Cinnadoodles

Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are a delightful fusion that brings together the best of two beloved dessert worlds: the comforting warmth of a classic cinnamon roll and the signature chewiness of a snickerdoodle cookie. These exquisite snickerdoodle cookies with frosting take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey, offering a unique twist on a traditional snickerdoodle recipe that any cinnamon roll aficionado will instantly adore. Imagine biting into a soft, tender cookie generously coated in cinnamon sugar, topped with a luscious swirl of sweet vanilla frosting – it’s a dream come true for dessert lovers!

snickerdoodles with a vanilla swirl on top

Crafting this incredible cinnamon roll cookie recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. The beauty lies in its simplicity, requiring ingredients you likely already have on hand in your pantry. Each bite of these snickerdoodle cinnamon roll cookies promises a perfect harmony of soft, chewy texture and rich, comforting flavor. They elevate your favorite cinnamon sugar cookie to an entirely new level of indulgence, transforming a simple treat into an extraordinary experience.

Indulge in Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cinnamon-infused snickerdoodles offer a fresh, exciting take on a timeless cookie classic. While a traditional snickerdoodle is undeniably delicious on its own, the addition of a smooth, creamy vanilla swirl on top transforms these cookies into something truly spectacular. The delicate sweetness of the powdered sugar frosting perfectly complements the bold, spicy notes of cinnamon within the cookie, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile. Beyond their exquisite taste, these cookies boast an incredibly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget the enchanting aroma that will fill your home as they bake – it’s absolutely heavenly. Don’t wait; give these amazing cookies a try today and discover a new favorite treat that will impress everyone!

bite out of a cinnamon roll snickerdoodle

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles is easier than you think with a few simple techniques and essential kitchen tools. These tips will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and beautifully consistent every time.

  • **Essential Baking Supplies:** Three key kitchen items significantly streamline the cookie-making process. I rely on these tools for nearly every cookie recipe, making them incredibly versatile additions to your kitchen arsenal.
  • **Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend:** First, always line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These are often sold in convenient sizes that fit standard 12×16 cookie sheets perfectly. Parchment paper ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan, and it makes cleanup a breeze – no more messy oil sprays or scrubbing! It also promotes uniform heat distribution, contributing to that desirable soft and chewy texture.
  • **The Power of a Stand Mixer:** The second indispensable item is a KitchenAid mixer. While I also own a Bosch, my KitchenAid is my go-to for cookies. The flat beater attachment, which comes with every mixer, is perfect for creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and airy base for your cookie dough. For the frosting, the wire whisk attachment whips up the ingredients super fast, yielding a perfectly smooth and fluffy vanilla swirl. Investing in a stand mixer is a game-changer for any passionate baker.
  • **Achieve Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop:** Thirdly, a cookie scoop is an absolute must-have. For years, I struggled with two spoons, resulting in irregularly shaped cookies of varying sizes. Then a friend introduced me to the magic of a cookie scoop! It guarantees consistently sized cookies, which not only makes for a more professional presentation but also ensures even baking throughout the batch. Cookie scoops typically come in three sizes: 1/2 tablespoon, 1.5 tablespoon, and 3 tablespoon. For these Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles, I recommend the middle size (1.5 tablespoon) for a satisfyingly generous cookie. When baking for larger gatherings, the smaller scoop can be ideal, as people often appreciate a bite-sized treat, especially alongside other desserts.
  • **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother batter and a better texture in your final cookies.
  • **Don’t Overmix:** Once you add the flour, mix the dough only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough instead of tender cookies.
  • **Proper Cooling is Key:** While it’s tempting to move hot cookies immediately, letting them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes allows them to firm up slightly before transferring to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking and helps maintain their perfect shape.
cinnamon roll snickerdoodles

Key Ingredients for Delectable Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the signature flavor and texture of these amazing cookies. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Butter: You’ll need 1/2 cup of softened butter. Butter provides a rich, classic flavor and contributes significantly to the cookie’s tenderness and moistness. Ensure it’s truly softened, not melted, for optimal creaming.

