There’s something magical about the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture that same irresistible charm of classic cinnamon rolls—only in cookie form. Soft, chewy, and swirled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re the perfect sweet treat for cozy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or sharing with friends and family.
Think of them as a warm hug in dessert form: golden on the outside, tender on the inside, with a swirl that looks just as beautiful as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Classic flavor in cookie form – Everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but easier and quicker to make.
- Perfect texture – Soft, chewy cookies with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Visually stunning – The spiral design makes these cookies as eye-catching as they are delicious.
- Versatile treat – Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 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 packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be soft and tender.
6. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Roll and Fill
On a lightly floured surface (or parchment paper), roll out half of the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar filling. Roll it up tightly into a log, just like a cinnamon roll.
8. Slice and Bake
Slice the dough into 1-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, drizzle them with icing or glaze if desired.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough – Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing to keep the swirls neat.
- Don’t overbake – These cookies are best when slightly soft in the center.
- Make them festive – Add chopped nuts, pumpkin spice, or even chocolate chips for fun variations.
Storing & Freezing
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 2 months. When ready, slice and bake straight from the freezer (add 1–2 extra minutes of baking time).
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll it up, and refrigerate overnight. Just slice and bake when ready.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough logs before slicing.
Do I need to glaze them?
Not at all! They’re delicious on their own, but a simple powdered sugar glaze takes them over the top.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the best of two worlds: the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls and the ease of a classic cookie. They’re soft, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, brunch with friends, or just a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit every single time.