Baking in our house is often a spontaneous affair, usually sparked by a craving for something sweet and comforting. This week, that craving led to a batch of Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze, and let me tell you, they were an absolute revelation! I’ve always loved cinnamon rolls, but the thought of making them from scratch on a whim felt a bit daunting. These cookies, however, capture all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-y goodness of a classic cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time and effort. The dough is incredibly simple to whip up, the cinnamon swirl filling is fragrant and flavorful, and the sweet glaze just ties everything together perfectly. My kids declared them “the best cookies ever,” and honestly, I might just agree! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spice, making them the ideal treat for an afternoon snack, a cozy dessert, or even a special breakfast. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers maximum cinnamon roll flavor with minimal fuss, these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are your answer. Get ready to fall in love with a new cookie favorite!
Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze
To bake these irresistible Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze, you’ll need a collection of pantry staples along with those essential warm spices that define the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Using quality ingredients will elevate the final taste and texture, ensuring soft, flavorful cookies and a luscious glaze. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:
For the Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): All-purpose flour forms the foundation of our cookies, providing structure and chewiness. When measuring flour, it’s important to do it correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge – avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to denser cookies.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh; old baking powder may not be as effective.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the cookies. Use kosher salt or sea salt.
- Unsalted Butter, softened (½ cup, or 1 stick): Butter provides richness, moisture, and flavor to the cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe. Ensure the butter is properly softened – it should be pliable but still cool to the touch.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture to the cookies. It also helps with browning and contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Large Egg (1): An egg provides structure, richness, and moisture to the cookies. Use a large egg and make sure it is at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, rather than imitation vanilla.
- Milk (¼ cup): Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps bring it together. Whole milk or 2% milk works best.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Unsalted Butter, melted (¼ cup, or ½ stick): Melted butter is brushed onto the cookie dough and acts as a base for the cinnamon-sugar filling to adhere to.
- Brown Sugar, packed (½ cup): Brown sugar, especially light or dark brown sugar, adds moisture, a deeper sweetness, and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Packing the brown sugar ensures you have the correct amount.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Cinnamon is the star spice in these cookies, providing warmth and a classic cinnamon roll flavor. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma and taste. Ceylon cinnamon is known for its delicate flavor, while Cassia cinnamon is bolder; either will work well.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) forms the base of the sweet glaze. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand helps prevent lumps in the glaze.
- Milk (3-4 tablespoons): Milk is used to thin the powdered sugar to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness that complements the cinnamon cookies.
Optional Garnishes:
- Sprinkles: For a fun and festive touch, add sprinkles to the glaze while it’s still wet.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements cinnamon and glaze.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze adds extra visual appeal and cinnamon flavor.
By gathering these high-quality ingredients, you’re setting yourself up for baking truly delightful Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze. The combination of soft, chewy cookies, warm cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze is a classic for a reason – it’s simply irresistible!
Instructions: Baking Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze
Baking Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies that will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon. Let’s get baking!
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set aside the dry ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for soft cookies. Cream for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
- Beat in Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully emulsified into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk in one addition, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. In other words: Dry, Milk, Dry.
- Mix Until Just Combined: Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until the flour streaks just disappear. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Form Dough into a Disc: Gently form the soft cookie dough into a disc, about 1-inch thick.
- Wrap in Plastic Wrap: Wrap the dough disc tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out and handle. While the dough chills, you can prepare the cinnamon filling and glaze ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Filling and Preheat Oven
- Melt Butter for Filling: Melt the ¼ cup of unsalted butter for the cinnamon filling and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape the Cookies
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on the floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12×15 inches and about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep the rectangle as even in thickness as possible for even baking.
