There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon buns. Now, imagine bringing that cozy flavor into a cookie form! These Cinnamon Bun Cookies are delightfully soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and that beloved swirl of cinnamon sugar. With a buttery base and a sweet glaze drizzled generously on top, each bite feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re curled up with a good book or hosting friends for a snack, these cookies are sure to elevate the moment. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Bun Cookies (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
Why do these Cinnamon Bun Cookies stand out? They’re the perfect blend of buttery richness and aromatic spices, all in a simple cookie form. This recipe brings together comforting, cozy flavors that are reminiscent of your favorite bakery treats, minus the hassle. They’re great for any time of the year but are especially lovely in the fall and winter months when all you want to do is bake something delicious and warm.
Here are some benefits you’ll love about these cookies:
- Quick and Easy: Whip them up in about 30 minutes, perfect for those sudden cravings!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy a cookie that’s satisfying to bite into, just like a fresh cinnamon roll.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are staples you probably have on hand.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Bake a batch in advance and store for treats throughout the week!
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or just because!
- Versatile: Customize with toppings or variations if you like.
- Dietary Notes: Simple ingredients with flexibility for dietary swaps; how fun is that?
Ingredient Breakdown for Cinnamon Bun Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cookies to create a lovely chewy texture.
- Baking Soda – Helps them rise and get that perfect puffiness we all love.
- Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda for a cozy, soft center.
- Salt – Balances sweetness, enhancing all those lovely flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Brown Sugar – Gives a deep sweetness and helps keep the cookies soft.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a nice texture.
- Egg – Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – Provides that lovely, warm aroma.
- Ground Cinnamon – The star here, giving that classic cinnamon roll flavor!
- Powdered Sugar (for glaze) – Sweetens and adds a beautiful, creamy topping.
- Milk (for glaze) – Creates a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below!
How to Make Cinnamon Bun Cookies
Phase 1 – Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick and can be easily removed.
- In a bowl, mix your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add in the dry mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden, the centers will continue to bake after removing them from the oven!
Phase 3 – Serve
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cookies.
- Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Bun Cookies warm, or store them for later!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Butter Temperature: Use softened butter, but not melted. It should be soft enough to make a dent when pressed.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 20-30 minutes before baking for better shape.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.
- Adjust Cinnamon: Feel free to add more cinnamon if you’re a true cinnamon lover!
- Substitutions: Swap half of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: It’s tempting, but overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for softness.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour down. Use a spoon to aerate and then spoon it into your measuring cup.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies! They might look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of nutmeg for a little spice.
- Herbal Twist: Incorporate a dash of cardamom for an aromatic flair.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Cookies
- Best Pairings: These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Top with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or a sprinkle of more cinnamon for added festiveness.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying them again.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butter?
Using frozen butter isn’t recommended. It’s best to have it softened at room temperature.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
The addition of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk provides a creamy texture without using cream!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double each ingredient, and make sure to use two baking sheets if needed.
How to fix a too-thick dough?
If your dough is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
You won’t regret trying these Cinnamon Bun Cookies! They’re a perfect sweet treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of cookies. Happy baking! Don’t forget to leave a comment or rate the recipe if you like it, and check out more cookie recipes on our blog!
Cinnamon Bun Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the base of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Works with baking soda for a soft center.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use softened but not melted.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Adds deep sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Provides sweetness and texture.
- 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds warmth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon Provides the classic flavor.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens and adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons Milk Creates a drizzle-able consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Baking
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Serving
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cookies.
- Enjoy warm or store for later!