I have a serious food confession, fellow flavor adventurers—one late night in my kitchen, I stumbled on what quickly became my all-time favorite treat: Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Picture this: me, excitedly mixing spices and dough, following wild instincts instead of a recipe. The smell was intoxicating, the anticipation real, and when that first batch came out soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon magic, my taste buds did a full happy dance! These Cinnamon Roll Cookies turned out to be a cozy hug in cookie form, combining that cinnamon sugar cookie charm with the warm, soft essence of homemade cinnamon cookies you crave.
What hit me was how this recipe transformed a simple cookie into something truly special. It’s like all the best parts of a cinnamon roll, but without the fuss of rolling up dough or waiting hours. Cinnamon sugar cookies are tasty, sure—but Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring that classic bakery vibe with a twist that makes every bite melt in your mouth. I’ve mixed the bold flavors of cinnamon swirl cookies and topped them off with luscious cinnamon icing cookies glaze to create a treat that’s perfect for game nights, potlucks, or just when you want to treat yourself.
If you’re looking to shake up your cookie game or add some new comfort food flair to your baking lineup, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe is where it’s at. I’m thrilled to have you here to share in this flavor adventure with me! Let’s get cozy in the kitchen and make these soft cinnamon cookies happen. Ready to turn your oven into a source of pure delicious magic? Keep reading to grab all the secrets, tricks, and tips for making homemade cinnamon cookies that will knock your socks off! And hey, if you love this, you’ll flip over some other bold treats like these pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls or these cinnamon roll zucchini bread gems I’ve tried (check out those links for your next fix)!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cinnamon Roll Cookies lineup is all about flavors that hit bold and stay deliciously cozy. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand—nothing fancy, just staples you can grab on your next grocery run!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (No worries if you run out—sometimes I swap 1/4 cup for whole wheat for a heartier spin!)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (This cinnamon swirl is the star of the show!)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Room temp butter = best soft cinnamon cookies texture)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (This gives that classic cinnamon sugar cookie sweetness)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I always double this for extra warmth)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (Helps keep these homemade cinnamon cookies super soft)
For the cinnamon sugar filling:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
For cinnamon icing cookies glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon
This Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe gets its amazing taste from the cinnamon sugar filling swirl and that cinnamon icing cookies glaze drizzle that makes it pop. I love adding a little extra cinnamon on top before baking for a flavor kick that feels like a warm hug.
For busy weeknights, prep your cinnamon sugar filling in advance or have your butter softened and ready. Tip—store baked cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh longer.
If you want to try a little twist, I recommend swapping regular sugar for coconut sugar to get a deeper flavor or swapping the milk for almond milk to make these homemade cinnamon cookies dairy-free.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, flavor lovers! Ready to whip up some of the softest, boldest Cinnamon Roll Cookies you’ve ever tasted? Let’s dive in, step-by-step—I’m right here with you for this delicious magic!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This cinnamon roll cookies magic starts with a ready oven!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. These spices promise the bold, warm flavor we crave.
- In your mixer (or by hand if you’re feeling strong!), cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. The texture of your dough here makes all the difference!
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then the milk. Your dough should smell absolutely incredible right now—so warm and inviting.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork this dough or your soft cinnamon cookies will lose their tender bite!
- Now for the exciting part! Divide your dough in half. On a floured surface, roll one half into a rectangle (~9×12 inches). Spread half of the soft butter over the rectangle, then sprinkle with half the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll up the dough tightly starting from the long edge and then slice into 12 rounds. These are your delicious cinnamon swirl cookies waiting to happen!
- Repeat with the other half of the dough for the second batch of rolls.
- Place these rounds on your parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry if your cinnamon roll cookies look a little “imperfect”—that’s real homemade charm!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and smelling like warm cinnamon sugar hugs.
- While baking, mix up the cinnamon icing cookies glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with your heavenly cinnamon icing glaze. Pro tip: I use a spoon to make messy, irresistible swirls.
In my kitchen, this whole Cinnamon Roll Cookies adventure usually takes under 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without waiting all day.
