ends.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping the cookies cold before they go in. Check at the 6-minute mark to ensure they’re not unraveling.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until smooth.
Once baked (they should be slightly underdone), let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Brush the hot cookies with glaze, letting it seep into the folds and melt into that cozy cinnamon goodness.
Allow the glaze to set before storing the cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.

Variations & Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ways to customize your Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, creamy twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an indulgent crunch that complements the softness.
Zesty Orange: Infuse a splash of orange zest in the glaze for a bright, zesty finish that harmonizes with the cinnamon.
Pumpkin Spice: For a seasonal twist, substitute some of the flour with pumpkin purée and add pumpkin pie spice to the filling.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Here are some practical secrets to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for even better flavors and easy baking on a busy day!
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have buttermilk? You can create a substitute by mixing milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Slicing Tricks: For cleaner cuts, use a serrated knife and cut straight down without sawing through the cookie.
Storage Suggestions: These cookies can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container—just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to keep them soft.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for each cookie (serving size: 1 cookie):

Calories: 145
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 8g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 95mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated overnight for the best flavor.

Can I use different ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spices or flavorings according to your taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to a week.

How long does it last?

These cookies maintain their delightful quality for about one week at room temperature, or longer when frozen.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a heartfelt tradition waiting to unfold. Perfect for creating memories on a chilly day or surprising your loved ones with a sweet treat, they’re an invitation to indulge in comfort. Save this Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe to your Pinterest board, so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!