Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Cozy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Happiness

Sweet aromas of fresh-baked cinnamon roll cookies waft through kitchens, promising pure comfort.

Soft dough swirls with warm spices create irresistible magic.

Delicate layers melt perfectly on your tongue, capturing classic pastry charm.

Baking these treats brings nostalgic memories of weekend mornings.

Crisp edges and tender centers make each bite a delightful experience.

Whip up this simple recipe to surprise loved ones with unexpected deliciousness.

You’ll fall in love with these incredible cookies that blend two beloved desserts into one amazing creation.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet

  • Bake with Minimal Fuss: These cinnamon roll cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Create Bakery-Style Treats at Home: Enjoy the delightful taste of cinnamon rolls transformed into convenient, portable cookies that deliver the same incredible flavor.
  • Prep-Ahead Pleasure: Refrigerate or freeze the dough logs in advance, allowing you to have fresh, homemade cookies ready whenever cravings strike or guests arrive.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, these cookies will impress everyone with their irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl and sweet glaze.

Ingredients Checklist for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Flour: A primary ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, tender cookie base.

Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s golden color and crisp edges.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.

Spice and Flavoring:
  • Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, aromatic flavor that defines the cinnamon roll cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, complex taste.
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
  • Confectioners' Sugar, Milk: Create a smooth, sweet icing for drizzling over the cooled cookies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Create Cookie Base

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside this dry ingredient blend.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix for about 2 minutes until light and airy.

Step 3: Add Moisture Elements

Blend egg and vanilla into the butter mixture. Scrape bowl sides to ensure complete incorporation.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.

If dough feels too soft, sprinkle a bit more flour.

Step 5: Roll Out Delicious Layers

Divide dough into two equal portions.

Roll each portion into a 9×7 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 6: Spread Cinnamon Magic

Brush melted butter over each rectangle.

Sprinkle:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 7: Create Cookie Logs

Carefully roll each rectangle into a tight 9-inch log. Seal any cracks gently.

Refrigerate logs for 2 hours or freeze up to 3 months.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Step 9: Slice and Arrange

Remove logs from refrigerator.

Cut into half-inch rounds. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake cookies for 10-11 minutes until edges turn light brown. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 11: Cool and Transfer

Move cookies to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 12: Drizzle Creamy Topping

Whisk together:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle smooth icing over cooled cookies.

Baking Tips to Nail Cinnamon Roll Cookies Every Time

  • Chill the dough logs thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the perfect swirl shape during baking.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better cookie texture, ensuring even mixing.
  • Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar between layers for more intense flavor and a delightful aromatic experience.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender results.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Fun Spins to Customize Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, maintaining same preparation method.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use plant-based milk for icing to create dairy-free alternative.
  • Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies: Add cocoa powder to dough and sprinkle chocolate chips inside roll for rich, decadent variation with classic cinnamon flavor.
  • Maple Pecan Cinnamon Cookies: Incorporate maple extract into dough and sprinkle chopped pecans inside roll for nutty, sweet enhancement of original recipe.

Pairing Ideas That Highlight Cinnamon Roll Cookies

  • Complement the warm cinnamon notes with a smooth, rich vanilla latte that echoes the cookie's sweet profile.
  • Brew a spiced caramel apple cider that mirrors the cookie's comforting cinnamon flavor and adds a delightful fruity undertone.
  • Serve alongside a slice of maple pecan cheesecake to amplify the dessert's nutty, sweet dimensions and create a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Drizzle a homemade bourbon butterscotch sauce over the cookies to elevate their richness and introduce a complex, adult twist.

Storage Tips to Keep Cinnamon Roll Cookies Soft

  • Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at a cool temperature.
  • Freezer Preservation: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Warm cookies on a baking sheet at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This restores their soft texture and slightly revives the cinnamon flavor.
  • Microwave Quick Warm-up: Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain cookie's delicate texture.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

These cookies require some basic baking skills but are not overly complicated. The key is following the steps carefully and being patient during the chilling process.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough logs and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making them great for advance preparation.

  • What if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough seems too soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour. Chilling the dough also helps firm it up and makes it easier to handle.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking. Cold dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Print
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Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 41 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Scrumptious cinnamon roll cookies blend classic pastry techniques with sweet cookie charm. Butter-rich dough swirls with warm spices, delivering irresistible comfort perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (170g or 1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tbsps (30g) butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tbsps (45ml) milk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough foundation by mixing dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to ensure complete integration.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Add an extra tablespoon of flour if dough appears too sticky.
  5. Divide dough into two equal portions and roll each rectangle to 9×7 inches, maintaining 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
  6. Brush melted butter across each rectangular dough surface, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
  7. Carefully roll each rectangle into a tight 9-inch log, smoothing any potential cracks. Refrigerate logs for minimum 2 hours to solidify.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  9. Extract chilled logs and slice into half-inch rounds, positioning them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
  10. Bake cookies for 10-11 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.
  11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
  12. Prepare icing by whisking confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth creaming and better cookie texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for a more robust and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Chilling the dough logs is crucial for maintaining shape and preventing spreading during baking.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Control cookie thickness by using a sharp knife and maintaining consistent slice size.
  • Opt for low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives in the icing for dietary modifications.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve freshness.
  • Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or nutmeg for unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 128
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 44 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 23 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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