Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Sweet, Soft, and Irresistible

Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a handheld cookie. Soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and lightly glazed, these cookies are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require rising and baking in a pan, these cookies are faster to prepare, yet they deliver the same comforting flavors of cinnamon, butter, and sugar in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
• Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons milk for glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Combine dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
6. Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten slightly, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and swirl with a toothpick or skewer to create a cinnamon roll pattern.
7. Bake: Place cookies on baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
8. Glaze (optional): Mix powdered sugar with milk to create a thin glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
9. Serve: Enjoy warm or room temperature with coffee, tea, or milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic cinnamon flavor: Sweet, buttery, and warm from cinnamon.
• Soft texture: Chewy, tender, and perfect for any occasion.
• Quick and easy: No rolling pin or rising required.
• Portable: Perfect for lunchboxes, gatherings, or gifting.

Variations & Twists

• Chocolate swirl: Add cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Nutty version: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Cream cheese glaze: Replace milk glaze with a mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a richer flavor.
• Holiday spices: Add nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for a festive twist.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Soft, buttery cookies with a cinnamon sugar swirl, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting. Quick and easy to make with classic cinnamon flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Bakery

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar for swirl
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar optional for glaze
• 1-2 tbsp milk for glaze

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Toothpick or skewer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, combining fully.
5. Combine ground cinnamon and granulated sugar for swirl.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, swirl with toothpick.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
8. Optional: Mix powdered sugar with milk for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
9. Serve warm or room temperature with coffee or tea.

Notes

Use softened butter for best texture. Swirl carefully to maintain cinnamon roll pattern.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or a latte.
• Serve as part of a breakfast or brunch spread.
• Great for holiday cookie exchanges or gifting in decorative tins.

Storage & Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
• Tip: Swirl carefully to maintain cinnamon roll pattern without flattening cookies.
• Tip: Use softened butter for best texture and flavor.

FAQ

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, though butter provides the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking time slightly.

Q: Can I double the batch?
Absolutely. Just increase baking sheets and bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.