Soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies combine the best features of two beloved treats into one delightful dessert. These cookies boast a meltingly tender texture, rich cinnamon flavor, and a sweet glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises mouthwatering results.
Why We Love This Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
There’s something undeniably comforting about cinnamon rolls, and this cookie version captures that essence perfectly. The soft and chewy texture makes each bite feel like a warm hug, while the sweet cinnamon blend brings a delightful warmth to the taste. You’ll enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, reminding you of cozy mornings or family gatherings. They are versatile too! You can serve them as a fun addition to breakfast, an after-school snack, or a charming dessert at any gathering. The combination of flavors and textures gives these cookies a unique appeal, and they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glazing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glazing)
- Optional: extra cinnamon for sprinkling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with some additional granulated sugar. Take about a tablespoon of cookie dough, roll it into a ball, and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
- If you prefer, sprinkle a bit of additional cinnamon on top of the glaze for an extra touch.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Serving these soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies is a delightful experience that can elevate any occasion. Start by letting the cookies cool completely on a wire rack after baking. Once cool, place them on a decorative plate or a tiered dessert stand to showcase their inviting appearance. You can enjoy them as is, but for a special touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This pairing enhances the cookies’ flavors and adds an inviting creaminess that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
Consider hosting a cozy gathering with a beverage bar where guests can choose their favorite drinks to pair with the cookies. Brewed coffee or hot chocolate acts as a warm backdrop that makes every bite feel festive. For a fun twist, hold a cookie decorating activity where guests can add their favorite toppings or drizzle different types of glaze. Serve these cookies warm for that fresh-from-the-oven experience, or stash a few in the microwave for a few seconds to recreate the magic.
Expert Tips for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
To ensure that your soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips. First, measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to a dry and crumbly cookie, while too little can result in overly soft ones. Use the spoon-and-level method by scooping flour into a measuring cup with a spoon and leveling it off with a knife for precision.
When creaming the butter and sugars, beat them together until they reach a light and fluffy consistency, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air into the dough, offering lighter cookies. Also, be sure to chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavors.
Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Cookies may look slightly underbaked in the middle when you remove them from the oven; that’s okay! They’ll continue to set as they cool. If you want them to have extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a dash of nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist.
How to Store Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Storing your soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies properly will help maintain their deliciousness for days. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack after baking. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking if you have multiple layers. These cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for about 4-5 days.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Variations of Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
There are numerous ways to switch up soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies to suit your taste or the time of year. For a delightful twist, try adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the dough. This addition adds warmth and depth, making your cookies feel even more special.
Another fun variation is to incorporate chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks. These sweet morsels complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully and add a rich taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding finely chopped apples or raisins to the dough for a fruitier cookie.
For different textures, consider rolling the dough balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles instead of cinnamon-sugar before baking. This approach creates a delightful crunch and makes the cookies colorful and festive for events or holidays. Lastly, don’t forget about glazing. You can infuse your glaze with flavors like almond extract or citrus zest for an exciting twist that will surprise and delight anyone who bites into your cookies.
FAQ about Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
When making soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies, you may have some questions. One common query is about achieving that perfect soft texture. The key is in the measurements, mixing, and baking time. Make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, and always take the cookies out when they are slightly underbaked.
Another frequent question is about the storage of these cookies. As mentioned earlier, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days or frozen for several months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to keep them soft.
You may also wonder how to know when the cookies are done baking. Look for the edges to turn lightly golden, and keep in mind that the centers will look a bit soft. Lastly, you might ask if you can make these cookies gluten-free. Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to achieve a similar texture.
Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For rolling dough
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar For glazing
- 2 tablespoons milk For glazing
Optional Toppings
- extra cinnamon For sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with some additional granulated sugar. Roll about a tablespoon of cookie dough into a ball, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle a bit of additional cinnamon on top of the glaze if desired.
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