Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Created By: Gemini Advanced AI when given a prompt
Yields: About 24 bars
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus 1-2 hours chilling)
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.

Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Add the yeast mixture and the melted butter mixture to the flour mixture.

Mix until a dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Roll and Fill the Dough:

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12x15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Spread the sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

Sprinkle with macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips.

Roll up the dough tightly, jelly-roll style, starting from a long side. Pinch the seam to seal.

Cut and Bake:

Cut the roll into 12-15 slices.

Place the slices, cut-side up, on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations:

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.

Use chopped pecans or walnuts as a substitute for macadamia nuts.

Add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or glazefor an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy these decadent and flavorful Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cookies!