Introduction
Imagine biting into a buttery cookie that tastes just like a homemade cinnamon roll soft, golden, with ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon swirling through every bite. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of breakfast pastries in a simple, shareable treat. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, easy to make, and perfect for holidays, bake sales, or cozy coffee moments at home.
What Is Cinnamon Roll Cookies / Why It’s Special
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are buttery sugar cookies rolled up with a brown-sugar cinnamon filling, sliced, and baked into soft spiral swirls. They’re basically mini cinnamon rolls but with the crumbly, chewy texture of a cookie. The warm spice, caramelized filling, and drizzle of glaze on top make them the perfect comfort treat. Think of them as the love child of your favorite cinnamon bun and a classic sugar cookie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ Tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze (optional but heavenly!)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk (or cream)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- A sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth
- Swap milk for maple syrup in the glaze for fall flavor
- Add crushed pecans or mini chocolate chips before rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined and smooth. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Step 2: Roll & Fill
Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick) on lightly floured parchment paper. Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top, gently pressing it down so it sticks.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log using the parchment to help guide it. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up this makes slicing easier.
Step 4: Slice & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 °F / 175 °C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them about 2 inches apart on the tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are just golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Step 5: Glaze & Enjoy
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies with a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: Chill the dough it prevents spreading and keeps the perfect spiral.
- Tip: For a deeper flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the dough.
- Variation: Add a cream cheese glaze for a true “cinnamon roll” vibe.
- Variation: Replace part of the flour with almond flour for a slightly chewy texture.
- Why You’ll Love It: They’re soft, buttery, cinnamon-swirled, and smell incredible just like a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll, in cookie form.
FAQs
Q1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the rolled logs for up to 3 months. Slice and bake straight from frozen, adding 2 minutes to bake time.
Q2. Can I use whole-wheat flour?
You can swap up to half of the flour with white whole-wheat flour — it adds a nutty flavor.
Q3. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. They’re still delicious, but a drizzle of glaze takes them from tasty to irresistible.
Q4. How long do they keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a week.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a soft, golden, swirly blend of sugar cookie comfort and cinnamon roll indulgence the perfect make-ahead treat for every occasion.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!