Hey there, cookie aficionados and baking enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a scrumptious baking adventure, a divine twist on a breakfast classic - we're talking about weaving the cozy, aromatic bliss of cinnamon rolls into the crisp, delightful form of cookies. Imagine your kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon and baked goods - it's the kind of aroma that feels like a cozy embrace. Well, that's exactly what we're aiming for with these Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Perfect for sharing (or not), these cookies are sure to impress with both their looks and taste. Let's get rolling (pun intended)!
These little beauties are all about combining the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the convenience and crunch of cookies. They come together with ingredients you likely have lying around, which means no special trips to the grocery store. Whether you're cozying up for a movie night, looking for the perfect partner for your afternoon coffee, or simply want to bake something special, these cookies are your ticket to a good time. Now, let's break it down into easy, bite-sized steps.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp. maple extract
- 1-2 tbsp. warm water
Instructions
Cookie Base: In a stand mixer (or with a good ol' hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Pop in the egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until just incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mix until a dough forms. Tip: Don’t overmix, we're not after a workout!
Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Shape it into a 5-inch square, then cover it with another parchment sheet. Roll it out into a 14-by-10-inch rectangle, and slide it into the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Filling Fun: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour melted butter over and stir until it's all gooey and combined.
Once your dough's chilled, spread the filling evenly over it, pushing it to the corners. Then, roll it up tight, starting from the long side, peeling away the parchment as you go. Wrap this log of delicious in plastic and chill in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight if you're a plan-ahead kind of baker.
Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut your cookie dough log into 1/2-inch slices and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes till they're just golden. Let them cool before glazing.
Gorgeous Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, melted butter, and maple extract. Add warm water till it's just the right drizzly consistency. Spoon or pipe this glaze over your cooled cookies. Let it set, then dive in.
And there you have it, folks – Cinnamon Roll Cookies that marry the best of both worlds. They're like little swirls of heaven that promise to make your day just a bit sweeter. Enjoy baking, and more importantly, enjoy munching!