Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon roll cookies combine the soft, buttery goodness of a traditional cinnamon roll with the crispy edges and portability of a cookie. These delightful treats are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as an everyday indulgence. With a swirl of cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of glaze, they look as good as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique and Fun: A creative twist on classic cinnamon rolls in cookie form.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges, parties, or gifting.
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the perfect balance of textures.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no fancy equipment required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar
• Milk (or heavy cream, for the glaze)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
   • Roll the dough tightly into a log and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Slice and Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Slice the log into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let cool.
5. Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk (or cream) to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Filling: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra warmth.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace milk with softened cream cheese for a tangy topping.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Unbaked cookie dough logs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

What makes these cookies taste like cinnamon rolls?

The cinnamon-sugar filling and buttery dough mimic the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls, while the glaze adds sweetness.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Why is my dough cracking when I roll it?

If the dough is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough log before slicing and ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.

Can I make these without a glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious even without the glaze, but the drizzle adds a classic cinnamon roll touch.

What’s the best way to slice the dough log?

Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices without squishing the dough.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can work as a substitute.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the dough?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor, but it may slightly alter the cookie’s texture.

How do I make these vegan?

Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.

Can I make mini cinnamon roll cookies?

Yes, roll the dough thinner and slice smaller rounds to create bite-sized versions.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cookies are a delightful and versatile treat that combines the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try this recipe for your next baking session—you won’t be disappointed!

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