Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)

When I first dreamed up these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, I was simply craving that classic, gooey cinnamon roll flavor in a cookie form. It took a few tests to get the texture just right—soft and chewy with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar spiraling through each bite. Once I nailed it, I knew I had to share this treat. They capture everything I love about cinnamon rolls but in a fun, portable, and delightful cookie.

The aroma that fills my kitchen every time I bake these cookies is reason enough to make them again and again. There’s something so cozy about the buttery dough, cinnamon sugar, and sweet vanilla glaze mingling together in the oven. They’re the kind of cookies you want to serve on a weekend morning with a warm drink or bring to a holiday party where you’re guaranteed to have everyone asking for the recipe.

What I adore most is how deceptively simple they are to make. They look like tiny cinnamon rolls but come together with less effort and time. You get all the cinnamon roll satisfaction without the waiting and rising. Trust me, if you’re a cinnamon lover, these cookies are going to become a staple in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are soft and tender on the inside with a beautiful spiral of brown sugar and cinnamon throughout. They combine the flavor of a bakery-style cinnamon roll with the convenience and fun of a hand-held cookie. Perfectly sweet without being overwhelming, they make a great addition to breakfast trays, dessert platters, or gift boxes. You’ll love how they hold their shape, freeze well, and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Flour is the foundation of these Cinnamon Roll Cookies. It provides the necessary structure that holds the dough together and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking. You want to use all-purpose flour for the perfect balance between softness and structure.

Butter is what brings the richness and tenderness to each bite. It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cookie dough without overpowering it. It also helps the dough develop that delicate golden edge while baking.

Brown sugar is the key to the irresistible cinnamon swirl. It has a deep molasses flavor that enhances the cinnamon and gives a gooey, caramelized texture when baked.

Ground cinnamon, the star of the show, delivers warmth and a classic spiced aroma that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Egg helps bind everything together and adds moisture to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Vanilla extract adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the cinnamon and brings a cozy, homemade touch.

Baking powder gives the dough just the right amount of lift, ensuring the cookies bake evenly and puff slightly.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making each bite more dynamic.

Powdered sugar is used to make the simple glaze that tops the cookies, mimicking that beloved icing from traditional cinnamon rolls.

Milk is added to the powdered sugar to create the glaze consistency. Just a splash is enough to drizzle beautifully over the cookies.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle between two sheets of parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough. Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, using the parchment paper to help guide you. Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough log into 1/2-inch rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy these cookies warm or at room temperature!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

One of my favorite things about Cinnamon Roll Cookies is how flexible the recipe is. If you’re dairy-free, you can easily swap in vegan butter and a plant-based milk for the glaze. They still bake up beautifully with that same soft texture. For a richer dough, try using half brown sugar and half granulated sugar in the base.

Spice it up a bit by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Want something extra decadent? Add mini chocolate chips to the swirl or drizzle a bit of cream cheese glaze instead of the standard vanilla one. And for those who love nuts, finely chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling add a lovely crunch and flavor boost.

You can even play with the dough flavor—a touch of almond extract or orange zest gives these cookies a unique twist that stands out.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies make a delightful addition to any brunch spread, especially when served warm with a mug of coffee or chai. I love pairing them with a creamy latte or a tall glass of cold milk for contrast. They also fit perfectly on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

During the holidays, I include them in my cookie gift boxes or offer them as an after-dinner sweet at family gatherings. You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast surprise.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep Cinnamon Roll Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap them in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want that just-baked softness again. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before warming up.

FAQs

How do I prevent Cinnamon Roll Cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure to chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing and baking. This helps the cookies keep their swirl shape and prevents them from spreading excessively in the oven.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cookies dough for later use?

Yes! You can freeze the dough log before slicing. When ready to bake, let it thaw slightly until you can cut it into rounds. Bake directly from chilled for the best texture.

What kind of cinnamon should I use in Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Use ground cinnamon, preferably a fresh and aromatic variety like Ceylon or Saigon for the most fragrant and flavorful results.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure it includes xanthan gum for the best results.

Do Cinnamon Roll Cookies need to be glazed?

While the glaze adds a lovely finishing touch and mimics the classic cinnamon roll vibe, you can skip it if you prefer less sweetness. They’re still delicious without it.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If these Cinnamon Roll Cookies made you smile, I highly recommend checking out my Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. They have that same warm spice appeal with a crisp, fruity twist that’s perfect for snacking. You might also love these Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies if you’re craving something indulgent yet nostalgic.

For something on the savory side, the Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach offer a cozy dinner option that balances out all your sweet moments beautifully.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest so you can always come back to it. Sharing is caring—if you know someone who loves cinnamon rolls, cookies, or just a good homemade treat, send this recipe their way! You can share it on Facebook, text it to your baking buddy, or tag me when you make it. It makes my day seeing your creations!

Yield: 24 cookies