Get ready for a sweet adventure with my Brown Butter Cinnamon Roll Cookies! Imagine soft, buttery cookies with a warm cinnamon filling and a drizzle of creamy icing. These treats combine the best flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease of cookies. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step to create this delightful dessert. Let’s dive into the ingredients and make your kitchen smell amazing!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cinnamon Filling Ingredients
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Icing Ingredients
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gather these ingredients before you start. The butter is key for flavor. Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and texture. Eggs bind the mix and give rise. Vanilla extract boosts the flavor. Flour forms the cookie base. Baking soda helps with rising and gives a nice texture. Cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg add warmth and spice. Chopped pecans bring a nice crunch, but they are optional.
For the cinnamon filling, use softened butter to mix well with the sugars. This creates a sweet, gooey center. For icing, powdered sugar gives sweetness, while milk makes it spreadable. Vanilla adds a lovely note to the icing.
These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat. Each bite will remind you of fresh cinnamon rolls, but in cookie form!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Brown Butter
– Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
– Cook until golden brown and nutty aroma develops.
– Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Making the Cookie Dough
– Combine brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl.
– Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combining Dry Ingredients
– Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
– Gradually fold into the wet mixture and add chopped pecans if desired.
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
– Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Assembling the Cookies
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Scoop and flatten cookie dough, add filling, and seal.
Baking and Icing
– Place on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
– Prepare icing while cookies cool, then drizzle over cookies.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Brown Butter
To make brown butter, watch it closely. It can burn fast. Use a light skillet to see the color change. The butter will foam first. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown. You will know it’s ready when it smells nutty. This step adds a rich flavor to your cookies.
Cookie Texture Tips
Mix the dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make cookies tough. You want a soft dough. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies stay thick when baking. Chilling makes a big difference in texture.
Icing Consistency
For icing, you can adjust the milk amount. More milk makes it thinner. Less milk makes it thicker. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor. This simple step makes the icing even better. Drizzle it over cooled cookies for a sweet finish.
Variations
Nut-Free Version
If you want to skip the nuts, just leave out the chopped pecans. This way, everyone can enjoy these cookies, even those with nut allergies. The dough will still be rich and tasty without them.
Different Spice Combinations
You can change the spices to fit the season. Try using pumpkin spice for fall or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor. These tweaks can make your cookies fresh and exciting. Don’t be scared to get creative!
Alternative Sweeteners
For a new taste, swap out brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Both options add a unique flavor that can surprise your taste buds. Just remember that the texture might change slightly with these sweeteners. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage Info
Storing at Room Temperature
You can keep these cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 5 days. This is perfect for enjoying them throughout the week. Just make sure the cookies are fully cooled before you store them.
Freezing Instructions
To save some cookies for later, freeze the unbaked cookie balls or the baked cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you need a sweet treat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Cookies
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm and soft again, you can reheat them. Place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just heat for 10-15 seconds. This way, they stay soft and delicious, just like when they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just omit additional salt from the recipe. Salted butter can add a nice flavor, but it may change the overall taste. I prefer unsalted for better control over the saltiness.
How can I make these cookies softer?
Underbake slightly to retain moisture. This helps keep the cookies soft and chewy. Also, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling prevents spreading and adds a great texture.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce for an egg-free version. For a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce as a substitute for one egg. Both options work well!
This recipe gives you delicious cookies with a rich brown butter flavor. You learned about the key ingredients and how to make the dough, filling, and icing. I shared tips to help you achieve the best texture and flavor. Remember, you can change ingredients if needed and store cookies properly. Now, gather your ingredients and start baking. Enjoy the warm, tasty cookies with friends and family!
