Pin Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the best of two cozy favorites in one aromatic, golden-baked bite. Imagine a soft cookie that tastes like your fondest peanut butter memory, with a buttery cinnamon swirl in every mouthful. Whether you are baking for a holiday, a rainy afternoon, or simply to surprise your family with something new, these cookies are just the pick-me-up your snack plate needs.
I first made these on a snowy Sunday when my kids begged for cinnamon rolls but I did not want to fuss with yeast and rise times. Watching them swirl the dough and giggle at sticky fingers is now one of my favorite kitchen traditions.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: provides structure so the cookies hold their shape and swirl use a fresh bag for best texture
- Baking powder and baking soda: help the dough rise subtly and stay tender check expiration dates for best lift
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor choose a fine kosher or sea salt
- Unsalted butter: keeps flavors pure and lets you control the salt content let it come to room temperature for easy creaming
- Creamy peanut butter: gives the cookies their signature richness pick a smooth variety with minimal added oil and sugar
- Granulated sugar: for sweetness and light texture use fresh to avoid clumps
- Light brown sugar: adds depth and softness choose tightly packed brown sugar for the filling to help it caramelize into gooey swirls
- Large egg: binds everything together and adds a slight chew ensure it is at room temp for even mixing
- Vanilla extract: rounds out flavors opt for pure extract for the warmest aroma
- Ground cinnamon: fills each cookie with cozy spiced flavor pick a fresh jar for boldest results
- Powdered sugar and milk (optional for icing): add silky sweetness to finish use filtered milk for smoothest drizzle
Instructions
- Make the Dry Mix:
- In a medium bowl whisk together all purpose flour baking powder baking soda and salt making sure every pocket of flour is evenly aerated This helps ensure every bite is tender and fluffy
- Cream the Fats and Sugars:
- In your largest mixing bowl beat unsalted butter creamy peanut butter granulated sugar and light brown sugar until very pale and fluffy Scrape down the sides at least once and let it whip for 2 to 3 full minutes The air you add now equals softer cookies later
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in one large egg and vanilla extract until you can no longer see streaks This makes sure your dough holds together without drying out
- Combine Dry with Wet:
- Slowly mix in the flour mixture a third at a time Only blend until just combined so you do not overwork the dough
- Roll the Dough Flat:
- Lay out two sheets of parchment Place dough between them and roll out to a quarter inch thick rectangle about ten by fourteen inches The parchment keeps things tidy and helps with the next step
- Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- Brush melted unsalted butter evenly onto the whole surface Sprinkle brown sugar mixed with ground cinnamon over every inch so no bite misses out on gooey swirls
- Roll into a Log and Chill:
- Start from one long edge and carefully roll the dough into a tight log Use the parchment to guide without sticking Wrap the log well and refrigerate for at least one hour until firm Chilling keeps the swirl defined as it bakes
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Use fresh parchment on baking sheets so no cookies get burnt bottoms
- Slice and Arrange:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled log into half inch thick cookies Place them at least two inches apart to allow for spreading
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes The edges should look lightly golden but the centers will look a touch underdone Let them rest on the hot sheet for five minutes Carryover heat gives the perfect texture
- Cool and Add Icing:
- Move cookies to a wire rack completely cool before drizzling with optional easy icing Powdered sugar stirred with a splash of milk is all you need
Pin My absolute favorite part is watching the cinnamon spiral appear with each slice My youngest always claims the biggest swirl as his own After baking together I can never keep these on the counter for more than a day
Storage Tips
Let cookies cool completely before sealing in an airtight tin or ziptop bag Room temperature storage keeps them perfect for up to four days Pop in the freezer for up to two months and thaw at room temp for a treat that tastes bakery fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
Try crunchy peanut butter if you want extra texture or swap in almond butter for a nutty twist If you are out of brown sugar use all white sugar but add a spoon of maple syrup to the filling If dairy free butter is needed plant based sticks work well
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are outstanding alongside a glass of milk warm tea or iced coffee For a dessert platter drizzle generously with icing and top with chopped peanuts or a dusting of cinnamon After dinner serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a playful spin on pie and cookies
Cultural and Historical Context
Cookies that mimic classic pastries have always been a fun trend in American home baking Swirled treats go back to old school cinnamon buns and peanut butter is a comfort food that has been loved for over a century Combining these two favorites is like honoring weekend brunch and after school snacks in one clever bite
Seasonal Adaptations
During colder months add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon filling for extra warmth In summer skip the icing and press fresh berries into the top before baking For fall try filling with apple butter in place of melted butter for the swirl
Pin Success stories show these cookies ship beautifully and are a hit at potlucks and bake sales. Freeze the unbaked log sliced fresh from the freezer and let the aroma of peanut butter and cinnamon fill your kitchen every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What texture do these cookies have?
They're soft and chewy with a tender bite, thanks to the blend of peanut butter and butter in the dough.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and nutty pieces throughout the cookies.
- → Is chilling the dough necessary?
Chilling helps firm the rolled dough for even slicing and consistent baking, ensuring perfect cookie rounds.
- → How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.
- → Can I add chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips can be sprinkled with the cinnamon sugar for a decadent chocolatey twist.
- → What is the best way to serve these?
They're delicious with coffee, milk, or as a sweet treat for gatherings and snack time.