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If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll in a perfectly portable treat, then this Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies capture every bit of that tender, cinnamon-spiced goodness with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s tender and fluffy, swirling with sweet cinnamon and brown sugar, finished off with a luscious glaze that brings a subtle creaminess to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion, these cookies bring joy and warmth straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a breeze since they’re all pantry staples that work together to create that perfect balance of soft texture, rich flavor, and just the right sweetness. Each component is essential, from the all-purpose flour giving structure to the aromatic cinnamon that fills every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation that creates a soft yet sturdy cookie base.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Adds tenderness to ensure those cookies are soft and cakey.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Brings richness and moisture to the dough.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides deep, molasses-flavored sweetness that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- Egg (1 large, room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds softness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A subtle background note that elevates the entire recipe.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that fills these cookies with classic warmth.
- Unsalted butter for filling (1/4 cup, melted): Ensures the cinnamon filling spreads smoothly and moistens the layers inside.
- Granulated sugar for filling (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the soft dough.
- Ground cinnamon for filling (2 teaspoons): Adds an extra cinnamon punch right in the center.
- Powdered sugar for glaze (1 cup): Creates a sweet, glossy finish to drizzle on top.
- Milk for glaze (2 tablespoons): Thins the powdered sugar to the ideal consistency.
- Vanilla extract for glaze (1 teaspoon): A finishing touch that enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures even baking and hassle-free cleanup, setting you up for success with every batch.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This combination might seem basic, but each brings something important: cornstarch for softness, baking soda for lift, and salt to bring out the sweetness you’ll add later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and packed light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and slightly pale. This step is key to ensuring your cookies have that tender crumb and deep caramel flavor base.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, making sure the mixture is smooth and glossy. This adds moisture and a wonderful fragrance that starts to fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, beating on low just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and soft, setting the stage for the perfect cinnamon roll cookie texture.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until fully blended. This luscious filling is what gives these cookies their classic cinnamon roll soul, wet enough to add moisture but sugary enough to create lovely swirls of flavor.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll the cookie dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This shape makes it easy to spread the filling and then roll it up tight, mimicking the traditional cinnamon roll layering.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the cinnamon filling all over the dough, reaching every edge. This step is crucial for achieving consistent flavor and that beautiful cinnamon swirl in every bite.
Step 9: Roll Up the Dough Log
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from one of the long sides. Firm rolling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and creates those delightful spiral patterns.
Step 10: Slice into Cookies
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Place each slice cut-side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little room to spread but not too much—these stay soft and shouldn’t flatten out too much.
Step 11: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Be mindful not to overcook; these are meant to be soft and tender, capturing the delicate qualities of a cinnamon roll in cookie form.
Step 12: Cool Slightly Before Glazing
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack. This cooling process prevents the glaze from melting away and keeps the cookies nice and soft.
Step 13: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cookies. This simple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and gives these cookies that classic cinnamon roll finish-worthy look.
How to Serve Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a small dusting of cinnamon powder or a few chopped pecans on top of the glaze can give your cookies extra texture and a hint of crunch. A light sprinkle of coarse sugar also adds a pretty sparkle and subtle crispness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or a frothy latte to complement the cinnamon spice. They also make a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these soft baked cinnamon roll cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel or cream cheese frosting. You can also stack them in a tiered cookie tower for a festive gathering where everyone can grab a sweet treat with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The soft texture really shines when eaten within this window but can still be delicious beyond that.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies before glazing by placing the cut slices on a tray and freezing them until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you have ready-to-bake dough that can be baked fresh whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Warm soft baked cinnamon roll cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This revives their softness and enhances the warm cinnamon aroma, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Light brown sugar provides a subtle molasses flavor and moisture important for the texture and taste, but you can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or white sugar for a less complex sweetness, though the cookies may be less soft.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the dough?
Cornstarch helps make the cookies extra tender and soft by limiting gluten formation. While you can omit it, the texture might be slightly firmer than intended in this Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can create delicious gluten-free versions. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to hold the dough together.
What’s the best way to roll the dough without it sticking?
Generously flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it briefly in the refrigerator to firm it up before rolling.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The glaze adds sweetness and a pretty finish, but the cookies are delicious on their own with their soft cinnamon filling. You might also try dusting with powdered sugar as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe a try because it’s a delightful way to enjoy that dreamy cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss of traditional rolls. These cookies bring comfort, warmth, and a touch of sweetness to any day, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a beloved favorite in any cookie jar.
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