- Brush with Melted Butter: Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it lightly to help it adhere.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log, like you would for cinnamon rolls. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
- Slice into Cookies: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (for cleaner cuts), slice the dough log into cookies about ¾ to 1-inch thick. You should get about 18-24 cookies, depending on the thickness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sliced cookies, swirl-side up, onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool on Baking Sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling slightly on the baking sheets helps them set up and prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Ensure the cookies are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (While Cookies Cool)
- Whisk Glaze Ingredients: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Add Milk Gradually: Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until smooth and glossy after each addition, until you reach your desired glaze consistency. You want a glaze that is pourable but not too thin. If the glaze becomes too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate the Cookies
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of each cookie. You can use a spoon, a fork, or a piping bag for a neater drizzle.
- Decorate (Optional): If desired, garnish the glazed cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar while the glaze is still wet so the garnishes adhere.
- Let Glaze Set: Let the glaze set and harden slightly before serving, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve: Serve your delicious Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze. They are wonderful enjoyed at room temperature.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Congratulations! You’ve baked a batch of beautiful and flavorful Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze. Enjoy the soft, chewy texture, warm cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze – they are the perfect treat for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and comfort.
Nutrition Facts for Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze
(Estimated per cookie, based on 24 cookies per batch)
Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, cookie size, and glaze thickness.
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per Cookie (with glaze): Approximately 150-200 calories
Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per Cookie (with glaze):
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 6-8 grams (This will vary depending on the amount of butter and milk used)
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Sugar: 10-15 grams (from cookie dough, filling, and glaze)
- Fiber: Less than 1 gram
Key Nutritional Highlights (considering it’s a dessert):
- Source of Carbohydrates: Provides energy from flour and sugar.
- Source of Fat: From butter and egg.
- Minimal Vitamins and Minerals: Primarily a treat for indulgence, not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.
Important Considerations:
- High in Sugar and Fat: As a dessert cookie, it is high in sugar and fat. Portion control is important, especially for those watching their sugar and fat intake.
- Calories: The calorie count is moderate per cookie, especially with the glaze.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze are meant to be enjoyed as an occasional treat. While they provide energy and deliciousness, it’s important to balance them with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein for overall health.
Preparation Time for Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze
The preparation time for Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze is relatively straightforward and can be broken down as follows:
- Prep Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- This includes:
- Measuring and preparing dry ingredients – 5 minutes
- Softening butter – 5 minutes
- Creaming butter and sugar – 5 minutes
- Mixing wet ingredients and combining dough – 10 minutes
- Making cinnamon filling – 5 minutes
- Making glaze – 5 minutes
- This includes:
- Chill Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (inactive time)
- Chilling dough in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Cook Time (Bake Time): 10-12 minutes
- Baking cookies in the oven.
- Cooling Time: 30-45 minutes (minimum)
- Cooling cookies on baking sheets and then completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Total Time (Active + Inactive): Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes – 3 hours 37 minutes (including chilling and cooling time)
Time-Saving Tips:
- Measure Ingredients Ahead: Measure out all your dry and wet ingredients the day before or earlier in the day to streamline the baking process.
- Soften Butter in Advance: Remember to take out butter from the refrigerator well in advance (at least 1-2 hours) to ensure it is properly softened.
- Chill Dough for Minimum Time (30 minutes): While longer chilling is okay, chilling for just 30 minutes is sufficient to make the dough manageable for rolling.
- Make Glaze While Cookies Bake/Cool: Prepare the glaze while the cookies are baking and cooling to maximize your time efficiency.
- Simple Glaze Decoration: Opt for a simple drizzle of glaze instead of elaborate decorations to save time on frosting.
While the total time might seem lengthy, much of it is inactive chilling and cooling time. The active hands-on baking time is closer to 45-55 minutes. Baking these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies is a process that’s manageable even on a weekend afternoon and well worth the time for a delightful homemade treat.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making them perfect for casual snacking, brunch, desserts, or even gifting. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cinnamon roll cookie experience:
Serving Styles:
- Platter of Cookies: Arrange the glazed cookies on a platter for a visually appealing presentation. This is ideal for parties, gatherings, or dessert tables.
