Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweet cinnamon roll magic swirls through these delectable cookies, creating a nostalgic treat that bridges breakfast comfort with dessert delight.

Soft dough carries rich layers of warm spice and sugary depth.

Memories of weekend mornings drift through each delicate bite.

Bakery-style indulgence meets homemade charm in this simple recipe.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce extraordinary results that surprise and comfort.

Weekend baking becomes an adventure with these irresistible morsels.

You’ll want to share every delicious detail with someone special.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Swirled Sweetness

Crafting these cinnamon roll cookies offers irresistible advantages.
Perfect for beginner bakers, the recipe follows straightforward steps with simple mixing and rolling techniques that guarantee success without advanced culinary expertise.
These cookies combine the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls in a convenient, portable cookie format that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend desserts.
Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen, allowing flexible baking schedules and reducing last-minute stress while ensuring fresh, warm cookies are always within reach.

Ingredients to Capture That Cinnamon Roll Flavor

Base Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookie dough.
Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and creates tender cookie texture.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cookies.

Filling Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweet cinnamon filling with depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: Provides signature warm, spicy taste typical of cinnamon rolls.

Glaze Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet topping.
Milk: Helps thin and blend glaze ingredients.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor complexity to the glaze.

Notes:

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
Choose fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for best flavor.
Whole milk works best for creating smooth glaze.
Unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt content.

Baking Steps for Spiral-Shaped Cookies

Step 1: Craft The Cookie Base

Grab flour
Grab baking powder
Grab salt
Grab butter
Grab sugar
Grab eggs
Grab vanilla extract

Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy using an electric mixer. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape And Chill Dough

Divide dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into thin rectangular shapes using parchment paper as a guide. Slide rolled dough into refrigerator and let chill for half an hour to firm up.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Filling

Grab granulated sugar
Grab brown sugar
Grab ground cinnamon
Grab melted butter

Pull chilled dough from refrigerator. Brush surface gently with melted butter. Mix sugars and cinnamon in small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly across dough surface.

Step 4: Roll And Prepare For Baking

Carefully roll dough into tight log using parchment paper as assistance. Wrap log in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one hour or freeze for 20-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Slice And Bake

Cut log into thin cookie slices. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 6: Add Delicious Drizzle

Grab powdered sugar
Grab milk
Grab vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients together until smooth glaze forms. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Tips for Soft, Cinnamon-Filled Cookies

Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate rolled dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
Master Rolling Technique: Use parchment paper as a guide when rolling the log to ensure a tight, even roll without breaking the dough.
Control Cookie Thickness: Slice cookies precisely at 1/4-inch thickness for consistent baking and optimal texture.
Prevent Overcrowding: Space cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even browning.
Glaze with Precision: Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar to achieve the perfect drizzling texture.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture loss.
Warm slightly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and enhance the cinnamon flavor if cookies become dry.

Pair these cinnamon roll cookies with a cold glass of whole milk for a classic, creamy companion that balances the sweet and spicy cookie perfectly.
Serve alongside a warm chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee to amplify the cookie's aromatic cinnamon notes and create a harmonious flavor experience.
Complement these cookies with a vanilla bean latte, where the smooth, rich espresso and delicate vanilla undertones enhance the cookie's sweetness and warmth.
Match with a late harvest Riesling or moscato, whose light sweetness and fruity profile will beautifully highlight the cookie's sugary cinnamon layers.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and opt for plant-based milk in the glaze to create a dairy-free version.

Low-Sugar Cinnamon Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and use a sugar-free glaze alternative for diabetic-friendly option.

Chocolate-Spiced Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dough and include mini chocolate chips in the filling for a rich, decadent spin on the classic cinnamon roll cookie.

What gives these cookies their cinnamon roll flavor?

The swirl of cinnamon sugar mixed directly into the dough creates the classic cinnamon roll taste, mimicking the traditional pastry’s signature layered texture and sweet spice profile.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the rolled dough log is crucial. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This helps the butter firm up and keeps the cookies’ shape during baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough log and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it perfect for advance preparation and allows the flavors to develop more intensely.

Why do I need to use parchment paper when rolling the dough?

Parchment paper helps you roll the dough evenly and prevents sticking. It also makes transferring and shaping the dough much easier, ensuring a smooth and consistent cookie log.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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