There are two types of people in this world—those who love cinnamon rolls and those who haven’t tried one yet. But let’s be real, waiting hours for dough to rise isn’t always appealing. That’s where Cinnamon Roll Cookies come in. They have all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but in a chewy, bite-sized form.
If you’ve ever been torn between baking a batch of cookies or indulging in a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, this recipe solves your dilemma. These cookies are an easy dessert to bake at home with simple pantry staples, no yeast, and no waiting around for dough to proof. Just mix, roll, chill, and bake—no fancy baking skills required.
Speaking of cookie baking recipes, if you love unique takes on classic treats, you should check out this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies recipe—it’s another must-try!
What Are Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Imagine a sugar cookie and a cinnamon roll had a baby. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Cookies are—a soft, chewy cookie base wrapped around a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, then sliced and baked to perfection. Top them with vanilla icing, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced dessert that’s sweet, buttery, and spiced with warm cinnamon goodness.
The best part? Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies don’t require yeast or rising time, making them one of the easiest cookies to bake for beginners and pros alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s break down the simple ingredients needed for these cinnamon roll cookie recipes.
Sugar Cookie Dough:
- All-purpose flour – The backbone of the cookies, ensuring a sturdy yet tender texture.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with structure.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies bake up light and soft.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- Unsalted butter (softened) – The glue that holds the cinnamon sugar in place.
- Brown sugar – Adds caramel-like depth.
- Ground cinnamon – The star of the show!
Vanilla Icing:
- Powdered sugar – The base of any good icing.
- Milk – Thins out the icing for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract – For extra flavor.
Looking for a delicious Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe? This one works perfectly for decorating these cookies too!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until you have a soft, rollable dough. If the dough is sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough into two rectangles, about 9×7 inches each. Rolling the dough on a silicone mat makes cleanup easier, but parchment paper works too.
Step 3: Spread the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste. Evenly distribute it over the dough, ensuring every bite has that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 4: Roll the Dough into Logs
Carefully roll each rectangle into a tight log. If cracks appear, smooth them out with your fingers. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—this step is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ swirl shape.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice each log into ½-inch thick cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Drizzle with Vanilla Icing
Once the cookies have cooled, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the icing. Drizzle it over the cookies for that classic cinnamon roll touch.
Baker’s Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Chilling the dough is non-negotiable! It prevents spreading and helps keep the swirl shape intact.
- Rolling the dough slowly and tightly ensures a perfect spiral without gaps.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking.
If you love soft, chewy cookies, you might also enjoy these Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies—another fantastic cinnamon-infused treat!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them fresh for up to 10 days.
- Freezing Dough Logs: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the bake time.
Want more easy baking ideas? Try these Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for a fuss-free dessert!
Variations & Flavor Twists
- Maple Icing: Swap the vanilla extract in the icing for maple syrup.
- Brown Butter Cinnamon Filling: Use browned butter for an even richer taste.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: Mix in chopped pecans or golden raisins for extra texture.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the vanilla icing for a tangy cream cheese drizzle.
For another fun seasonal twist, check out these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For the Vanilla Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a 9x7-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface or silicone baking mat.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. Spread evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll into Logs: Carefully roll each rectangle into a tight log, smoothing out any cracks. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each log into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to maintain the cinnamon roll shape and prevent spreading.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them set on the baking sheet.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze dough logs for up to 3 months.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are proof that you don’t need yeast or hours of rising time to enjoy the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll. They’re quick, easy, and packed with warm cinnamon goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend treat or a holiday cookie swap, they’ll be a hit with everyone.
If you’re a fan of cookie baking recipes, be sure to try these German Chocolate Cookies next!
Now, it’s your turn!
Have you tried making Cinnamon Roll Cookies? Let me know in the comments below and share your favorite variations!