- Individual Plates: Serve 1-2 cookies per person on individual plates for a simple dessert or snack.
- Cookie Boxes or Bags (for Gifting): Package cookies in decorative cookie boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for gifting to friends, neighbors, or teachers.
- Warm Cookies (Slightly Warmed): For an extra comforting treat, slightly warm the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds (about 5-10 seconds) before serving. This makes them extra soft and gooey.
Garnishes and Toppings:
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the glaze while it’s still wet for a festive and fun touch, especially for kids or holidays.
- Chopped Nuts (Pecans, Walnuts): Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Dust the glazed cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra visual appeal and cinnamon flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glazed cookies for extra sweetness and richness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) over the glaze for a chocolate-cinnamon combination.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
- Fresh Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries): Serve fresh berries alongside or on top of the cookies for a pop of color and a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness.
Accompaniments and Pairings:
- Coffee or Tea: Cinnamon roll cookies are wonderful with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or chai latte.
- Milk: A glass of cold milk is a classic and comforting pairing, especially for children.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy winter treat, serve with hot chocolate or spiced hot cocoa.
- Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cinnamon ice cream, or frozen yogurt for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, especially for brunch or afternoon tea.
- Spiced Cider or Apple Juice: For fall or winter gatherings, serve with warm spiced cider or chilled apple juice.
Serving Occasions:
- Casual Snacking: Perfect for everyday snacks, afternoon treats, or satisfying a sweet craving.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Serve as a sweet treat for weekend brunch or a special breakfast.
- Dessert: Ideal as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
- Parties and Gatherings: Great for cookie platters at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Holidays: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any holiday celebration.
- Gifting: Homemade cookies are always a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
By considering these serving suggestions, you can present your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze in various appealing ways for any occasion, making them a versatile and enjoyable treat for everyone.
Additional Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
To bake consistently perfect Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze, here are 5 additional tips to ensure soft, chewy, and flavorful results every time:
- Don’t Overmeasure Flour: Accurate flour measurement is crucial in baking. Overmeasuring flour is one of the most common mistakes and can lead to dry, tough cookies. Always measure flour using the spoon and level method: spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this packs the flour and results in too much flour in your recipe.
- Chill Dough Properly: Chilling the cookie dough is not just a suggestion, it’s essential for easy rolling and preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even longer (up to 2 hours). Chilled dough is firmer and easier to handle, making it simpler to roll out into a rectangle and slice into neat cookies. If you chill it for longer than 30 minutes, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling if it becomes too hard.
- Roll Dough Evenly: When rolling out the cookie dough, aim for an even thickness of about ¼-inch. Uneven dough thickness can result in cookies that bake unevenly – thinner parts will bake faster and become crispier, while thicker parts may remain underbaked. Try to roll the dough into a rectangle of consistent thickness for uniform baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is a common mistake that can lead to dry, hard cookies. Bake the cinnamon roll cookies for the recommended time of 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will continue to set as they cool. Err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking for softer, chewier cookies.
- Let Cookies Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is key before glazing! Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before drizzling with glaze. Glazing warm cookies will cause the glaze to melt and run off, resulting in a thin, messy glaze instead of a nice, set glaze on top. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly and looks beautiful.
By incorporating these additional tips into your baking process, you’ll significantly increase your chances of baking truly perfect Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze – cookies that are soft, chewy, flavorful, and a joy to bake and share.
FAQ: Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze
Here are 5 frequently asked questions about baking Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze, along with helpful answers to guide you to baking success:
Q1: Can I make these cinnamon roll cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are great for making ahead of time! You can prepare them in various stages to simplify baking day. Here are some make-ahead options:
- Make Dough Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling.
- Roll and Slice Ahead (Unbaked): You can roll out the dough, fill it with cinnamon sugar, roll it into a log, slice the cookies, and arrange them on baking sheets. Then, cover the baking sheets tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them directly from the refrigerator the next day, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Bake Cookies Ahead: You can bake the cookies completely and store them unglazed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze them just before serving for the freshest glaze.
