There’s something utterly magical about Cinnamon Roll Cookies—they capture all the cozy, swirly charm of classic cinnamon rolls, but in one perfectly sweet, buttery cookie bite. Imagine a golden treat that’s tender with a hint of chew, fragrant with cinnamon, and absolutely irresistible when fresh from the oven. If you love the warmth of cinnamon and the old-fashioned joy of rolling out dough, this recipe will feel like a nostalgic baking adventure, right from your own kitchen.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies call for everyday pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building their delightful taste and beautiful swirl. Choosing quality ingredients really lets the cinnamon flavor and buttery richness shine, while keeping the prep simple and approachable.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for cookies that are soft but still hold their signature spiral shape.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift for a light, tender cookie crumb.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, delivering warmth and that unmistakable comforting aroma with every bite.
Salt: A little salt heightens all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and that classic home-baked flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a gentle crispness at the edges.
Brown sugar, packed: Offers a touch of moisture and caramel notes, both in the dough and the filling.
Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness for a tender bite.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, giving the cookies a bakery-quality aroma.
For the Filling—Brown sugar, packed: Coats each swirl with lovely caramel sweetness.
For the Filling—Ground cinnamon: Intensifies the swirl’s aroma and color, making each bite pure cinnamon roll bliss.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, ensuring every cookie has a balanced flavor and rise.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate larger bowl, beat your softened butter along with both the granulated and brown sugars. Work this mixture until it’s fluffy and pale, which will help your Cinnamon Roll Cookies turn out light and tender.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again just until everything’s smooth—this brings richness and lovely complexity to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour mixture into your butter mixture, mixing only until no dry patches remain. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. This aromatic blend is what gives Cinnamon Roll Cookies their signature swirl and sweet, spicy kick.

Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper. Spread half of the dough into a thin rectangle, then sprinkle a generous layer of your cinnamon filling over it. Carefully roll up the dough, just like you would with classic cinnamon rolls, so the delicious cinnamon sugar is beautifully swirled inside.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange the Cookies

With a sharp knife, gently slice the log into rounds—each with its own distinct spiral. Arrange the slices, cut side up, onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your cookies into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for those golden edges and the incredible aroma that will fill your kitchen!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, you can drizzle your cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or dust them lightly with powdered sugar. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans is another delightful touch, adding a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also shine alongside a cup of fresh coffee, hot tea, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. For brunch spreads, they work fantastically with fresh fruit or a small yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking them into little paper liners as edible gifts, or stack them on a pretty plate for a bake sale or holiday gathering. If you’re hosting, arrange Cinnamon Roll Cookies in a circle around a small bowl of glaze for dipping—the interactive presentation will win over every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Cinnamon Roll Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking and preserve those perfect spirals.

Freezing

To freeze, simply place baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat, or freeze unbaked dough logs and slice-bake fresh whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

For that just-baked sensation, pop a cookie (or a few) in the microwave for 8-10 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives the texture and brings the irresistible cinnamon aroma wafting back.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. They might be a touch more delicate, but the flavor stays every bit as fantastic.

What’s the best way to get sharp swirls?

Chill your rolled-up dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the dough, making it much easier to cut clean rounds with perfect cinnamon swirls.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even golden raisins stirred into the cinnamon filling turn these Cinnamon Roll Cookies into something extra special. Just don’t overload the filling or the cookies might not roll as tightly.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the dough (or shaped logs) up to two days in advance. When ready to bake, just slice, arrange, and pop them in the oven for fresh-baked flavor anytime.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course—you’ll just need a larger mixing bowl and maybe an extra baking sheet. Extra Cinnamon Roll Cookies freeze well, so you’ll always have a stash ready for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve had a bite of these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, it’s impossible not to fall for their nostalgia-inducing sweetness and buttery warmth. I hope you’ll try making a batch soon, and that they become one of your favorite homemade traditions to share with friends and family!