Name: The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 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 adore the cozy, warm flavors packed into these sweet treats, and that’s why I’m excited to share The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe with you. From the first bite, you get that irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll, but in a perfectly portable cookie form. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that feels like a little hug for my taste buds, yet is simple enough to whip up on a weekday afternoon or for holiday gatherings with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

What makes this recipe truly stand out to me is the way it captures all the magic of a cinnamon roll in a cookie that’s easy and quick to bake. The flavor profile is perfectly balanced—the gentle warmth of cinnamon and a buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth. Every bite gives you that soft texture inside with just a hint of crispness on the edges, and honestly, it’s the kind of cookie I find myself sneaking when no one’s watching!

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I love that the ingredients are basic pantry staples, which means I can pull these together on a whim without needing a grocery run. Rolling the dough into a cinnamon-sugar swirl is such a fun, hands-on step that makes the baking feel cozy and satisfying. Plus, the baking time is short, so in less than half an hour, you’re rewarded with amazing aromas that instantly make your kitchen feel like home.

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions. I’ve brought them to brunches, served them at holiday parties, and even packed them up as sweet gifts. They’re also wonderful for a comforting treat with a cup of coffee or tea during a slow afternoon. What really makes this recipe special, though, is the way it takes a classic beloved dessert and turns it into a cookie that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a stack of three light golden-brown cinnamon rolls on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a visible swirl pattern with a cinnamon filling peeking through the soft layers. The rolls are topped with white icing that drips down the sides in thin lines, adding a glossy texture. The front roll has a bite taken out, revealing the soft, fluffy inside and the layers of cinnamon. Around the rolls, there are two cinnamon sticks positioned on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe are wonderfully simple but essential for creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each plays a key role—flour and baking powder for structure, cinnamon for that signature warm spice, and both brown and granulated sugars for sweetness and chewiness.

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

All-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, providing structure and softness.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that tender bite.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cookies their warm, cozy flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and slight crispness.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-y sweetness.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to softness.
Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic note.
For the filling - brown sugar: Creates the gooey, sweet swirl inside the cookie.
For the filling - ground cinnamon: Intensifies the cinnamon flavor in the swirl.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is just right for baking the cookies evenly and getting that golden-brown finish.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening and spice perfectly in every bite.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it aerates the butter to give the cookies a tender crumb.

Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might become tough.

Step 6: For the filling, combine the additional brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well. This filling is what gives you that signature cinnamon roll swirl.

Step 7: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly on a piece of parchment paper into a rectangular shape. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then use the parchment paper to help roll the dough tightly into a log, like a cinnamon roll.

Step 8: Slice the rolled dough into rounds about ½ to ¾ inch thick and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re just golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them—you want that perfect mix of soft insides and lightly crisp outsides.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 delightful cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging through the week. The prep time is around 15 minutes, as the rolling and slicing process is quick and enjoyable. Baking takes about 10 to 12 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is roughly 27 minutes. There’s no resting time required, but letting the cookies cool slightly for 5 minutes after baking really helps them set and keeps the filling from oozing too much.

How to Serve This The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

A white plate holds five soft, round cinnamon roll cookies, each with a light golden-brown base and a darker, cinnamon-spiced swirl pattern on top. A smooth, glossy white icing is drizzled over the cinnamon swirls in irregular loops, giving the cookies a shiny, slightly wet look. The cinnamon and icing layers are clearly visible, with the cinnamon layer sitting just above the cookie base and the icing sitting on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and the background shows a blurred white plate with more cookies on it, along with a blurry white cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cinnamon roll cookies warm, fresh from the oven with a little pat of butter or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast or afternoon snack times. If you’re looking to make them the star of a dessert table, arranging them on a tiered platter and garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of extra cinnamon creates a lovely presentation.

For holiday celebrations or cozy get-togethers, these cookies shine alongside a hot cocoa bar or mulled apple cider, bringing everyone together with their sweet, cinnamon aroma. If you’re planning a brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced spread. I’ve even enjoyed them cooled alongside a glass of cold milk or a spiced latte, which brings out the cookie’s warm flavors in a different but equally delicious way.

When plating, consider offering 2 to 3 cookies per serving since they are quite rich and flavorful. They hold up well at room temperature, so you can prepare them in advance and keep them on a decorative plate covered with a light cloth to keep them soft and fresh.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend works wonderfully without sacrificing texture. If you’re vegan, I’ve had great success using coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the large egg, which keeps the cookies tender and delicious.

Flavor variations are a fun way to personalize the recipe. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon sugar swirl adds a delightful crunch. You can also mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall for a festive flair.

Another variation that I enjoy is baking the cookies in mini muffin tins instead of slicing from a roll—this creates perfectly portioned “cookie cups” that you can fill with a little cream cheese frosting after baking. It’s a playful spin that everyone loves!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

These cookies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I like using a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to keep the cookies nice and soft. If you want to keep them longer, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cookies! I recommend freezing them after they’ve been baked and completely cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven is the best choice—it brings back that fresh-baked warmth and keeps the edges slightly crisp while the center stays soft. A quick 5-7 minutes at 300°F (150°C) does the trick. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the cookies chewy or tough. For an extra touch, warming them wrapped in foil preserves moisture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?

Yes! While the combination of granulated and brown sugars gives the cookies their classic sweetness and moisture, you can experiment with coconut sugar or light muscovado for a deeper flavor, but be mindful these alternatives might slightly change the texture or color.

Is it possible to make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally nut-free as written. Just ensure that any add-ins or toppings you use are also free from nuts to keep the cookies safe for anyone with allergies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough, roll it with the filling, slice the cookies, and then refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered tightly in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for planning ahead and even enhances the flavors.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar filling from leaking out during baking?

Rolling the dough tightly and evenly is key. Using parchment paper to help roll the dough ensures a compact swirl. Also, avoid overfilling with the cinnamon sugar mixture to reduce any leaking while baking.

Can I add icing or glaze to these cookies?

Yes! Drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies adds extra sweetness and that classic cinnamon roll feel. Just apply once the cookies are completely cool to avoid melting.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare treats that brings so much warmth and joy with minimal fuss. Whether you’re baking for yourself or a crowd, these cookies offer that perfect cinnamon sweetness wrapped in a tender, buttery bite. I’m confident once you taste them, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!