Your New Favorite Treat: Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re like me and enjoy cozying up with something sweet and comforting, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are going to become your go-to recipe. Seriously, they’re like a warm hug in cookie form! The combination of soft, spiced dough with a sweet icing drizzled on top is everything you need on those chilly days. Plus, they’re super easy to make. Let’s dive into how you can whip these up in your kitchen!
Nutritional Benefits of These Cookies
You might be surprised to learn that these cookies can have some nutritional perks as well. The unsweetened applesauce not only adds moisture but also reduces the amount of fat needed by replacing some butter. Applesauce is rich in fiber and can also add a hint of tanginess to balance the sweetness. Plus, using cinnamon isn’t just for flavor; it’s known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. So go ahead, enjoy these cookies—just keep in mind that a little indulgence can also come with some benefits!
Fun Variations to Make
- Add-In Options: Want to jazz them up? Toss in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for extra flavor and texture!
- Gluten-Free Version: No worries if you need a gluten-free alternative; swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour!
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free twist, feel free to use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk for the icing.
- Decrease the Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider reducing the amount of granulated sugar by a third. You’ll still get that lovely sweetness from the brown sugar and icing!
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for added moisture)
- For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy. It’s like magic!
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt together. It’s important to combine them evenly!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until it’s all blended together. Don’t forget to mix in the applesauce – it adds that moisture we love!
- Now, in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and a bit of cinnamon for your filling. This step is key for that authentic cinnamon roll taste!
- Next, lightly flour your counter or a clean surface and roll out the cookie dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. You want every bite to be sweet!
- Carefully roll the dough from one edge to form a log shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just snug enough!
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pieces and place those on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn a lovely golden color around the edges.
- While they’re baking, whip up your icing by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until it’s nice and drizzly.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, drizzle the icing over your beautiful cookies. You can use a spoon or even a piping bag if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Now, grab a cookie (or two, no judgment here) and enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little flour to your hands as you work with it!
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to five days. They can also be frozen for later indulgence!
- To make sure your cookies stay soft, avoid overbaking them. Just a little golden edge is perfect!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cookie goodness to life:
- A mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- A whisk for mixing dry ingredients
- A rolling pin for flattening the dough
- A cutting board or clean countertop for rolling out the dough
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A wire rack for cooling the cookies
- A small bowl for mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour? Yes! You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, though this may change the texture slightly.
- What should I do if my dough is too crumbly? If it seems too crumbly, gently mix in a little more applesauce or a splash of milk until it holds together.
- How do I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.
- Can I double this recipe? Definitely! Just remember to adjust your baking times and space your cookies properly on the tray.
Join the Cookie Club!
So, did you dive into making these delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies? I would absolutely love to hear how they came out or see your yummy creations! Snap a picture and share it on Pinterest—we can build our cookie-loving community together! Happy baking!
