Welcome to your new favorite cookie recipe! If you love the comforting aroma of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked treat, Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are here to delight your taste buds. These cookies are buttery, sweet, and packed with a delightful cinnamon swirl, making them perfect for dessert or a cozy snack with coffee or tea. Not only do they fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent as they bake, but they also offer a perfect balance of flavors with a sweet, buttery base complemented by a warm cinnamon filling.
Imagine biting into these cookies—each one boasting a rich buttery flavor paired with delicate swirls of cinnamon sugar that melt in your mouth. The Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or weekend baking sessions with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
These Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a culinary hug filled with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up whenever you need a sweet snack.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie dough and cinnamon filling creates a nostalgic flavor that resonates with many.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal time required for preparation and baking, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies in no time.
- Perfect for Holidays: These cookies are ideal for holiday parties or as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into baking these delicious cookies, it’s essential to get your kitchen ready for the process. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools to streamline your cooking experience. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a medium bowl, a whisk, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Next, ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you begin mixing your dough. This preheating step guarantees that your cookies bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden hue. Having your workspace clean and organized allows for a smooth workflow and enjoyable cooking experience. Once you have everything laid out, you can focus on creating the perfect batch of Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies.
Ingredients
To make these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well and set them aside as you focus on mastering the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, take your softened unsalted butter and the granulated sugar, then start creaming them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which will contribute to the cookies’ texture. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is fully combined and smooth. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies turn out moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Once the dough is formed, it’s ready for some exciting additions.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Flour your working surface lightly and roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness is important for achieving the perfect balance between soft dough and a noticeable swirl. Once rolled out, brush the surface of the dough with melted butter. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Form the Spirals
Now comes the fun part! Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log shape. This step is crucial for creating those eye-catching spirals in each cookie. Once rolled, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You can use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Place these slices onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
It’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a lovely shade of golden brown. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This time helps them set before you transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Variations
To make these cookies even more delightful, consider these tasty variations:
- Protein: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
- Vegetables: Mix in grated apple or zucchini for a surprising twist.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon, giving a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t skip the chilling step! If your dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier.
- For evenly filled cookies, spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture carefully across the dough before rolling.
- Ensure you roll the dough tightly so you don’t lose the beautiful cinnamon swirl when you bake them.
- Always keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Serve them on a decorative plate during holiday parties to impress your guests.
Tips
- Experiment by using brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor.
- These cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container to enjoy later.
- Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness.
- Feel free to incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the dough for extra flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 60mg
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may affect the texture slightly.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, add a small amount of flour gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
These Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are not just delicious; they are a source of comfort, nostalgia, and joy. Perfect for any occasion, they will bring warmth to your home and smiles to your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to make them a part of your holiday traditions, or simply whip them up whenever you crave something sweet. We encourage you to share your experiences, variations, and any tips you discover while making these delightful cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are buttery, sweet, and packed with a delightful cinnamon swirl, making them perfect for dessert or a cozy snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over it.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to another, slice into 1/2-inch rounds, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool on a rack.
Notes
These cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container to enjoy later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Protein: 1.5 g