Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon roll cookies are the delightful fusion of two beloved treats: the soft, gooey flavors of cinnamon rolls and the irresistible crunch of cookies. With their signature swirl, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a drizzle of sweet glaze, these cookies bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. They are perfect for holidays, afternoon snacks, or simply when you crave a cozy homemade dessert. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies do not require yeast or rising time, making them quicker to prepare while still delivering that classic cinnamon-spiced goodness. The beautiful swirl design also makes them visually appealing and a wonderful addition to dessert tables. Whether you serve them warm with a cup of coffee or package them for gifting, cinnamon roll cookies are a versatile treat that is sure to impress both family and guests.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cookies – The Perfect Swirl of Sweetness
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy cinnamon roll cookies that combine the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies. Perfectly swirled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with icing.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a rectangle.
- Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the rolled dough.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Chill the dough well to maintain the swirl shape.
- You can freeze the dough logs and slice later when needed.
- Adjust icing consistency by adding more milk (thinner) or more powdered sugar (thicker).
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
The base of the cookies, flour provides structure and ensures the dough holds its shape while baking. It balances the richness of the butter and sugar, giving the cookies a soft yet firm texture.
Butter
Butter adds richness, flavor, and tenderness to the dough. It also helps create a melt-in-your-mouth consistency and enhances the overall flavor of the cinnamon filling.
Granulated sugar
This sweetens the dough and works together with the cinnamon in the filling to provide that classic warm sweetness. It also aids in giving the cookies a slightly crisp bite.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar is essential for the filling, adding a deeper molasses flavor and a slightly chewy texture that mimics the taste of cinnamon rolls.
Ground cinnamon
The star of the recipe, cinnamon provides the warm, aromatic spice that defines these cookies. Combined with sugar, it creates the irresistible swirl.
Egg
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the ingredients come together while also adding moisture and richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract
This enhances the flavor of the dough, providing a subtle sweetness that balances the spice of the cinnamon.
Baking powder
A small amount of baking powder ensures that the cookies puff slightly, keeping them soft without losing their structure.
Salt
A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances the richness of the butter and sugars.
Powdered sugar
Used for the glaze, powdered sugar melts easily into a smooth, creamy topping that completes the cookies with a touch of elegance.
Milk
Milk thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling, ensuring it sets beautifully on top of the cookies.
Directions
Begin by preparing the cookie dough. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a rectangle. For the filling, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled dough. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer edge, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough logs in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up.
Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough logs into ¼-inch rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Once cookies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving for the best presentation and taste.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24–28 cookies, depending on the thickness of the slices. Preparation time, including chilling, is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baking time is 10–12 minutes per batch, and cooling plus glazing requires an additional 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (unglazed) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh glaze. To refresh cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enhance their soft texture.
Variations and Customizations
Cream cheese glaze
Swap the powdered sugar glaze for a cream cheese glaze for a richer, tangier finish that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Nutty filling
Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate swirl
Incorporate cocoa powder into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.
Maple glaze
Replace milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor.
Mini sandwich cookies
Use two cinnamon roll cookies with a cream cheese frosting filling to create indulgent sandwich cookies.
Spiced upgrade
Enhance the filling with nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex spiced flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to chill the dough logs?
Chilling is essential to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
What type of cinnamon is best?
Ground Ceylon cinnamon gives a sweeter, delicate flavor, while Cassia cinnamon provides a stronger, spicier taste.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing too much may affect texture and taste balance.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
Can I add icing instead of glaze?
Yes, a thicker icing can be piped on top for a decorative finish.
Conclusion
Cinnamon roll cookies are a charming combination of classic cinnamon rolls and buttery cookies, offering the best of both worlds in a delightful bite-sized treat. With their iconic swirls, spiced filling, and sweet glaze, they are ideal for festive gatherings, everyday indulgence, or gifting. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, they bring warmth and comfort to every occasion.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!