If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and more portable, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect treat! These soft, buttery cookies have a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and are topped with a vanilla glaze, making them taste just like your favorite breakfast pastry. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or pack them for a sweet treat on the go, they are bound to become a favorite in your home.
The magic of these cookies lies in their delightful texture—a crispy, golden-brown edge with a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a perfectly balanced sweetness, enhanced by the rich butteriness of the dough. Best of all, these cookies require no yeast or long rising times, so you can enjoy the taste of homemade cinnamon rolls without the wait!
Equipment Needed
To make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly shaped, evenly baked, and beautifully glazed.
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients efficiently.
- Hand or stand mixer – Makes mixing the dough smooth and effortless.
- Rolling pin – Helps to flatten the dough evenly for a perfect swirl.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – Essential for slicing even cookies.
- Baking sheet – Ensures the cookies bake evenly.
- Parchment paper – Prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Pastry brush – Helps to evenly spread the butter for the cinnamon filling.
- Cooling rack – Allows the cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds rich, creamy flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps with texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Creates the perfect cookie structure.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps hold the filling together.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar – Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – The signature warm spice.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Creates a smooth consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Making these cookies is incredibly fun, and the results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps to ensure your cookies turn out soft, buttery, and perfectly swirled!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process helps create an airy texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour and salt, continuing to mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
Step 3: Roll Out & Add Cinnamon Filling
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top, covering the entire area.
Step 4: Roll & Slice
Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Once rolled, place the dough back in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up—this makes slicing easier. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into ¼-inch thick slices.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sliced cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cookies for the ultimate cinnamon roll effect!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Chill the dough before slicing to help maintain the spiral shape.
- Don’t overbake – these cookies should remain soft in the center.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.
- Drizzle the glaze while the cookies are slightly warm to allow it to seep in slightly for extra moisture.
- Experiment with fillings – add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a bit of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Soft, chewy, and full of cinnamon flavor.
- Perfect for holiday cookie trays or a special breakfast treat.
- Tastes just like a cinnamon roll in cookie form!
- Easy to make, with no yeast or long wait times required.
- Versatile – enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even as an afternoon snack.
The Science Behind Their Unique Texture
The key to these cookies’ delicious texture lies in the balance of ingredients. The high butter content ensures they stay soft and rich, while the sugar caramelizes slightly for a golden finish. The filling, made of brown sugar and cinnamon, melts slightly into the dough, creating gooey layers of flavor. Chilling the dough before slicing is essential, as it helps maintain the perfect cinnamon swirl.
The Magic of Cinnamon Roll Cookies
The best part about Cinnamon Roll Cookies is how they bring together the best of both worlds—cinnamon rolls and cookies! The warm, spiced flavor combined with the soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible. The drizzle of glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, giving them that bakery-style appeal. Each bite is packed with nostalgic flavors that make them perfect for holiday mornings, bake sales, or simply treating yourself to something special.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 3 months and slice & bake when needed.
- If the cookies become dry, warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, simply slice and bake for fresh cookies.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while raisins provide extra sweetness.
Can I use store-bought dough instead?
You can, but homemade dough provides a richer flavor and better texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delicious, buttery, and cinnamon-filled treat that combines the best parts of a cinnamon roll in a soft and chewy cookie. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a morning coffee, these cookies will quickly become a favorite! They are easy to make, bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch today and experience the magic of Cinnamon Roll Cookies!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls and buttery sugar cookies in one irresistible treat! They feature a soft, swirled cookie dough with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or whenever you crave a cozy, cinnamon-spiced treat!
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
✔ Make the Cookie Dough
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
✔ Chill the Dough
- Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
✔ Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
✔ Roll & Fill the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
✔ Roll & Slice
- Roll the dough into a tight log, then wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes (this helps with slicing).
✔ Slice & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
✔ Cool & Glaze
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
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Make-Ahead Tip: The cookie dough log can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months before slicing and baking.
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Extra Soft Cookies: Slightly underbake them for a softer texture.
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Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