- Make Glaze Ahead: The glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If it becomes too thick, add a tiny bit of milk to thin it out before using.
Making components ahead is a great way to break up the baking process, especially if you’re preparing for a party or want fresh-baked cookies without a long baking session on the same day.
Q2: Can I freeze cinnamon roll cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies, either baked or unbaked, for longer storage.
- Freeze Unbaked Cookie Dough Slices: Arrange the sliced, unbaked cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze Baked Cookies (Unglazed): Bake the cookies completely and let them cool completely. Freeze them unglazed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature and glaze them before serving. Freezing unglazed cookies prevents the glaze from becoming sticky or melting during thawing.
- Freeze Baked and Glazed Cookies (Less Recommended): While possible, freezing glazed cookies is less ideal as the glaze texture may change slightly upon thawing and become sticky. If you do freeze glazed cookies, freeze them individually on a baking sheet until solid, then layer them in a container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature.
Freezing is a great way to have cookies on hand for whenever a craving strikes. For best results, freeze unbaked dough slices or baked, unglazed cookies and glaze them fresh before serving.
Q3: Can I use different types of flour for these cookies?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe to achieve the intended texture, you can experiment with some substitutions, though they may slightly alter the outcome.
- Bread Flour (for chewier cookies): Substituting up to half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour can result in slightly chewier cookies. Bread flour has higher protein content, which develops more gluten.
- Cake Flour (for softer cookies): Substituting up to half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour can result in slightly softer and more tender cookies. Cake flour has lower protein content.
- Whole Wheat Flour (for a nuttier flavor and denser texture): You can substitute up to 1/3 of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture. Whole wheat flour will make the cookies less tender and more wholesome.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend (for gluten-free cookies): To make gluten-free cinnamon roll cookies, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or guar gum. Substitute 1:1 for the all-purpose flour. Gluten-free cookies may be slightly drier or crumblier.
Experimenting with different flours can lead to interesting texture variations. However, for the classic soft and chewy cinnamon roll cookie texture, all-purpose flour is generally the best and most reliable choice.
Q4: Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
A: While technically you can make these cookies without chilling the dough, it is highly recommended to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for several reasons:
- Easier to Handle: Chilling firms up the soft dough, making it significantly easier to roll out into a rectangle without it sticking excessively to the work surface or rolling pin.
- Less Spreading: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Warm dough spreads faster in the oven, resulting in thinner, flatter cookies. Chilled dough holds its shape better, leading to thicker, chewier cookies with defined swirls.
- Better Texture: Chilling allows the gluten in the flour to relax and the butter to solidify, which contributes to a more tender and chewy texture in the final baked cookies.
Skipping the chilling step will result in dough that is stickier to handle, cookies that spread more and are potentially thinner and crispier, and a slightly less tender texture. For the best texture and ease of handling, chilling the dough is a worthwhile step and highly recommended.
Q5: My glaze is too thick/thin, how can I fix it?
A: Achieving the perfect glaze consistency can be adjusted easily. Here’s how to troubleshoot if your glaze is too thick or too thin:
- Glaze Too Thick: If your glaze is too thick and not pourable, it means it has too much powdered sugar or not enough liquid. To thin it out, gradually add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, whisking until smooth and glossy after each addition, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
- Glaze Too Thin: If your glaze is too thin and runny, it means it has too much liquid or not enough powdered sugar. To thicken it, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition, until it reaches your desired consistency. You want a glaze that is thick enough to coat the cookies nicely but still thin enough to drizzle smoothly.
Adjusting the consistency is all about gradually adding small amounts of milk to thin it or powdered sugar to thicken it, whisking well after each addition until you reach the perfect pourable glaze for your cinnamon roll cookies.
