Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp ground cinnamon

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If you adore the sweet, spicy charm of traditional cinnamon rolls but crave a quicker, hand-held treat, then Cinnamon Roll Cookies are about to become your new favorite obsession. These delightful cookies capture all the cozy warmth of cinnamon sugar swirls baked into soft, buttery rounds that are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a comforting dessert. The magic lies in their simplicity and that luscious cinnamon filling rolled right into each bite. Once you try these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less cozy on your cookie plate.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these Cinnamon Roll Cookies is wonderfully straightforward thanks to the few but essential ingredients used, each bringing something special. From flour’s sturdy base to the cinnamon’s fragrant kick, and the butter’s rich creaminess, every component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives the cookies structure without weighing them down.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and tender.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp + 2 tsp for filling): Responsible for that signature warm and spicy flavor that defines these cookies.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides sweetness and helps with that delicate crisp edge.
Brown sugar, packed (½ cup + ½ cup for filling): Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to the dough and filling.
Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients together and adds a little lift.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds a lovely fragrant depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your cookies go in. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl, combining the dry ingredients evenly to help your cookies bake consistently.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until you achieve a fluffy, light texture. This step is crucial for those tender crumbly bites, as it traps air and helps your cookies develop a delightful texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture until everything is smooth and homogenous. This creates the perfect wet base for the dry ingredients to combine with and ensures a luscious dough.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here — you want tender cookies, not tough — so stop once no flour pockets remain.

Step 5: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This filling mixture will swirl inside your cookies, giving you that distinct cinnamon roll delight.

Step 6: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Lay out a piece of parchment paper and spread half of your dough evenly on it. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling generously over the surface. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log using the parchment to help, then chill briefly if it feels too soft. Slice the roll into cookie rounds and lay them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Cinnamon Roll Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, try drizzling a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk over warm cookies. Alternatively, a dollop of cream cheese frosting will mimic the classic cinnamon roll finish and make these cookies feel extra decadent.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a creamy hot coffee or chai tea to amplify the cinnamon spices, or serve them alongside a mellow glass of milk for a timeless combo everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a rustic wooden bowl or arrange them on a pretty plate dusted with a bit of cinnamon powder. You could also include them in a brunch spread next to fresh fruit and yogurt for a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the magic of Cinnamon Roll Cookies alive, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for an easy grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

If you want to stash these cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their flavor or texture, letting you enjoy a cinnamon roll moment anytime you like.

Reheating

Warm your Cinnamon Roll Cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or gently reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft, tender texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma, almost like freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, but be aware it may change the texture slightly, making cookies a touch denser.

Are these Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free?

The classic recipe isn’t gluten-free, but you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep an eye on the dough’s moisture and texture—it might need a tiny adjustment.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight. This actually enhances the flavor, allowing the cinnamon and vanilla to deepen. Just roll and slice before baking as usual.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?

If brown sugar isn’t available, you can use granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses or maple syrup to mimic that rich molasses flavor of brown sugar. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.

How do I keep my Cinnamon Roll Cookies soft instead of crisp?

Be careful not to overbake; remove cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden. Also, storing them properly in an airtight container will preserve that soft, tender bite.

Final Thoughts

There truly is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a Cinnamon Roll Cookie — it’s all the comfort of a classic cinnamon roll in a perfectly portable and irresistibly sweet cookie form. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share the warmth with family and friends. Once you discover how easy and satisfying these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are, they might just become a beloved staple in your baking rotation!

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the delicious flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient, easy-to-make cookie form. Soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar filling, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookies are prepared.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the dough.
Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the sweet cinnamon filling.
Shape Dough and Add Filling: Lay half of the dough out on a piece of parchment paper and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Slice Dough: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into rounds about ½ inch thick and place them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.

Notes

Ensure butter is properly softened for easier creaming and better texture.
Slice the dough into even rounds for uniform baking.
Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American