Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll cookies have always been my absolute favorite treat, bringing back memories of cozy mornings and happy kitchen smells. I remember my mom making a batch of these whenever we had a special occasion, and the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling our house was pure magic. They were always perfectly soft with that delightful chewy texture that just melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for a fantastic soft cinnamon rolls recipe that’s a bit different, you’ve found it! These homemade soft chewy cinnamon rolls combine all the best parts of a cinnamon roll with the simple joy of a cookie. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies are a game-changer for so many reasons! They deliver all the comforting, spiced flavor you adore from a classic cinnamon roll, but in a wonderfully easy-to-make cookie form. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. They’re a unique twist on a beloved classic that everyone will adore.

Incredible taste that perfectly captures the essence of cinnamon rolls.
Super quick prep time means you can satisfy your sweet tooth fast.
So easy to make, even if you’re new to baking!
A delightful twist on a beloved dessert that’s always a hit.
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, or just because.
Achieve that perfect chewy cinnamon rolls texture in every bite.
These are truly easy soft cinnamon rolls that won’t disappoint.

Ingredients for Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of cinnamon roll flavor and cookie texture. For that delightful chewiness, we’ll be using brown sugar, which adds moisture and a richer flavor than granulated sugar alone. The combination of butter, both softened for the filling and cooled for the dough, is crucial for texture. My personal favorite part is how this recipe ensures a wonderfully soft and pliable cinnamon roll dough soft and chewy consistency, making them a joy to bake!

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – for the cinnamon sugar filling
⅓ cup packed brown sugar – this is key for chewiness and that caramel note
1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps bind the cinnamon sugar mixture
2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – the star flavor, of course!
Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness
1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool – crucial for cookie structure
1⅓ cups granulated sugar – for classic cookie sweetness
1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
1 large egg – binds the dough
1 large egg yolk – adds richness and chewiness
2¾ cups all-purpose flour – the base of our cookies
¾ teaspoon baking powder – for a slight lift
1 teaspoon cornstarch – contributes to a tender crumb
¼ teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor

How to Make Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Making these delightful cookies is a straightforward process that guarantees a fantastic result. We’ll start by creating that irresistible cinnamon sugar swirl, then move on to the dough that will give us that perfect soft and chewy texture. Trust me, following these steps will ensure you know exactly how to make soft chewy cinnamon rolls in cookie form!

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling. In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together with a fork or spatula until it forms a paste-like consistency. Set this aside.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup softened but cool unsalted butter and 1⅓ cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy – this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This creaming step is one of the key cinnamon roll baking tips soft chewy that helps create a tender cookie.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients. Beat in the 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract, then add the 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and looks smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Step 5: Form the Dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough should be soft and pliable.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cinnamon Swirl. Gently fold the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture into the cookie dough. You want to see swirls of cinnamon throughout the dough, not a completely uniform color. This is what gives them that signature cinnamon roll look and taste.
Step 7: Chill the Dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps develop their texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and place them about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly and maintain their wonderfully soft texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Want to guarantee these cookies are perfectly soft and chewy every single time? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference!

Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; this is crucial for a tender texture.
Chilling the dough is non-negotiable! It helps prevent excessive spreading and concentrates the flavors.
Bake them just until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look a little soft – they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.

What’s the secret to perfectly soft and chewy cinnamon roll cookies?

The magic really lies in a few key steps. Properly creaming your butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy incorporates air, which is vital. Also, using an egg yolk in addition to the whole egg adds richness and moisture, contributing to that desirable chewiness. Finally, avoiding overbaking is essential to how to get soft chewy cinnamon rolls.

Can I make soft chewy cinnamon roll cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! The dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the scooped cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies will stay soft for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Learn more about proper food storage from the FDA.

How do I avoid common mistakes with soft chewy cinnamon roll cookies?

The biggest mistake is overbaking, which makes them hard instead of soft and chewy. Another common issue is dough spreading too much; chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking prevents this. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as old baking powder can affect the texture and cause them to spread too much. For more on baking powder, see this guide on baking powder.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but I love dressing them up a bit! For that authentic cinnamon roll experience, a simple glaze is fantastic. You can whip up a quick batch by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a little vanilla extract until you have a pourable consistency – perfect for drizzling over your glazed soft chewy cinnamon rolls. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. You could even add a dollop of cream cheese or a simple soft cinnamon roll frosting for an extra decadent touch!

Nutrition Facts for Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for these delightful cookies, per serving (which we’ve calculated as approximately 30g, or one cookie). These numbers give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Keeping these cookies perfectly soft and chewy after they’re baked is super simple! Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored this way on the countertop, they should stay wonderfully fresh and maintain their texture for about 3 to 4 days. I’ve found that if they start to feel a tiny bit firm, a quick reheat can bring back that lovely softness. Just pop 2-3 cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. This little trick is great for keeping cookies moist and tasting like they just came out of the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

What are soft chewy cinnamon roll cookies made of?

These cookies are essentially a cookie dough infused with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, mimicking the flavors and textures of a traditional cinnamon roll. Key ingredients include butter, sugar (both granulated and brown for chewiness), eggs, flour, leavening agents like baking powder, and plenty of cinnamon for that signature taste. The combination of ingredients and careful baking is what makes them so wonderfully soft and chewy.

Why are my cinnamon roll cookies not chewy?

Several things can lead to cookies that aren’t chewy. Overbaking is the most common culprit, as it dries them out. Make sure you’re pulling them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft. Using brown sugar and an extra egg yolk also contributes significantly to chewiness, so ensure you’re using them as specified. If you’re looking for the best cinnamon roll recipe soft chewy results, these are the key factors to consider! For more on achieving the perfect texture, consider reading about the science of chewy cookies.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies are very adaptable. You can fold in about half a cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, along with the cinnamon swirl mixture for added crunch. Chocolate chips are also a delicious addition. Just be mindful that adding extra ingredients might slightly alter the baking time, so keep an eye on them.

Are these cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! I designed this recipe to be incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The steps are clear, and there aren’t any complicated techniques involved. You’ll find that achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture is surprisingly easy with this recipe. For more beginner-friendly recipes, explore easy recipes.

Variations of Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for these irresistible cookies, why not have some fun with variations? They’re so adaptable, you can really personalize them to your taste. If you’re curious about a different take, think of this as a base for a really fun chewy cinnamon bun recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired!

Nutty Crunch: Fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon swirl mixture for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough along with the cinnamon swirl for a decadent twist. White chocolate chips are also fantastic here!
Spiced Up: For an extra warm flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture. A little goes a long way to enhance the spice profile.
Vegan Option: Easily make these vegan by using plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of the egg and egg yolk.

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