These FAQs and answers are designed to provide you with comprehensive guidance for baking delicious Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze, addressing common baking questions and offering solutions to potential challenges and variations. Happy Baking!
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Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze recipe
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
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- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): All-purpose flour forms the foundation of our cookies, providing structure and chewiness. When measuring flour, it’s important to do it correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge – avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to denser cookies.
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- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh; old baking powder may not be as effective.
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- Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the cookies. Use kosher salt or sea salt.
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- Unsalted Butter, softened (½ cup, or 1 stick): Butter provides richness, moisture, and flavor to the cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe. Ensure the butter is properly softened – it should be pliable but still cool to the touch.
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- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture to the cookies. It also helps with browning and contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
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- Large Egg (1): An egg provides structure, richness, and moisture to the cookies. Use a large egg and make sure it is at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter.
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- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, rather than imitation vanilla.
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- Milk (¼ cup): Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps bring it together. Whole milk or 2% milk works best.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
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- Unsalted Butter, melted (¼ cup, or ½ stick): Melted butter is brushed onto the cookie dough and acts as a base for the cinnamon-sugar filling to adhere to.
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- Brown Sugar, packed (½ cup): Brown sugar, especially light or dark brown sugar, adds moisture, a deeper sweetness, and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Packing the brown sugar ensures you have the correct amount.
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- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Cinnamon is the star spice in these cookies, providing warmth and a classic cinnamon roll flavor. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma and taste. Ceylon cinnamon is known for its delicate flavor, while Cassia cinnamon is bolder; either will work well.
For the Glaze:
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- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) forms the base of the sweet glaze. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand helps prevent lumps in the glaze.
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- Milk (3-4 tablespoons): Milk is used to thin the powdered sugar to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
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- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness that complements the cinnamon cookies.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
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- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set aside the dry ingredients.
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- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for soft cookies. Cream for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
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- Beat in Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully emulsified into the butter and sugar mixture.
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- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk in one addition, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. In other words: Dry, Milk, Dry.
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- Mix Until Just Combined: Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until the flour streaks just disappear. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
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- Form Dough into a Disc: Gently form the soft cookie dough into a disc, about 1-inch thick.
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- Wrap in Plastic Wrap: Wrap the dough disc tightly in plastic wrap.
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- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out and handle. While the dough chills, you can prepare the cinnamon filling and glaze ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Filling and Preheat Oven
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- Melt Butter for Filling: Melt the ¼ cup of unsalted butter for the cinnamon filling and set aside to cool slightly.
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- Combine Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Mix well and set aside.
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- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape the Cookies
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- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on the floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12×15 inches and about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep the rectangle as even in thickness as possible for even baking.
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- Brush with Melted Butter: Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
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- Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it lightly to help it adhere.
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- Roll Up Dough: Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log, like you would for cinnamon rolls. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
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- Slice into Cookies: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (for cleaner cuts), slice the dough log into cookies about ¾ to 1-inch thick. You should get about 18-24 cookies, depending on the thickness.
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- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sliced cookies, swirl-side up, onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
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- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
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- Cool on Baking Sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling slightly on the baking sheets helps them set up and prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Ensure the cookies are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (While Cookies Cool)
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- Whisk Glaze Ingredients: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
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- Add Milk Gradually: Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until smooth and glossy after each addition, until you reach your desired glaze consistency. You want a glaze that is pourable but not too thin. If the glaze becomes too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate the Cookies
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- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of each cookie. You can use a spoon, a fork, or a piping bag for a neater drizzle.
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- Decorate (Optional): If desired, garnish the glazed cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar while the glaze is still wet so the garnishes adhere.
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- Let Glaze Set: Let the glaze set and harden slightly before serving, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
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- Serve: Serve your delicious Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Glaze. They are wonderful enjoyed at room temperature.
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- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150-200
- Sugar: 10-15 grams
- Fat: 6-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 1-2 grams





