Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Can't decide whether to make cinnamon rolls or cookies?  Try these cinnamon roll cookies!  They are simple and very tasty.  You can frost them with cream cheese icing or drizzle them with a powdered sugar glaze or have them plain.   I left these plain so you can see the cinnamon swirls.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening (butter flavored works well)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

FILLING:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the 1 teaspoon cinnamon, flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.  
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.  Add the flour mixture and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour so it is easier to handle.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly spray your cookie sheets with cooking spray.  
4. For the filling, mix the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 30 seconds and stir.  Microwave an additional 30 seconds or until butter is melted.  Mix well. 
5. Break the dough into 2 halves.  On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half of the dough to a 12x6 inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 of the cinnamon mixture over each rectangle. Roll each one lengthwise into a log. Cut into 1 inch segments.  Place on cookie sheets cut side down.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Flip cookie sheet over onto a tray to remove cookies while they are still very hot.  If desired, frost them when cooled.