Shortening: To achieve that wonderfully tender and slightly crispy edge that’s characteristic of the best snickerdoodles, incorporate 1/2 cup of shortening. I often use butter-flavored Crisco for an extra depth of flavor, but any shortening will work to give the cookies a beautiful texture and prevent them from spreading too much.

Sugar: A generous 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps to create a crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft and chewy. Sugar also interacts with other ingredients to promote proper spreading and browning.

Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent, holding the cookie dough together and providing essential moisture. Eggs also contribute to the richness and structure, giving the cookies a wonderful, slightly cakey texture.

Vanilla extract: One tablespoon of vanilla extract is vital for enhancing all the complex flavors in this recipe. Its warm, aromatic notes elevate the cinnamon and sugar, adding depth and a comforting sweetness to every bite.

Flour: The structural foundation of these cookies comes from 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour. It provides the necessary bulk and consistency for the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Cream of tartar: A signature ingredient in snickerdoodles, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar work with baking soda to create the distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture that defines this cookie. It also helps prevent sugar from crystallizing, contributing to the cookie’s soft crumb.

Baking soda: Alongside cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise and become light and airy as they bake. This combination is essential for the classic snickerdoodle rise and texture.

vanilla swirled icing on a snickerdoodle

Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is crucial for balancing all the sweet and spicy flavors in these cookies. It enhances the overall taste profile and prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet.

Cinnamon & sugar mixture: The iconic snickerdoodle coating requires 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This fragrant blend provides the essential cinnamon flavor and signature sparkly finish that makes these cookies so special.

Vanilla Swirl Frosting Ingredients

The crowning glory of these Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles is the sweet, creamy vanilla swirl. Here’s what you need to make this delightful topping:

Butter: To give the frosting a rich, smooth flavor and luxurious texture, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Ensure it’s cooled slightly before mixing to avoid melting the powdered sugar.

Powdered sugar: For a wonderfully sweet and smooth frosting without any grittiness, use 2/3 cup of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar). This finely milled sugar dissolves beautifully, creating a silky glaze.

Milk: Just 1-2 tablespoons of milk are needed to achieve the perfect consistency for this swirl frosting. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more drop by drop until you reach a pipeable, yet not too runny, glaze.

Vanilla extract: A full 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is essential to infuse this cookie frosting with a warm, inviting flavor that complements the cinnamon cookies perfectly. It truly ties the “cinnamon roll” aspect together.

how to make cinnamon roll snickerdoodles

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create a batch of these irresistible cinnamon roll snickerdoodles:

Preparation Phase

Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets. Line them with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Set the prepared baking sheets aside.

Next, in a small, shallow bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating. Stir these two fragrant ingredients together thoroughly until well blended. This mixture will give your cookies their iconic snickerdoodle sparkle and flavor. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Crafting the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, preferably using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

cinnamon roll snickerdoodles on a cooling rack

Using a cookie scoop (I recommend a 1.5 tablespoon size for this recipe), scoop rounded portions of dough and gently roll them into smooth balls. Take each dough ball and roll it thoroughly in the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides. You can also spoon the mixture over each cookie, turning once to coat both sides evenly. This coating is what gives snickerdoodles their signature taste and texture.

Place the coated cookie dough balls approximately 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows them to spread without merging during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated 400°F oven. Bake the cookies for precisely 8 minutes. This short, hot bake time helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior wonderfully soft and chewy. Do not overbake!

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for an additional 2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After 2 minutes, gently transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are your favorite snickerdoodle cookies with the addition of a sweet vanilla frosting swirl on top!
Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are your favorite snickerdoodle cookies with the addition of a sweet vanilla frosting swirl on top!

The Luscious Vanilla Swirl Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the vanilla swirl frosting. In a small bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled melted butter, powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more slowly if needed), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be thick enough to pipe but still flow smoothly.

Allow the frosting to cool for about 5 minutes, giving it a chance to thicken slightly. Then, transfer the frosting to a small piping bag or a ziptop bag with one corner snipped off to create a small opening. Gently pipe the glaze onto each cooled cookie in the shape of a delightful swirl, mimicking the frosting on a classic cinnamon roll.

