Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Cookies came to life one winter morning when I was craving the taste of a cinnamon roll but didn’t have the time or patience for rising dough so I decided to transform that cozy swirl into a soft sugar cookie and from the first batch I knew this recipe was a keeper because the flavor was all there just quicker and way more snackable.

I love how the buttery cookie base melts in your mouth and the cinnamon sugar filling gives that familiar warmth and sweetness and once you finish it off with a swirl of icing it’s like getting the best part of a cinnamon roll in one tidy little bite which makes them perfect for gifting holidays or anytime you want to impress with something fun and comforting.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – Provides the cookie structure and keeps them soft and tender.
• Baking powder – Gives a gentle rise and keeps the cookies fluffy.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness to both the cookie dough and the cinnamon filling.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookie dough without overpowering.
• Brown sugar – Used in the filling for deeper caramel flavor.
• Egg – Binds everything together and adds a little chew.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – The star spice in the swirl that gives these cookies their signature flavor.
• Powdered sugar – Used for the icing on top.
• Milk or cream – Thins out the icing for drizzling.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls – One for the dough and one for the filling.
• Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and easy.
• Spatula – For folding and scraping down the bowl.
• Rolling pin – Helps flatten the dough into a thin even sheet for the swirl effect.
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter – To cut the cookie dough into spirals.
• Baking sheets – Lined with parchment for easy cleanup and even baking.
• Piping bag or zip-top bag – To drizzle the icing in perfect swirls.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

I start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy then I mix in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl I whisk together the flour baking powder and salt before gradually adding it to the wet mixture to form a soft but pliable dough.

Step 2: Chill and Roll

Once the dough is mixed I divide it in half wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it for about 30 minutes. After chilling I roll one portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Filling

I mix softened butter brown sugar and cinnamon together until smooth then I spread a thin even layer over the rolled-out dough leaving a small border on the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

I carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the long side then I slice it into 1/2-inch rounds using a sharp knife. I place them on a lined baking sheet with space in between for spreading.

Step 5: Bake

I bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Then I let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Icing

Once cool I mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until smooth then transfer it to a piping bag or small zip-top bag snip the end and drizzle the icing in spirals over each cookie just like a cinnamon roll.

Tips

If the dough feels sticky I lightly flour the surface and rolling pin to make handling easier. Chilling the dough is key for easy slicing and neat swirls. I also like to add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling for a little extra warmth and complexity. These cookies freeze well too—just skip the icing and add it after thawing.

Ways to Serve

Warmed slightly with coffee or tea

Packed in gift boxes for holiday treats

Served on a brunch platter with muffins and scones

As an after-dinner bite with a glass of milk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Yes you can freeze the dough logs or baked cookies then slice or thaw and bake when ready.

Do I have to chill the dough for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Yes chilling helps firm it up so you can roll and slice without a sticky mess.

What kind of icing works best for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze works great but cream cheese icing is also delicious!

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you bake a batch of these Cinnamon Roll Cookies soon and share them with people you love or keep them all for yourself because they’re seriously that good. Let me know if you try them with your own twist or special touch!

Happy Cooking!

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