Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll: Easy 15 Min Prep

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Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll sugar cookies are my absolute obsession! They’re like a hug in cookie form, combining all the cozy, craveable flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the simple joy of a sugar cookie. I remember the first time I tried making them – the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of cinnamon and butter, promising pure deliciousness. These cookies have that perfect balance of a soft, yielding bite and a delightful chew, making them an instant hit. If you’re looking for an easy soft chewy cinnamon roll recipe that delivers pure comfort, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

These aren’t just cookies; they’re a little piece of happiness! Here’s why you’ll be making batch after batch:

• Incredible Flavor: They capture that classic cinnamon swirl taste you adore.
• Speedy Prep: Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making them affordable.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will rave about these treats.
• Perfect Texture: You’ll achieve that sought-after chewy cinnamon bun recipe outcome.
• Guaranteed Success: They bake up wonderfully, delivering moist and tender cinnamon rolls every time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a midday pick-me-up.

Ingredients for Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – this forms the base of our cinnamon sugar swirl
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar – adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness to the swirl
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps bind the cinnamon sugar mixture
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – the star flavor of our cinnamon rolls!
• Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool – crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture and preventing spreading
• 1⅓ cups granulated sugar – provides sweetness and structure
• 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
• 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk – add richness and help bind the dough, contributing to that gooey cinnamon roll dough feel
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour – the main structure of the cookie
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder – helps the cookies rise slightly
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – a secret for extra tenderness and a softer bite
• ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the overall flavor

How to Make Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process that yields amazing results. Follow these steps for a truly special treat:

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, with the ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients together until they form a crumbly, paste-like consistency. This flavorful mixture is what gives our cookies that signature cinnamon roll swirl.
2. Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool, and 1⅓ cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract, then add the 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until a soft dough just begins to form.
3. Step 3: Combine and Chill. Gently fold the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture into the cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want to see distinct swirls of cinnamon goodness throughout the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and is a crucial part of how to make chewy cinnamon rolls.
4. Step 4: Shape and Bake. 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 onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. You’ll notice the dough is firm but still pliable.
5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake; this is essential for achieving that wonderfully soft and chewy texture. Taking them out at this stage ensures you are truly baking perfect chewy cinnamon rolls. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Best Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

Want to elevate your cinnamon roll cookies? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee success:

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helps achieve that perfect visual swirl.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Too much flour will result in dry cookies, not the soft, chewy texture we’re after. For more on baking science, check out resources on ingredient properties.
• Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking is the enemy of soft cookies! Bake just until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little underdone, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.
• Cooling is Key: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What’s the secret to perfect soft cinnamon rolls?

The magic really lies in the ingredients and technique. Using a combination of butter and granulated sugar for creaming, plus the cornstarch, contributes to that tender crumb. Understanding what makes cinnamon rolls chewy often comes down to not overworking the dough and precise baking times. For more on achieving the perfect texture, you can explore the science of baking cookies.

Can I make Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop the flavors even more. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready. For more information on make-ahead baking, see our contact us page for tips.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll?

The most common pitfalls are overmixing the dough and overbaking the cookies. Overmixing develops gluten, making them tough. Overbaking dries them out, ruining that desirable soft texture. Always err on the side of underbaking slightly for that perfect chew.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

These delightful cookies are so versatile! For a truly indulgent breakfast treat, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They’re also fantastic as a dessert after any meal. Imagine serving these alongside a dollop of whipped cream or, for an extra special touch, a simple drizzle inspired by a cinnamon roll recipe with cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for brunch gatherings or simply enjoying with a good book on a lazy afternoon. You can find more serving suggestions on our about me page.

Nutrition Facts for Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

When you bake up this delightful treat, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per cookie (approximately 30g):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more details on our policies, please refer to our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

Once your delicious soft chewy cinnamon roll cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to ensuring they stay soft and delightful. I like to let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way. Then, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This helps in maintaining softness and preventing them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Wrap them securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple!

To reheat, you can pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until warmed through, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a gentle warming, a few minutes on low heat on the stovetop also works wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll

What is the best way to prepare soft cinnamon roll dough?

The key to perfect soft cinnamon roll dough preparation involves using softened, cool butter and chilling the dough before baking. This prevents excessive spreading and helps create those lovely swirls. Ensure your ingredients are at the right temperature for the best texture.

How do I ensure my cinnamon rolls are soft and chewy?

For that signature soft and chewy texture, avoid overbaking at all costs! Follow the cinnamon roll baking tips soft, which usually means baking until the edges are just lightly golden. The residual heat will continue to cook the center as they cool, ensuring a tender bite every time.

Can I add anything to the cinnamon sugar swirl?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Some people even add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread excessively, it’s usually due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled sufficiently. Next time, make sure your butter is cool to the touch, and chill the dough for at least the recommended 30 minutes, or even a bit longer.

Variations of Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, why not get a little creative? These variations add exciting twists to your favorite cookies:

• Buttery Pecan Swirls: For a richer flavor and delightful crunch, add about half a cup of finely chopped pecans to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This creates wonderfully buttery soft cinnamon rolls with an extra layer of texture.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Easily adapt this recipe by using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum. This makes for a fantastic no-fail chewy cinnamon roll recipe that everyone can enjoy.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Scoop smaller portions of dough (about a teaspoon) for bite-sized treats. They bake up a bit faster, making them perfect for little hands or a quick sweet fix.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the tops. This adds a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon spice.

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