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

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie packed with buttery cinnamon-sugar swirls — that’s exactly what you’ll get with CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES! These delightful treats bring all the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls, but in an irresistibly snackable form. Perfect for a cozy breakfast spread, coffee breaks, or as a sweet surprise in your cookie jar, CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES will quickly become your go-to recipe when you crave something comforting, quick, and undeniably delicious. No yeast, no waiting — just pure cinnamon-sugar joy in every bite.

CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES is just how simple and accessible the ingredient list is. Each component plays its part, promising soft, tender dough and that signature fragrant swirl that makes these cookies so inviting. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure while still keeping things tender.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they stay light and soft instead of dense.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, spreading lovely warmth throughout both the dough and the filling.
Salt: A must for balancing sweetness and deepening overall flavor.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich, buttery flavor and ensures a pillowy texture.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the dough bake up with golden edges.
Brown sugar, packed: Used in both the dough and filling; adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to that signature chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the cookie’s aroma and adds warmth.
For the Filling (extra brown sugar and cinnamon): This combination creates the gooey, flavorful swirl inside every cookie.

How to Make CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — you’ll want it ready to go when the cookies are rolled and sliced. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. In another, cream the softened butter with both sugars until it’s fluffy and light, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour left.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Combine the remaining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture is what’s going to give your cookies their characteristic swirl. Make sure every bit of sugar is coated in cinnamon for the best flavor swirls.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough

Divide the dough in half for easier handling. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper for rolling (this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze). Flatten and gently roll out half the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle it generously with the cinnamon-sugar filling, making sure you reach the edges for full spiral coverage.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long edge, to form a log (like a mini cinnamon roll). Using a sharp knife, slice into rounds about half an inch thick. Place them, swirl-side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between each, as they will spread a little.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the edges to turn a light golden brown and the middles to look just set. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This ensures they stay soft and chewy, not crunchy.

How to Serve CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES

Garnishes

A classic drizzle of vanilla glaze (just confectioners’ sugar, a splash of milk, and a little vanilla extract) takes each cookie from tasty to truly irresistible. You could also dust with a little powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or even add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top for those who like an extra punch of spice.

Side Dishes

Serve your CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort experience. On a brunch table, they sit beautifully alongside a fruit platter, scrambled eggs, or even a bowl of Greek yogurt with honey — creating a sweet and savory spread that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a tall glass jar and tie it with a ribbon for a stunning edible gift. For holiday gatherings, arrange the swirled cookies on a platter with chocolate-dipped strawberries or candied nuts. They also make adorable mini “sandwiches” if you spread a little cream cheese frosting between two cookies — a nod to traditional cinnamon roll flavors but in a fun, handheld form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES stay soft for days! Once they’ve cooled completely, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, perfect for quick grab-and-go snacks or to tuck into lunch boxes.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Stack them in layers separated by parchment in a zip-top bag or freezer container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature or pop into a low oven or microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

If you love the taste of warm CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or slide them onto a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven, with the filling all soft and gooey again.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, proceed with rolling, filling, and slicing as usual — this pause also gives the flavors a chance to meld even more.

Can I use margarine or plant-based butter instead of real butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine or a plant-based alternative if you want a dairy-free option. Just look for a stick-style product (not a spread) to maintain the right texture.

My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?

If your CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES spread more than you’d like, it could be that the butter was too soft or the dough was too warm. Try chilling the sliced cookies for 10–15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips can be added to the filling before rolling up. Just don’t go overboard, as too much stuffing can make the dough tough to roll and slice.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Doubling works great, especially if you want extra CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES to share — or save for later. Just be sure to divide the dough into manageable portions so rolling is still easy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a batch of CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES fresh from your own oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into the world of homemade treats, these cookies guarantee a little bit of joy in every swirl. Give them a try and let their warm, sweet aroma fill your kitchen — you’ll be hooked!

CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES Recipe