Alright, fellow busy moms! Let’s chat about something that brings pure joy to my kitchen: Cinnamon Roll Cookies! I remember the first time I made these. My youngest was going through a picky eating phase (sound familiar?), and I was desperate for a win. I wanted something that felt like a treat but packed a little more nutrition punch. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies were a total game-changer. The smiles on their faces? Priceless. Knowing I snuck in a little extra goodness? Sanity-saving! If you’re seeking simple nutrition wins in the nourishing chaos of family life, you’re in the right place. Let’s make some Cinnamon Roll Cookies magic together!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: (For a nutritious twist, try substituting 1 cup with whole wheat flour!)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: (Balances the sweetness!)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: (Adds a lovely molasses flavor!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: (Hello, warmth and spice!)
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)
Trust me, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. For a budget-friendly nutrition alternative, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the dough; they don’t even notice! No worries if you don’t have vanilla extract – I use a dash of almond extract for a different flavor profile in my Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze – because who has time for scrubbing?
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for the best texture in our Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
- Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a good old hand mixer works too!
- Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth dough.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
- Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Set aside. This mixture is what gives our Cinnamon Roll Cookies that signature cinnamon swirl.
- Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect! These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are all about rustic charm.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough. This is where the magic happens!
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Now we’re getting closer to those delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies!
- Slice into Cookies: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, really!), slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies should smell nourishing by now.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while these Cinnamon Roll Cookies cool!
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost and Enjoy!: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Don’t be shy! Time to share these amazing Cinnamon Roll Cookies with family.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cinnamon Roll Cookies – I always overbaked them! Learn from my experience: keep a close eye on them in the oven. While your Cinnamon Roll Cookies are baking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Cinnamon Roll Cookies usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, plus baking time.
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this nutritious Cinnamon Roll Cookies when I serve it with a glass of milk or alongside some fresh fruit. It’s a win-win! My husband enjoys them with his morning coffee. I sometimes crumble them over yogurt for a more decadent breakfast. This Cinnamon Roll Cookies is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
For presentation, I love to arrange these Cinnamon Roll Cookies on a pretty platter and dust them with a little extra cinnamon. They look so inviting! Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. They’re also delicious slightly warmed up in the microwave. I have even crumbled them into ice cream! I found cinnamon roll cookies with cream cheese frosting at Cinnamon roll cookies with cream cheese frosting. So good!
This recipe is also a hit with guests! Everyone always raves about how delicious and comforting these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are. For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar filling during the holidays. So festive! This nutritious Cinnamon Roll Cookies reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, our Cinnamon Roll Protein Crepes.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Cinnamon Roll Cookies really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! While they are a treat, you can make them more nutritious by using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, and adding flaxseed meal. Every little bit counts!
- What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Presentation is key! Cut them into fun shapes, let your child help with the frosting, and serve them with a favorite fruit. Sometimes, just being involved in the process can make them more willing to try new things. You can also try this Chewy Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies Recipe from chewy chocolate cinnamon cookies recipe!
- Can I meal prep this Cinnamon Roll Cookies for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature slightly before rolling it out. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
- Can I use a different type of flour?
Spelt flour or oat flour are good alternatives! They will change the texture slightly, but still result in delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
- What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a vanilla buttercream frosting. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!
- Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies vegan?
Yes, with a few substitutions! Use vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- How can I prevent the Cinnamon Roll Cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is properly softened (not melted) and chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven. Maybe these Chai Cinnamon Roll Cookies | Fresh Bean Bakery Chai Cinnamon Roll Cookies | Fresh Bean Bakery can help you find inspiration. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for our Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Final Thoughts:
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a way to bring joy and connection to your family while sneaking in a little extra nutrition. They support my family’s nutrition goals by allowing for a fun, customizable treat that can be made with healthier ingredients.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swapping some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients.
- Flaxseed Meal: A tablespoon of flaxseed meal adds omega-3 fatty acids and fiber without changing the flavor.
- Reduced Sugar: Slightly reducing the amount of sugar in both the dough and the filling can still result in a delicious cookie with less sweetness.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Cinnamon: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and healthy fats.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up the dough.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the flavor of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient, bite-sized cookie. Soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon spice, they’re perfect for a quick treat or a sweet addition to any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble Cookies: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Ice: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle Icing: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the dough. You can also add chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling for extra texture.