Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the sweet, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of a handheld cookie. Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these cookies are ideal for breakfast treats, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee or tea. They capture the warm, buttery essence of cinnamon rolls in a fun, portable form, making them perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday baking, or anytime you crave a sweet, spiced indulgence.
These cookies feature a tender dough made with butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla, folded around a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. The result is a delightful swirl of sweet cinnamon flavor in every bite. Cinnamon Roll Cookies are also approachable for bakers of all levels—no special equipment is required, and the dough is easy to handle. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just for yourself, these cookies deliver the same warm, inviting flavors as traditional cinnamon rolls without the time-consuming steps of rolling, proofing, and frosting.
Below, you’ll find the full list of ingredients followed by a step-by-step method to make these delicious cookies that are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and perfectly swirled with cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Preparation Method
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Step 6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.
Step 7
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Step 8
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long edge, to create a cinnamon swirl.
Step 9
Slice the log into ½-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Slice and bake when ready.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, slice the rolled dough and freeze on a baking sheet before baking. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
It’s best to use softened butter for proper creaming with the sugars. Melted butter will change the texture, making cookies flatter.
4. Can I add a glaze or frosting?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese drizzle enhances the cinnamon roll effect.
5. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes, adjust the slice thickness to make bite-sized or larger cookies. Bake a few minutes longer for larger cookies to ensure they’re cooked through.
6. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor; granulated sugar provides structure. You can experiment, but replacing both may change texture and sweetness
Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Sweet, Soft, and Swirled with Cinnamon
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies taste just like miniature cinnamon rolls in cookie form. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
-
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, combine the filling brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough into small balls, then flatten slightly and sprinkle a pinch of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Optional: drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, do not overbake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls into a quick, easy-to-make cookie form. Soft, chewy, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee. This recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels and can be customized with toppings such as a light glaze or cream cheese drizzle for extra indulgence.