If you’re hungry for more Cinnamon Roll Cookies fun, try Sally’s Baking twist on cinnamon roll cookies or these cinnamon roll sugar cookies from Celebrating Sweets. Each one adds a little spin that’s too good to miss!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Cinnamon Roll Cookies hits the table with a warm cup of spiced chai or a cold glass of milk. These treats are unlike any soft cinnamon cookies you’ve ever tasted—perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy.
I love serving them hot, fresh out of the oven, because the cinnamon icing cookies glaze is perfectly melty and irresistible. For a fun brunch or dessert, stack a few with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—total crowd-pleaser!
This Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe shines brightest during cozy game nights, festive potlucks, or whenever you need a treat that feels like a warm hug. A little tip: sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for that sparkle that wows guests.
If you find yourself with leftovers (which rarely happens!), try layering them in a bread pudding, turning your homemade cinnamon cookies into a breakfast twist. Or slice and toast them for a cinnamon swirl cookies version of toasted sweet bread—yum!
For fusion fans, try adding a touch of cardamom to the dough and a drizzle of coffee glaze instead of cinnamon icing to create playful new flavors. It’s like cinnamon sugar cookies meet cafe vibes!
Your friends and family will be asking for the recipe (and you can thank me later!). If you want even more weeknight winners with a twist, dive into my cinnamon roll zucchini bread or cinnamon roll protein crepes—both packed with bold comfort.
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Absolutely! This recipe is beginner-friendly with clear steps and forgiving dough. I’ve had plenty of flavor adventurers with little baking experience nail this bake on their first try.
What if I mess up my Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible! Even if your rolls aren’t perfect, the cinnamon sugar and icing will save the day. I once forgot to roll quite tightly and the gooey cinnamon swirl still hugged every bite.
Can I prep Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
For sure! You can prepare the dough and filling the day before, then roll, slice, and bake fresh. I’ve found dough freezes well too for busy weeks.
How do I keep these homemade cinnamon cookies soft?
Store leftovers in an airtight container with a slice of bread to absorb moisture. Avoid refrigeration, which dries them out.
What’s the best way to get perfect cinnamon swirl cookies?
Chill your dough a bit before rolling for easier handling. Rolling tight but gentle gives the best swirls without cracking.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan spread and milk for almond or oat milk. Use a flax egg in place of regular egg, and your cinnamon roll cookies will still be delish.
What’s your secret for the best cinnamon icing cookies glaze?
Less is more! Start with a little milk and powdered sugar, then add cinnamon for warmth without overpowering. Spoon it on messy style for that homemade vibe.
If you want a twist on the classic, check out this The Food Charlatan cinnamon roll cookies recipe for an easy 35-minute version with bold flavors!
CONCLUSION:
This Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe brings me pure joy because it combines everything I love—bold flavor, comforting textures, and that sweet, spicy hit that makes you smile from the first bite. These are no ordinary cookies; they’re cinnamon sugar cookies turned up with soft cinnamon cookies magic and finished with the perfect cinnamon icing cookies glaze.
- Always use good cinnamon—don’t skimp here!
- Double the vanilla extract for a warm, inviting base.
- Don’t over-mix dough to keep these homemade cinnamon cookies tender and soft.
I’ve tested versions with pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls for fall vibes, cinnamon roll zucchini bread for breakfast lovers, and even cinnamon roll protein crepes for a light twist on sweet comfort food. Each is great for a different mood or occasion, but this classic Cinnamon Roll Cookies is my kitchen’s MVP.
Trust your taste buds and your instincts, fellow food lovers, and make this recipe your own. Don’t hold back on those cinnamon sugar cookies swirls or that luscious cinnamon icing drizzle! I can’t wait for you to try this Cinnamon Roll Cookies and dance around your kitchen with me in spirit.
For more flavor fun with Cinnamon Roll Cookies styles, check out these delicious recipes:
- Sally’s Baking Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Celebrating Sweets Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Cinnamon Roll Protein Crepes
Happy eating and happy baking, friends!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Delight in these soft and sweet Cinnamon Roll Cookies, bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and creamy icing that captures the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in a handy cookie form.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- For icing: ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the dough, then gently roll it up tightly from one long edge into a log.
- Slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the icing.
- Drizzle icing over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Notes
For an extra indulgent treat, add chopped nuts or cream cheese into the icing for a richer flavor.