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Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Roll Cookies - recipe card

Inspired by the beloved cinnamon roll, these soft sugar cookies are brushed with buttery cinnamon sugar and rolled into pinwheels. Finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze, each bite is nostalgic, buttery, and full of warm spice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting work surface)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • For the glaze: 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tbsp whole milk

Instructions

  1. Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients: in a medium bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to distribute the leavening and salt evenly; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating on low until just combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape again; the mixture should look smooth and glossy, with no separate streaks of egg.
  4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use the extra tablespoon of flour) and shape into a disk. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up; this step prevents sticking during rolling.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. After chilling, roll the dough out on the floured surface to a rectangle approximately 10×14 inches and about 1/4-inch thick. Use a ruler’s edge to keep the shape even, and dust with flour as needed so the dough doesn’t stick.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir into a thick paste-like mixture. Spread this filling evenly over the rolled dough with an offset spatula, leaving a 1/2-inch border on the long edges to help the roll seal.
  8. Starting from a long side, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, using your fingertips to keep it even. Tuck the seam underneath and lightly press to seal.
  9. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into rounds about 1/2-inch thick, wiping the knife between cuts for clean lines. If the dough softens or tears, chill the log for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden—the cookies will look slightly puffed and soft in the center.
  11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  12. For the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add another teaspoon of milk; if too thin, add a little more sugar.
  13. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. For a classic look, use a piping bag or spoon, letting it gently flow over the top. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze unglazed cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months. Reheat by letting them come to room temperature, then warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4-5 minutes to revive the texture. The glaze is best added fresh after freezing.

Nutrition

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