Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp ground cinnamon

I absolutely love sharing this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe with friends and family because it perfectly captures the warmth and sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls but in a quick, handheld cookie. These cookies have that cozy cinnamon sugar swirl that melts in your mouth, and I find them incredibly satisfying for any time of day. Whether I’m baking for a casual afternoon treat or to impress guests during the holidays, these cookies never fail to delight.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

From the first bite, what really draws me to this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is the amazing blend of soft, buttery dough layered with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. The flavors remind me of weekend mornings spent enjoying fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, only these cookies come together so much faster and are wonderfully portable. I love that hint of warm spice combined with the sweet gooey swirl—it’s like a hug in cookie form.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how straightforward it is. Seriously, I’m talking basic ingredients and simple steps that even a beginner can feel confident tackling. You don’t have to wait hours for dough to rise or fuss over any complicated techniques. Plus, it only takes about half an hour from start to finish, which means you can have fresh, warm cookies on your plate before you know it. I’ve made these cookies for everything from weekday snacks to last-minute gatherings because they’re quick but taste like you put in so much more effort.

These cookies stand out because they bring an irresistible cinnamon roll experience to your cookie jar. The swirl effect inside each cookie is just so visually appealing and fun to bite into. I often serve them at holiday parties or brunches, and people are always surprised and delighted by how much they taste like traditional cinnamon rolls but with a crisp, slightly chewy cookie texture. For me, they hit the perfect balance between nostalgic and convenient, making them an instant favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with soft-looking cinnamon rolls placed on a white marbled surface. Each cinnamon roll has about three visible layers of dough spiraled tightly with dark brown cinnamon filling in the middle. The tops of the rolls are covered with a smooth white glaze, drizzled in thin lines across the surface, giving a shiny and slightly sticky look. The rolls have a light golden-brown color on the edges, showing they are baked just right. The rolls are spaced evenly on the tray, and the background is softly blurred, focusing on the warm, fresh pastries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s really beautiful about this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Each one plays a key role, from giving the dough its tender texture to infusing that signature cinnamon flavor and sweetness that makes every bite so comforting.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: The base of our dough, it provides structure and softness.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be tender and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy aroma central to the cinnamon roll experience.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moisture to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and softness to the cookies.
Egg: Binds the dough together and adds tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with a lovely warm, floral note.
For the filling — brown sugar and cinnamon: Combined to create the irresistible swirl inside each cookie.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the cinnamon flavor throughout the dough perfectly.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. I usually use an electric mixer for this, and it takes about 2-3 minutes to get that perfect texture, which really makes a difference in the final cookie.

Step 4: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is smooth. This step adds moisture and richness while blending all flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make the cookies tougher, and I want them soft and tender every time.

Step 6: For the filling, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. This sweet spice blend is what creates the classic cinnamon roll taste inside your cookies.

Step 7: Spread half of your cookie dough onto a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle shape. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up tightly like a jelly roll. This rolling technique is key for creating those beautiful swirls.

Step 8: Slice the rolled dough into rounds approximately ½ inch thick and place them spaced slightly apart on your prepared baking sheet. This keeps them from spreading into each other while baking.

Step 9: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—they should be soft in the center with just a touch of crispness on the outside.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing with a crowd or keeping some for yourself to enjoy throughout the week. Preparation only takes about 15 minutes, and the baking time is a quick 10-12 minutes, making the total time roughly 27 minutes from start to finish. There is no additional resting time needed, so you can dive right into enjoying these treats fresh out of the oven.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

The image shows a stack of three cookies on a white marbled surface. The top cookie is broken in half, revealing swirls of dark cinnamon filling inside a soft, light brown dough. The cookies have a slightly cracked surface with a light dusting of white sugar or icing on some parts. In the background, there are blurred cookies lying flat on the white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, with the focus on the rich layers inside the cookie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies slightly warm, just minutes after they come out of the oven, so the cinnamon sugar swirl is soft and gooey. When I have guests over, I often place them on a pretty platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze to add extra sweetness and a lovely presentation. They warm up a cozy gathering instantly.

For beverages, these cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. I also like the contrast of a cold glass of milk when enjoying them as an afternoon snack. During festive occasions, I sometimes serve these alongside mulled cider or a lightly spiced holiday punch to highlight their cinnamon flavor.

These cookies are fantastic for breakfasts, brunches, or dessert tables. If you want to get creative, try stacking them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick cinnamon roll-inspired cookie sandwich. They’re easy to portion too — just one or two cookies per guest is usually enough since they are pretty rich and satisfying.

Variations

I often experiment with this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or dietary needs. For example, swapping regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well and still yields tender cookies, though I recommend adding a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. For a vegan version, using coconut oil or vegan butter along with a flax egg replaces the dairy and egg components without sacrificing flavor.

If you want to mix up the flavor a bit, I sometimes add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch and depth. You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the roll before slicing for a decadent twist. Another fun variation is to use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-inspired version that feels perfect with a cup of hot cider.

Different cooking methods can also be explored — I’ve even tried making smaller cookie pinwheels on a baking sheet or cooking the dough in a mini muffin pan to create bite-sized cookie cups. Both methods are delicious and handy for parties or gifting.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If I want to keep them a little longer, I sometimes place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Proper sealing is key to retaining their tender texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, which is great because I often make a double batch. To freeze, I place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet inside the freezer. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper if stacking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without a noticeable loss in flavor or texture.

Reheating

When I want to enjoy frozen or stored cookies again, I gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, gooey texture of the cinnamon filling and revives that fresh-baked warmth. I avoid microwaving because it can sometimes make the cookies soggy or tough. If you prefer a quick method, a brief toast in a toaster oven works really well too.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls, then freeze them before slicing. When you’re ready to bake, just slice the frozen roll and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This makes holiday baking or parties much easier.

What type of cinnamon works best for these cookies?

I recommend using ground Ceylon cinnamon for its sweeter, more delicate flavor, which pairs beautifully here. However, standard ground cassia cinnamon works fine too and will provide a stronger, more robust cinnamon taste if you prefer that.

Can I substitute the brown sugar in the filling?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or a mix of white sugar and molasses as substitutes. They will still give you that rich caramel flavor but may slightly alter the texture or color. I find brown sugar gives the best melt-in-your-mouth softness.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling can also help hold the shape better while baking, especially in warmer kitchens.

Can I add icing or glaze to these cookies?

Definitely! A simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk adds an extra touch of sweetness and looks gorgeous drizzled over warm cookies. I sometimes dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter finish when I want to keep it simpler.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a treat that brings all the comfort of the classic cinnamon roll but in a fun, easy-to-make cookie, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe should be your next bake. I can’t wait for you to try it because every bite feels like a little celebration of cinnamon and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine.