# Irresistibly Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: The Sweet Comfort You Deserve
## Introduction
Picture this: it's a chilly Sunday morning, the scent of cinnamon drifting through the house, and the warm glow of sunlight streaming through the kitchen window. Family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter as delicious treats are passed around. These are the moments I cherish, and they always remind me of my mom’s soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies. This recipe is not just about cookies; it’s about nostalgia and creating delicious memories that linger long after the last bite.
What makes these cookies so special? Unlike ordinary recipes that can yield dry, tasteless cookies, these soft and chewy delights are bursting with flavor and have a sublime texture that melts in your mouth. With a hint of cinnamon spice that warms your soul, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion or just a much-needed indulgence on a cozy night. You’ll learn how to create this scrumptious goodness from scratch, and trust me, your family will thank you.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies — because everyone deserves a little sweetness in their life!
## What Are Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies?
Originating from the love of both cookies and cinnamon rolls, these cookies encapsulate the best of both worlds. Think of the fluffy, warm texture of a classic cinnamon roll, wrapped in a delightful sugar cookie form. The flavor? Sweet, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying! Each bite offers a blissful combination of buttery richness and fragrant cinnamon that dance on your palate.
What makes these cookies unique is their soft, pillowy texture, thanks to a careful balance of ingredients. They’re perfect for cozy family gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up. What’s not to love? These cookies aren't just a snack – they're a gateway to happy memories and cherished moments.
## Why You'll Love This Recipe
1. **Flavor Explosion**: Unlike store-bought cookies that often lack personality, these soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies burst with rich, homemade flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).
2. **Budget-Friendly**: Why spend money on overpriced bakery treats when you can whip up a batch at home? This recipe is cost-effective and makes a generous yield, ensuring you have plenty to share (or not!).
3. **Endless Customization**: Add a drizzle of icing, mix in chocolate chips, or toss in some nuts — the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with flavors and make it your own.
4. **Easy to Make**: Even if you’re a novice baker, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. With a quick prep time and handy step-by-step instructions, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
5. **Warmth of Home**: Baking these cookies fills your home with an irresistible aroma that brings everyone into the kitchen, sharing laughter and stories as they wait for the delicious treats to cool.
## Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to create the ultimate batch of Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Here’s a breakdown for you:
- **4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened**: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better incorporation. Choose high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- **⅓ cup packed brown sugar**: This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to your cookies. Use dark brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor.
- **1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour**: This helps to thicken the filling mixture for that gooey center we all love.
- **2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon**: Don’t skimp on this! The cinnamon is key to that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- **Pinch of salt**: Enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
- **1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool**: Again, aim for quality butter here! It’s the base of our cookies, so treat it right.
- **1⅓ cups granulated sugar**: Instead of adding too much sweetness, this sugar balances well with the spices.
- **1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract**: Always opt for pure vanilla for that unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- **1 large egg & 1 large egg yolk**: The yolk enriches the dough, making it tender and rich.
- **2¾ cups all-purpose flour**: Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- **¾ teaspoon baking powder**: Helps achieve that soft rise.
- **1 teaspoon cornstarch**: This adds to the tenderness of the cookies.
- **¼ teaspoon salt**: Just a touch to elevate those sweet flavors.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let's get baking! You'll need:
1. **Prepare the Filling**:
- In a bowl, mix together **4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of packed brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons of flour, 2½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon**, and a **pinch of salt**. Set aside for later.
2. **Make the Cookie Dough**:
- In a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer), beat together **1 cup of unsalted butter** (cool but softened) and **1⅓ cups of granulated sugar** until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Mix in **1¾ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract**, **1 large egg**, and **1 large egg yolk** until well combined.
- Gradually add **2¾ cups of all-purpose flour**, **¾ teaspoon of baking powder**, **1 teaspoon of cornstarch**, and **¼ teaspoon of salt**. Mix until a dough forms.
3. **Combine**:
- Roll a generous portion of the cookie dough into small balls. Press your thumb in the center to create a small divot, fill it with the cinnamon filling, and roll the dough back up around it.
4. **Chill**:
- Chill the formed cookie balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
5. **Bake**:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while the centers remain floury.
6. **Cool**:
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Chef's Tips:
- **Visual Cues**: Look for lightly golden edges but soft centers. Trust your instinct — they continue to bake on the sheet after removing from the oven!
- **Common Mistakes**: Avoid over-mixing your dough after adding the flour to keep your cookies from becoming tough.
## Expert Tips & Tricks
To achieve the best batch of Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, consider these professional baking tips:
1. **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for the best mixing.
2. **Flour Measuring**: Measure your flour properly by spooning and leveling; don’t dip the measuring cup into the bag!
3. **Storage**: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months — just thaw before serving.
4. **Make-Ahead**: Prepare the dough and freeze the cookie balls. Bake them fresh whenever you're craving something sweet!
5. **Troubleshooting**: If your dough is crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
6. **Liven It Up**: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture.
## Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of cream cheese icing: simply mix together some cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a sweet touch. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in!
## Variations & Substitutions
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- **Chocolate Swirl**: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or incorporate cocoa powder for a chocolaty version.
- **Pumpkin Spice**: This seasonal adaptation can be achieved by replacing some of the flour with pumpkin puree and adding pumpkin spice.
- **Dairy-Free**: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and choose a plant-based egg replacement for a dairy-free version.
- **Nutty Delight**: Fold in your favorite nuts or swap in almond flour for a nutty flavor profile.
## Nutrition & Storage Info
- **Prep Time**: 30 minutes
- **Cook Time**: 12 minutes
- **Total Time**: 42 minutes
- **Yield**: About 24 cookies
- **Estimated Calories**: 120 calories per cookie
**Storage instructions**:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag; they can last up to three months!
## FAQ Section
1. **Can I make these cookies gluten-free?**
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. **Why are my cookies spreading too much?**
Make sure your dough is chilled before baking; this helps maintain their shape.
3. **Can I use margarine instead of butter?**
While you can, using real butter yields the best flavor and texture.
4. **What if I don’t have cornstarch?**
You can replace the cornstarch with the same amount of extra all-purpose flour, though the texture may vary slightly.
5. **How do I know when they’re done baking?**
Look for slightly golden edges with soft centers. They will firm up while cooling.
6. **Can I skip the chilling step?**
Chilling helps the cookies from spreading too much, so it’s recommended but if you're in a pinch, you can bake them right away.
7. **How can I make these cookies more festive?**
Add colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top before baking for a fun holiday twist!
8. **Can these cookies be made vegan?**
Yes! Use plant-based butter and an egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
9. **How do I prevent my cookies from drying out?**
Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
10. **Can I freeze the cookie dough?**
Absolutely! Just shape into balls and freeze before baking for fresh cookies any time!
## Conclusion
Soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies are not just baked goods; they are a heartwarming experience that connects us to our loved ones. With their irresistible aroma, delicious flavor, and pillowy texture, they are bound to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try your hand at this delightful recipe and share your thoughts! Don’t forget to explore my other favorite recipes for more baking inspiration. Happy baking, my friends!
Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the delightful texture of sugar cookies, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better incorporation.
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar Use dark brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor.
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour This helps to thicken the filling mixture for that gooey center.
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon The cinnamon is key to that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Pinch salt Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool Aim for quality butter here for the best flavor.
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar This sugar balances well with the spices.
- 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract Always opt for pure vanilla for that unmistakable aroma.
- 1 large egg Enriches the dough.
- 1 large egg yolk Adds tenderness to the cookies.
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for measurement accuracy.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder Helps achieve that soft rise.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch Adds to the tenderness of the cookies.
- ¼ teaspoon salt Elevates the sweet flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the filling ingredients: 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of packed brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons of flour, 2½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1⅓ cups of granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in 1¾ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 1 large egg yolk until well combined.
- Gradually add in 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Assembly
- Roll a generous portion of the cookie dough into small balls. Press your thumb in the center to create a small divot, fill it with the cinnamon filling, and roll the dough back up around it.
Chilling and Baking
- Chill the formed cookie balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chilled cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges but the centers remain floury.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. For added flavor, you can drizzle cream cheese icing over the cooled cookies.