Once frosted, serve your homemade Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles and savor every delicious bite! They are perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

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cinnamon roll snickerdoodles on a cooling rack

Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles

Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are your favorite snickerdoodle cookies with the addition of a sweet vanilla frosting swirl on top! These snickerdoodle cookies with frosting are a fun variation on a traditional snickerdoodle recipe for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls!
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 36
Calories: 134kcal
Author: Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

  • ½ cup softened butter
  • ½ cup shortening I used butter flavored Crisco
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • cinnamon-sugar mixture 3 TBSP sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon

Vanilla Swirl:

  • tbsp melted butter
  • cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Prep: Begin by preheating the oven to 400° F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat, set it aside.
  • Next, in a small bowl, create the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Stir the two ingredients together well, set it aside for future use.
  • Cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, sugar, eggs and the vanilla extract. Then, add in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
  • Proceed to shape the dough by rounded scoops into balls. Continue to roll the balls of dough in cinnamon and sugar mixture, spoon cinnamon-sugar mixture over each cookie, turning once and doing the same on the other side. Coat the ball of dough well in this mixture. Place the cookie dough balls 2inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes exactly! Remove the cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Vanilla Swirl Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, powder sugar, milk and vanilla extract together well. Let the frosting cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a small bag and snip off a corner. Proceed to pipe the glaze onto each cookie in the shape of a swirl. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles make a fantastic sweet and indulgent treat. These snickerdoodle cookies with frosting are a delicious cookie that everyone is sure to enjoy. 

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

How Long Do Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle Cookies Stay Fresh?

For the absolute best flavor and texture, I highly recommend enjoying these delightful Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles within 3-5 days of baking. To keep them fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. While they will remain edible for up to 5 days, eating them sooner will ensure you experience their ultimate softness and chewiness. Trust me, fresh-baked always tastes better!

stack of cinnamon roll snickerdoodles

Can You Freeze Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely, these delicious snickerdoodle cookies are freezer-friendly! Freezing is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade treat whenever a craving strikes. Simply place the cooled (and unfrosted, ideally) cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising their quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired number of cookies and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For the freshest taste and best presentation, I strongly recommend adding the vanilla swirl frosting *after* you have defrosted the cookies and they have come to room temperature. This ensures the frosting has the perfect creamy consistency and doesn’t get watery or lose its texture during the thawing process.

snickerdoodles with a vanilla swirl of icing

Explore More Irresistible Snickerdoodle Recipes!

If you’ve fallen in love with these cinnamon-infused cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover a world of other creative and delicious snickerdoodle variations. These recipes take the classic cinnamon sugar cookie base and elevate it with exciting flavors and textures:

  • Classic Snickerdoodles
  • Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Cookie Cups
  • Caramel Apple Snickerdoodles
  • Peach Snickerdoodles
  • Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies
  • Frosted Snickerdoodles
  • Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
  • Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
  • Big Fat Snickerdoodle Cookies
  • Holiday Spiced Snickerdoodles
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Life is about making memories, whether it’s baking delightful cookies or embarking on exciting family adventures. Last year, my husband and I made a conscious decision to prioritize experiences over possessions. This isn’t always an easy path, especially with a family of seven, where the younger members have a strong affection for their “stuff”! Nevertheless, we pressed forward with our goal. We recently enjoyed a memorable trip to Zion National Park, creating cherished moments together. The photo above, taken on our last day, perfectly captures the joy of our adventure – six out of seven smiling brightly, and the seventh showing a valiant effort to join in. I consider that a resounding success for the final day of a family vacation!

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Just like those precious family moments, these Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are designed to bring joy and warmth. They’re not just any cookie; they’re a traditional snickerdoodle base crowned with the irresistible sweetness of a vanilla frosting swirl. These snickerdoodle cookies with frosting represent a truly amazing and indulgent variation on the classic snickerdoodle recipe, perfect for anyone who adores the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. Bake a batch, create some memories, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a truly exceptional cookie!

Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are your favorite snickerdoodle cookies with the addition of a sweet vanilla frosting swirl on top!
Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodles are your favorite snickerdoodle cookies with the addition of a sweet vanilla frosting swirl on top!