Cinnamon Roll Cookies

This recipe is from Cooking with Paula Deen, Paula Deen's Christmas 2006. I just came across this recipe, and look forward to trying them... I love my grandmother's old fashioned cinnamon rolls, so these sounded like cookies I would absolutely love. What is better than cinnamon and nuts :) I plan to add these to my Christmas cookie trays next year, so you can bet I will be making them soon! Please Note: Preparation time is time making and refrigeration time and is just a guesstimate since I haven't made them yet.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 40 mins
• Yields: 3 1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar, divided (plus 2 tablespoons sugar)
• 3⁄4 cup butter (11/2 sticks)
• 1  large egg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons pecans, chopped
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat 11/4 cups sugar and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating well.
4. Cover, and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into an 18x10" rectangle.
6. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sugar, pecans, and cinnamon.
7. Sprinkle evenly over cookie dough, pressing down gently with hands.
8. Roll up dough, beginning with long side, jelly-roll fashion. Place roll seam side down.
9. Wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F
11. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
12. Cut dough into 1/2" slices, and place on prepared baking sheet.
13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
14. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet.
15. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.