Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe because it captures all the magic of a cinnamon roll in a quick, handheld cookie form. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how those soft, cinnamon-sugar swirls came out perfectly baked into little rounds that are just the right balance of chewy and tender. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, especially when you want the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls without making an entire batch from scratch.

You’ll find that these cookies work wonderfully for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or a sweet bite alongside your coffee or tea. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough that even if you’re not a baker, you’ll feel confident getting these on the table for friends or family. The Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is definitely one of those gems you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create the tender dough and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar filling. A couple of pantry staples and a touch of vanilla bring this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe to life.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure but keeps them soft.
• Baking powder: Adds a little lift for a tender crumb.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming and rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
• Brown sugar: Packed tight for moisture and that caramel note.
• Large egg: Binds everything together with richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dough.
• Brown sugar (for filling): Creates the gooey cinnamon swirl inside the cookie.
• Ground cinnamon (for filling): The perfect cinnamon kick in every bite.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe, whether that means adding a little extra cinnamon or trying out different fillings. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun of baking at home!

• Add nuts or raisins: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or golden raisins for added texture and a bit of surprise sweetness.
• Use cream cheese glaze: For a fancy touch, a simple cream cheese drizzle on top takes these cookies next-level.
• Make it vegan: Swap butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg for a plant-based version I’ve tested successfully.
• Boost the spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cardamom to the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile that I adore during the holidays.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. This helps evenly distribute your leavening and spice so every bite is consistent. I always sift these together lightly to avoid any lumps and to make the dough easier to mix later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is key — it traps air and creates a tender texture. I usually let my butter come to room temp for about 30 minutes beforehand, which makes this so much easier.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything combines smoothly. This gives the dough moisture and that wonderful rich flavor that balances the cinnamon’s warmth. Try not to overmix here, just enough to blend the ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Gradually add your dry ingredient mix into the wet batter, folding as you go until just combined. I like to use a spatula here and avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies tender. Once the dough starts to hold together, stop mixing.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling and Roll

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl. Then, spread half of your dough onto a piece of parchment paper in a rectangle shape (about ¼ inch thick). Sprinkle the filling evenly on top, then carefully roll it up tightly—like you’d roll a cinnamon roll dough. This step always makes me smile because the swirls start to form beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Slice your roll into rounds about ½ inch thick and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them room to spread. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden. I keep a close eye here because you want them baked but still soft—you don’t want crispy cinnamon roll cookies!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often dust these cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze to imitate that signature cinnamon roll frosting. Sometimes a tiny pat of softened butter on a warm cookie is enough for me — it melts right into those swirls beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cozy cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. When I’m serving these for brunch, I like to add fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait on the side to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread or holiday gathering, I arrange these cookies in a spiral on a wooden platter, garnished with a few cinnamon sticks or fresh mint leaves for that extra touch. Wrapping them up in pretty cellophane tied with twine also makes a lovely edible gift that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and the cookies stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid climate, I recommend keeping them in the fridge to prevent any sogginess.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I freeze the sliced dough before baking, so I can pop them straight into the oven whenever a cinnamon craving hits. Just separate the slices with parchment and use a freezer-safe bag. No need to thaw, just add a minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave one cookie for about 15 seconds. This refreshes their soft texture and brings back that cozy cinnamon aroma — almost like fresh-baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen – it’s the perfect shortcut when I want that classic cinnamon roll flavor without spending hours making dough and waiting for it to rise. I promise, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for them when you want something sweet, comforting, and just a little bit special. Go ahead and give them a try — you’ll find yourself hooked on this cozy little treat in no time!

Print