Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: Sweet Swirled Magic

Sweet memories dance through the kitchen when these cinnamon roll cookies emerge from the oven.

Soft, swirly, and intensely comforting, they capture the essence of weekend mornings.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of classic pastry charm and cookie creativity.

Rolling delicate dough with a sprinkle of warm spices and sweet nostalgia.

The aroma alone will draw everyone closer to the cooling rack.

Minimal ingredients transform into something magical that connects generations through simple pleasure.

You’ll fall in love with this unexpected twist on a beloved breakfast favorite.

These cookies are about to become your new go-to treat for special moments.

What’s Inside Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cookies.
Dairy and Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates tender texture, best when softened.
  • Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture, room temperature recommended.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the cookies.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic cinnamon roll flavor combination, warm and sweet.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for finishing cookies.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth, drizzling consistency for glaze, whole milk works best.

How To Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Mixing Magic

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until they become fluffy clouds. Gently add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor. Slowly blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until a soft, dreamy dough forms.

Step 2: Dough Transformation

Split the dough into two portions. Roll each piece into a rectangular shape, around 1/4-inch thick, between parchment paper sheets. Tuck the rolled dough into the refrigerator for a 30-minute relaxation session.

Step 3: Filling Explosion

Pull out the chilled dough and brush gently with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle this magical mixture evenly across the dough’s surface.

Step 4: Rolling and Slicing Technique

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer edge. Use parchment paper as your rolling assistant. Wrap the log in plastic and refrigerate for an hour (or freeze 20-30 minutes for faster results). Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick cookie rounds and place them on sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 5: Baking Brilliance

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Glazing Finale

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle the smooth glaze over cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set before serving your delectable treats.

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon roll cookies!

Tips That Help With Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking and make rolling easier. Cold dough helps maintain cookie shape and prevents spreading during baking.
  • Perfect Rolling Technique: Use a gentle, consistent pressure when rolling the log to ensure uniform cookies. The tighter the roll, the more defined the swirl pattern will be.
  • Control Cookie Thickness: Slice cookies precisely at 1/4-inch thick for consistent baking and texture. Uneven slices can lead to some cookies burning while others remain undercooked.
  • Glaze with Care: Wait until cookies are completely cool before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp finish. Drizzle lightly for an elegant look.
  • Storage Savvy: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze unglazed cookies and add glaze just before serving.

How To Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Restore Softness: If cookies become slightly hard, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help them regain moisture and softness.

Great Pairings For Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Brew Warm Chai Tea: Pair these cinnamon roll cookies with a spicy, creamy chai tea that echoes the warm cinnamon flavors and complements the sweet glaze.
  • Serve Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich, smooth vanilla notes in a latte will beautifully balance the cookie's sweetness and enhance its buttery texture.
  • Match with Cream Cheese Frosting Shots: Create mini shot glasses of cream cheese frosting for dipping, amplifying the classic cinnamon roll taste in a playful way.
  • Pour Cold Milk Alongside: A chilled glass of milk provides a classic, refreshing contrast to the warm spices and sweet glaze of the cookies.

Why Cinnamon Roll Cookies Are A Sweet Treat

  • Capture Cinnamon Roll Magic: Transform the beloved breakfast pastry into an irresistible cookie that delivers all the classic flavors in a portable, bite-sized treat.
  • Swirl and Savor Texture Delight: Experience a perfect blend of soft, buttery cookie base with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar spiral that creates an exciting contrast in every single bite.
  • Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: Master a simple recipe that combines familiar techniques with minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels while delivering bakery-style results at home.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Wow family and friends with a creative cookie that bridges the gap between traditional pastry and cookie, offering a nostalgic and innovative dessert perfect for gatherings, holidays, or casual sweet cravings.

Try Different Flavors Of Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Nutty Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the dough before rolling, adding a delightful crunch and rich nutty flavor to the classic cinnamon roll cookies.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the filling mixture and add mini chocolate chips for an indulgent chocolatey version that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
  • Orange Zest Cinnamon Roll: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the dough and add a hint of orange extract to the glaze, creating a bright and citrusy spin on the traditional recipe.
  • Maple Pecan Edition: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup in the filling and top the glaze with crushed maple-candied pecans for a rich, autumnal cookie experience.

Common Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • What makes these cookies different from traditional cinnamon rolls?

These cookies capture the classic cinnamon roll flavor in a crispy, portable cookie form. They combine the sweet, spicy cinnamon taste with a buttery cookie base, giving you all the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cookie shape.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make these cookies?

Not at all! These cookies are beginner-friendly. The recipe involves basic mixing, rolling, and slicing techniques that even novice bakers can master. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to create bakery-style cookies at home.

  • Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen. This makes it perfect for meal prep or when you want fresh cookies without the full preparation time. The chilling process also helps develop richer flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges. The cookies should be just set but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake. The edges turning a light golden brown is your key signal that they’re done.

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Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent cinnamon roll cookies blend classic pastry charm with cookie convenience, offering a sweet twist on a beloved breakfast treat. Warm spices and buttery dough create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a versatile cookie dough by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. In another vessel, cream butter and sugar until airy and pale, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Infuse vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Methodically divide dough into two equal portions. Gently roll each segment into a thin rectangular shape using parchment paper as a guide. Refrigerate rolled dough for half an hour to solidify and enhance texture.
  3. Extract chilled dough and delicately brush with melted butter. Combine granulated and brown sugars with aromatic ground cinnamon in a separate mixing container. Distribute this fragrant mixture evenly across dough surface.
  4. Carefully transform the flat dough into a tightly wound cylindrical log, utilizing parchment paper as a rolling assistant. Encase the log in plastic wrap and chill thoroughly in refrigerator for minimum one hour or expedite process by freezing 20-30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice chilled log into precise cookie-sized rounds, approximately 14-inch thick. Arrange cookies with adequate spacing to allow proper heat circulation.
  6. Bake cookies until edges transform into a delicate golden hue, approximately 10-12 minutes. Allow initial cooling directly on baking sheet for brief period before transferring to wire rack.
  7. Prepare elegant glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until achieving silky smooth consistency. Artfully drizzle glaze over completely cooled cookies. Permit glaze to set before serving these delectable treats.

Notes

  • Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the rolled shape during baking.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends easily.
  • Refrigerating the rolled log helps cookies hold their cinnamon swirl pattern and provides cleaner, more defined slices.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance flavor by toasting cinnamon briefly before mixing with sugars to release deeper, more complex aromatics.
  • Freeze unbaked cookie logs for up to 2 months, allowing you to slice and bake fresh cookies anytime.
  • Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar to achieve desired drizzling thickness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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