Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could capture the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll in a bite-sized treat, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect answer. These delightful cookies bring together the rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar wrapped in a soft, buttery dough that bakes into golden perfection. They offer all the comforting charm of a classic cinnamon roll but with the convenience of a cookie, making them ideal for sharing over coffee or sneaking a few whenever the craving hits. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Roll Cookies lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture — from the tender dough to the sweet, spiced filling. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to bring this delicious treat to life.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft base for our cookie dough.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, ensuring the cookies stay tender and not dense.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings that unmistakable warmth and aroma to every bite.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the dough a silky texture and buttery flavor you’ll adore.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, helping with that perfect golden exterior.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a subtle molasses depth that pairs exquisitely with cinnamon.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, lending richness and a tender crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic note that rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- For the filling: ½ cup brown sugar, packed, and 2 tsp ground cinnamon — the duo that makes every swirl pop with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven is the secret to cookies baking evenly and developing that irresistible golden-brown hue. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this keeps your cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures the cinnamon is wonderfully evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite packs a subtle warmth.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it introduces air, making your cookies tender and soft instead of dense. The mixture will look creamy and luscious — a good sign you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until the batter is smooth and well combined. This brings everything together with moisture and deeper flavor, setting a perfect stage for the flour mixture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies soft and tender. Once combined, your dough will feel soft and a bit pliable — ready for the next delicious step.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. This simple mix provides the sweet and spicy ribbon inside the cookies that gives them their signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough and Add Filling
Place half of the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and gently press or roll it into a rectangle. Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. Then, carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the shorter ends — just like rolling a cinnamon roll!
Step 8: Slice and Arrange for Baking
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into evenly sized rounds, approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick. Arrange the slices on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space for them to puff slightly as they bake.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake your Cinnamon Roll Cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers are set. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly — they’ll be soft, fragrant, and oh-so-inviting.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a simple dusting of powdered sugar complements these cookies perfectly. Adding a light glaze on top makes them look picture-perfect and adds a sweet tang that echoes classic cinnamon rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. Their cozy spice profile also goes wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait if you’re serving them at brunch or a casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board garnished with cinnamon sticks and a small bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping. They also make an adorable addition to dessert charcuterie boards, where everyone can pick and choose their treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolled dough slices by placing them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can be baked straight from frozen with a couple of extra minutes added to the bake time, perfect for easy future treats.
Reheating
Rewarm cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-second bursts until warmed through. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and highlights the cinnamon aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
All-purpose flour works best for these cookies to maintain their tender yet sturdy texture. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie, but it may affect the softness and rise slightly.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum can deliver similar results, though the texture might be a bit different. Make sure your blend is suitable for baking to keep these Cinnamon Roll Cookies nice and soft.
What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
You can substitute salted butter but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent oversalting. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute with good baking properties.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly but gently so the filling stays inside. Chilling the rolled dough briefly before slicing can help it hold its shape better during baking.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins would add a fun texture and complementary flavor to Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Just fold them into the dough before rolling out for an extra treat in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Cinnamon Roll Cookies that feels like a hug in dessert form. They’re comforting, easy to make, and endlessly versatile, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own cozy afternoon. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these little treats become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cookie form. Soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon sugar filling, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack anytime.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your cookies are ready to bake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling, which will give the cookies a sweet and spicy swirl.
- Form Dough and Add Filling: Spread half of the dough evenly over a piece of parchment paper. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, then carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into rounds approximately ½ inch thick and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown on the edges and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter for easier mixing and fluffier cookies.
- You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- If desired, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cookies, cinnamon cookies, easy cookie recipe, cinnamon sugar cookies, breakfast cookies, soft cookies
