Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

For those who revel in the sweet embrace of cinnamon, the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This unique blend marries the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll with the crisp, sugary exterior of a snickerdoodle, all while maintaining the soft and chewy heart of a classic sugar cookie. Crafted with pantry staples, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and the ingenious method of incorporating a brown sugar-cinnamon swirl throughout the dough. It promises a baking experience filled with ease and enjoyment, ensuring that every baker can achieve perfection with these cookies. Dive into a world where cinnamon dreams come true, and discover the joy of baking cookies that embody the essence of comfort and taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Embarking on the journey of creating Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies begins with a simple yet crucial preparation phase. This recipe, celebrated for its straightforwardness, requires no specialized equipment, making it accessible to bakers of all levels. The key to success lies in the meticulous layering of the dough and the cinnamon sugar filling, a process that ensures every bite is infused with the rich, aromatic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar.

To start, gather basic kitchen tools: a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a hand or stand mixer, parchment paper, and baking sheets. The preparation involves two main components: the cinnamon sugar filling and the sugar cookie dough. Both elements are simple to make, using ingredients likely already in your kitchen.

The magic unfolds as you layer the dough and cinnamon mixture, a technique that might seem intricate but is surprisingly straightforward. This method not only distributes the cinnamon flavor evenly but also creates the signature swirls that make each cookie a piece of art. The final touch, a brief chill in the freezer, ensures the cookies maintain their shape, resulting in a perfect balance between crisp edges and soft centers.

Ingredients List

• Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and carries the cinnamon flavor.
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed: Provides sweetness and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture.
  • 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling, helping it to integrate into the dough.
  • 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these cookies their signature flavor.
  • Pinch salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch: The base of the cookie dough, providing flavor and structure.
  • 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the crisp exterior.
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
  • 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness.
  • 1 large egg yolk: Increases richness, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture.
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (see note): Forms the structure of the cookie.
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the dough, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps create a tender, thick cookie.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warm your oven to 350°F, positioning the racks towards the center. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

Combine all filling ingredients using a small rubber spatula or fork until they’re thoroughly mixed. Freeze this mixture for about 10 minutes as you start on the cookie dough.

Making the Cookies:

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, mixing until well combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt together. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Layering the Dough and Cinnamon Mixture

Remove half of the cookie dough and spread the rest across your mixing bowl’s bottom. Take the cinnamon mixture from the freezer. With two spoons, drop small dollops over the dough in the bowl. Then, layer the reserved dough over the cinnamon bits, pressing to even it out. Add the remaining cinnamon mixture on top for another flavor layer.

Folding and Scooping the Dough

Gently fold and mix the dough with a rubber spatula. Aim for a barely combined mixture, with some cinnamon chunks and some swirled into the dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the marbled look. Scoop the dough into two-tablespoon portions, ensuring each has a mix of dough and cinnamon.

Chilling and Baking

Chill the dough balls on a plate in the freezer for 10 minutes. This step firms up the butter, reducing spread during baking. Place the dough balls a few inches apart on your baking sheets. For thicker cookies, leave as is; for thinner cookies, flatten slightly. Bake in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should turn golden, with the centers remaining soft.

Final Touches

Reshape any misshapen cookies immediately after baking. Use the back of a spoon or a round object to press the edges inward. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets over wire racks until they firm up.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies not only delight the palate but also offer a sprinkle of health benefits, primarily through the spice that gives them their name: cinnamon. This aromatic spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making these cookies a slightly healthier indulgence. Each cookie, approximately 240 calories, provides a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it a satisfying treat.

While these cookies should be enjoyed in moderation, the use of real butter and eggs adds a touch of nutritional value, contributing to your daily intake of protein and healthy fats. The all-purpose flour, while not a significant source of nutrients, serves as the backbone of these cookies, ensuring a perfect texture.

It’s important to note that while these cookies offer the comfort and warmth of homemade baking, they are best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. For those looking to add a healthier twist, consider substituting part of the flour with whole wheat flour or using a sugar alternative to reduce the overall sugar content.

Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Creating the perfect batch of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is within reach if you sidestep a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:

• Overmixing the Dough: The key to the perfect texture lies in how you mix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the Chill Time: The brief freeze before baking is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain the marbled cinnamon effect.
• Uneven Cinnamon Distribution: Ensure each dough ball has a fair mix of dough and cinnamon filling. Uneven distribution can lead to pockets of intense cinnamon flavor or bland spots.
• Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. They might look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in hard cookies.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are vital, especially for the flour. Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for the best results.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the recipe closely, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

Tips, Notes, Storing And Reheating

To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies to the next level and ensure they stay delicious, consider these tips and storage advice:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and egg yolk are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
• Customize Your Cinnamon Level: Love cinnamon? Feel free to adjust the amount in the filling to suit your taste.
• Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will bring back that just-baked warmth and softness.
• Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough balls for later use. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Making Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. If the dough is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before proceeding.

These tips ensure your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are not only a delight to bake but also a joy to store and reheat, offering the perfect treat anytime.

FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated overnight. Just scoop the dough balls before chilling to make baking easier the next day.

How do I get perfectly round cookies? Use the back of a spoon or a round glass to gently shape the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven.

Can I add frosting? While not included in the original recipe, a drizzle of cream cheese frosting can add an extra layer of decadence to these cookies.

Why did my cookies spread too much? Too much spreading can result from not chilling the dough balls or using butter that’s too soft. Ensure you follow the chilling step and start with butter that’s softened but still cool to the touch.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies blend the best of cinnamon rolls, snickerdoodles, and sugar cookies. They offer soft centers, crisp edges, and a cinnamon sugar swirl. These cookies satisfy sweet cravings. Follow our tips and avoid common mistakes to bake perfect cookies. They look professional and taste heavenly. These cookies are ideal for any baker, adding sweetness and warmth to your home.

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