Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun twist on two all-time favorites—cinnamon rolls and cookies—this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is hands down a winner. I absolutely love how these bite-sized treats capture the comforting, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but with the crisp, chewy texture of a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or just craving something sweet and nostalgic, these cookies hit that sweet spot perfectly.

One thing I discovered when I first tried this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make something that looks and tastes fancy without hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re great for sharing! You’ll find that the cinnamon sugar filling creates little pockets of gooey cinnamon goodness baked right inside each cookie, which just makes those first bites so rewarding.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe come together harmoniously—flour and cinnamon create that warm base, while brown sugar adds rich, molasses notes that make the filling sing. When shopping, I recommend using fresh cinnamon and good-quality vanilla for the best flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the right structure without being too dense.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookie a little lift.
• Ground cinnamon: This is what brings the magic cinnamon roll flavor!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened, it creams beautifully with sugar for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge.
• Brown sugar: Packed for both the dough and filling, it offers deep flavor and moisture.
• Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to that chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
• Filling mixture (brown sugar + cinnamon): This classic combo is the heart of the cinnamon roll cookie experience.

Variations

I love to personalize this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe depending on the season or my mood, and you’ll find that tweaking it is a fun way to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to experiment—you might discover your new favorite version!

• Add nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar filling for some crunch; my family goes crazy for the added texture.
• White chocolate chips: Mixing these into the dough gives a sweet surprise in every bite, perfect if you like a little extra indulgence.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a gluten-free blend for the flour, just be sure it’s one made for baking so the texture stays soft.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a more complex, warming flavor profile.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This step ensures that the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, which means your cookies will have consistent flavor and texture. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, trust me!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. I discovered that this process is key to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so take your time and don’t rush it. You’ll want to stop as soon as it’s creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients and Combine

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing is a rookie mistake I used to make—it tightens up the dough and makes the cookies tough, so slow and steady wins here.

Step 4: Roll Out and Layer with Filling

Spread half of the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, making a roughly rectangular shape. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up like you would with cinnamon roll dough. This step is the fun part—rolling tightly helps keep the swirls intact, so take your time, and if the dough sticks, using a little parchment paper on top to help roll makes it smoother.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Slice the rolled dough into rounds about ½ inch thick and place them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end—you want them cooked but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over these cookies sometimes—it adds a lovely sheen and extra sweetness that makes them feel extra special. If you want to keep it simple, just a light dusting of powdered sugar also looks beautiful and adds a nice touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, especially since the cinnamon flavors complement warm beverages perfectly. For brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve laid these cookies out on a platter lined with fresh sprigs of rosemary and cinnamon sticks—giving them a festive, rustic look. You can even stack them in little towers tied with twine for gifts or party favors that look as delightful as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft but if you notice any slight firmness, a quick warm-up revives that freshly-baked feel instantly.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead or save some for later, I freeze the sliced cookie rounds before baking, separated on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

I like to reheat cookies in a warm oven for about 3-5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This helps bring back the soft, gooey interior that makes these cookies so addictive.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe truly holds a special place in my heart because it combines the joy of baking with the warm flavors we all crave. When I bake these, it instantly fills the kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon aroma that invites everyone over for a taste. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they’re perfect proof that a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to big smiles around the table.

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