Cinnamon roll cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience and portability of cookies. These homemade cinnamon cookies deliver all the sweet, spicy goodness you crave in a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy holiday season when I wanted to bring something special to a potluck but didn’t have time for traditional cinnamon rolls. The result was magical. These easy and delicious cookies captured every bit of that beloved cinnamon roll flavor in a format that was easier to make, serve, and enjoy.
What makes these cinnamon bun cookies so special is their unique spiral design and rich flavor profile. They’re essentially a soft cookie recipes easy version of everyone’s favorite breakfast pastry. The dough rolls up beautifully with cinnamon sugar filling, creating those signature swirls that make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Simple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
The beauty of this cinnamon cookies recipe lies in its simplicity. These are truly easy dessert recipes few ingredients that deliver maximum flavor impact. You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually mix in the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This cinnamon mixture will create those beautiful swirls.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Keep the thickness even for uniform baking.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for clean slicing and maintaining the swirl pattern.
These can be considered slice and bake cookies since you can prepare the log ahead of time and slice as needed.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set and lightly golden. Don’t overbake, as these cookies are best when they remain soft and chewy.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies for that authentic cinnamon roll experience.
Pro Tips and Variations for Unique Cookie Recipes
Professional Baking Tips:
- Temperature matters: Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. It should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape.
- Even rolling: Use rolling pin guides or rulers to maintain consistent dough thickness.
- Sharp slicing: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to maintain clean edges and prevent dragging.
- Proper spacing: These cookies spread slightly, so give them adequate room on the baking sheet.
Delicious Variations:
Cream Cheese Variation: Replace the simple glaze with cream cheese frosting by mixing 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
Extra Cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the cookie dough itself for more intense flavor throughout.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling for extra texture and flavor.
Mini Version: Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller rounds for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week. The dough logs can be wrapped and frozen for up to three months, making them perfect for having fresh cookies ready anytime.
For best results, freeze the sliced unbaked cookies on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon roll cookies shine in numerous serving situations:
Morning Treats: Serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast cookie experience. They pair beautifully with hot beverages and provide that comforting cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss.
Party Platters: Their attractive spiral design makes them perfect for cookie platters at gatherings, potlucks, or holiday parties. They’re conversation starters that taste as good as they look.
Gift Giving: Package these in decorative tins or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts. The recipients will appreciate the time and care that goes into these special treats.
Dessert Buffets: Include them in dessert spreads where they complement other baked goods while offering something unique and visually appealing.
School Events: These are excellent for bake sales or school functions since they’re easy to transport and appeal to all ages.
The versatility of these cookies makes them suitable for casual family dinners or elegant entertaining. They bridge the gap between comfort food and sophisticated dessert.
Conclusion
Creating these delicious cinnamon roll cookies transforms your kitchen into a bakery filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly special. The combination of soft, chewy texture with bold cinnamon flavor makes these cookies an instant favorite. They capture everything we love about traditional cinnamon rolls while offering the convenience and portability that modern life demands.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or special occasions, these cookies deliver consistent results and satisfied smiles. The recipe is forgiving for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress experienced bakers and discerning palates. The best part about this recipe is its flexibility. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, customize the flavors to your preference, and always have the ingredients on hand for spontaneous baking sessions.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough half into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour for easier slicing.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 145
- Total Fat: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugars: 15.2g
- Protein: 2.1g
- Vitamin A: 4% DV
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Chilling is essential for clean slicing and maintaining the spiral pattern. Skipping this step will result in messy cuts and loss of the signature swirl design.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to leave a small border when spreading the filling and roll the dough tightly but not so tight that it tears. Also, ensure the filling isn’t too wet.
Can I use this recipe to make slice and bake cookies for later?
Absolutely! The wrapped dough logs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for having fresh cookies anytime.
What’s the best way to get even slices?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. Some bakers prefer using dental floss to slice through the dough log without dragging or compressing the shape.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with other types?
All-purpose flour works best for the right texture. While you could experiment with other flours, it may change the texture and spreading properties of the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are properly baked?
The edges should be just set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. You may need to work in batches depending on your mixing bowl size and oven capacity, but the proportions scale up perfectly.
