Have you ever dreamt of the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls but wished for the delightful texture of a soft sugar cookie? Imagine sinking your teeth into a pillowy cookie, bursting with cinnamon-sugar swirls and generously topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then you absolutely must try these Pioneer Woman inspired cinnamon roll cookies!
soft cinnamon roll cookies
These aren’t just any cookies; they are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, bringing together the best of both worlds. Think of them as the happy marriage between a fluffy, chewy sugar cookie and the irresistible gooeyness of a classic cinnamon roll. The result? A truly unique and utterly addictive cookie experience that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a cold glass of milk.
My journey to create the perfect cinnamon roll cookie was sparked by a craving for that warm, cinnamon-y goodness, combined with the ease and fun of baking cookies. Like many home bakers, I’ve been inspired by the wonderful recipes from the Pioneer Woman, and her approach to hearty, comforting food resonated with what I wanted to achieve with these cookies. While this isn’t exactly her recipe, it captures that same spirit of deliciousness and approachability.
soft cinnamon roll cookies
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the sheer joy they bring. They are surprisingly easy to make, transforming your kitchen into a fragrant haven filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
But let’s be honest, getting that perfect soft and chewy texture with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar gooeyness takes a little bit of know-how. The secret ingredient? Cold. Seriously, keeping everything cold is the golden rule for achieving cinnamon roll cookie perfection!
soft cinnamon roll cookies
Let’s dive into the tips and tricks to make these amazing Pioneer Woman inspired cinnamon roll cookies that will impress your family and friends (or just yourself – because, let’s be real, you deserve a treat!).
Key to Success: Embrace the Chill for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
The most crucial step in making these cookies is keeping the dough cold throughout the process. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the secret weapon to achieving that soft, chewy texture and preventing your cookies from spreading into flat discs. Think of “cold” as your baking mantra for this recipe!
Here’s why keeping the dough cold is so important and how to ensure success:
-
Chill Time is Essential: Don’t even think about skipping the chilling time! The dough must be refrigerated for at least an hour, but ideally overnight. This allows the butter and shortening to solidify, which prevents excessive spreading in the oven and develops a more flavorful dough. Trying to rush this step will result in a sticky, unmanageable mess.
-
Slightly Frozen Log for Neat Swirls: After rolling the dough and creating the cinnamon-sugar log, a brief stint in the freezer is your best friend. Freezing the log for about 30 minutes firms it up beautifully. This makes slicing the cookies much easier and ensures those gorgeous cinnamon swirls stay defined and picture-perfect, just like you see in bakery windows.
-
Cold Cookies Go into the Oven: Yes, even the cut cookies need to be cold when they hit the oven. If they warm up too much, they will spread, lose their shape, and become flat and potentially tough. If you’re making a large batch, work in stages, keeping the dough and cut cookies chilled until they are ready to bake.
soft cinnamon roll cookies
By adhering to the “keep it cold” principle, you’re setting yourself up for cinnamon roll cookie success. Trust me, this little bit of extra attention to temperature makes all the difference in creating truly exceptional cookies.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pioneer Woman Inspired Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ready to bake these delightful treats? Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through each step:
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Cream the Base: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, butter-flavored shortening, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
-
Wet Ingredients In: Beat in the egg, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Dry Ingredients Unite: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Chill Out: Place the dough in a plastic bag, flatten it slightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This step is crucial!
-
Cinnamon Swirl Prep: While the dough chills, prepare the cinnamon mixture. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate small bowl.
-
Roll and Swirl (Quickly!): Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, lightly flour a clean work surface with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Generously dust your hands and rolling pin with the flour-sugar mixture as well. Roll the cold dough into a 12×9 inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Work quickly as the dough will become sticky as it warms.
-
Cinnamon Layer: Brush the entire surface of the dough rectangle with the melted butter. Immediately sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it lightly to adhere.
-
Roll into a Log: Starting from a long side, gently but quickly roll the dough into a tight log. Keep your hands floured and add more flour mixture to your work surface if needed to prevent sticking.
-
Freeze Briefly: Wrap the cinnamon roll log tightly in plastic wrap and place it on a baking sheet or tray. Freeze for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to slice without squishing.
-
Slice and Press: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the log into 1-inch thick cookies. Discard the uneven ends. Gently press each cookie roll to tighten it and seal the seam by pressing the end into the dough. This prevents unraveling during baking.
-
Bake Cold Cookies: Place the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Ensure the cookies are still cold when they go into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and lightly golden around the edges. They should be slightly underdone for a soft texture. If baking in batches, keep the remaining dough and unbaked cookies chilled in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
-
Cool and Glaze: Let the baked cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Cream Cheese Dream Glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Glaze Generously: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously brush or drizzle them with the cream cheese glaze, allowing it to melt down into the cinnamon swirls. Let the glaze set slightly before serving or storing.
-
Store Properly: Store the glazed cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
soft cinnamon roll cookies
Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Perfection
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Work Quickly with Cold Dough: The dough will become sticky as it warms up, making it harder to handle. Work efficiently, especially when rolling and slicing.
- Test Bake a Couple: If you’re new to this recipe, it’s a great idea to bake just one or two cookies first as a test batch to ensure your oven temperature and baking time are perfect.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or frozen for longer storage. This makes these cookies perfect for prepping in advance for holidays or gatherings.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest Glaze: For a tangy twist, add lemon zest to the cream cheese glaze.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple extract for a delicious maple cream cheese frosting.
- Sprinkles for Fun: Add festive sprinkles to the glaze for a holiday touch, especially around Christmas!
- Warm Cookies with Coffee: Serve these cookies warm with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Dessert Platter Star: These cookies make a beautiful addition to any dessert platter, especially during the holiday season.
Conclusion: Bake Up Some Cinnamon Roll Cookie Magic!
These Pioneer Woman inspired cinnamon roll cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. They bring the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into a fun, easy-to-bake cookie format that everyone will love. With their soft, chewy texture, gooey cinnamon swirls, and luscious cream cheese glaze, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, embrace the chill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delightful and impressive treat. Happy baking!
