What happens when your two favorite desserts collide? You get cinnamon roll cookies, a sweet, swirled treat that combines the buttery crunch of cookies with the gooey cinnamon-spiced center of classic cinnamon rolls.
Perfectly soft in the center, crisp around the edges, and topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, these cookies are the ultimate mashup you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, meal prepping treats, or looking to impress at your next cookie swap, this recipe brings bakery-level results with minimal effort.
Looking for more creative bakes? Don’t miss our pumpkin streusel bread, another cozy classic with a twist.
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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Soft, chewy texture with cinnamon swirl flavor
Not only do these cookies look like cinnamon rolls, they taste just like them. A soft sugar cookie dough is rolled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then sliced and baked into buttery spirals.
Faster and easier than traditional cinnamon rolls
Forget yeast, rise times, and messy icing. These cookies bake in under 10 minutes and deliver all the flavor with less work.
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
You can freeze the dough log, slice as needed, and always have fresh cinnamon roll cookies at your fingertips. Holiday prep = handled.
Ingredients Breakdown & Variations
Essential ingredients for classic flavor
| Ingredient | Use |
| All-purpose flour | Base structure of the dough |
| Unsalted butter | Rich flavor and soft texture |
| Sugar (white + brown) | Sweetness and caramel flavor |
| Egg | Binds the dough |
| Vanilla extract | Enhances warmth |
| Ground cinnamon | Signature spice |
| Cream cheese | For that luscious glaze |
Optional add-ins to switch it up
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- A touch of maple extract
- Golden raisins or currants
- Orange zest in the filling for brightness
Dietary tweaks
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
- Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan baking sticks and use egg replacer
- Low-carb: Try almond flour and erythritol, though texture will vary
Craving more warm bakes? Check out our zucchini bread, moist, spiced, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies
1. Prepare the dough
- Cream ¾ cup butter with ½ cup granulated sugar
- Mix in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Add 1¾ cups all-purpose flour and combine gently. Don’t overmix
- Chill for 30–60 minutes
2. Make the cinnamon filling
- Combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted butter
- Roll out dough into a rectangle and spread filling evenly
3. Roll, chill, and slice
- Roll tightly into a log using parchment paper
- Freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up
- Slice into ½-inch rounds
4. Bake and glaze
- Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden
- Drizzle with glaze made from 2 oz cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp milk
Want something even more unexpected? Discover our ice cream bread, yes, it’s real and amazing.
Tips for Success – Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t overfill the cinnamon layer
Too much filling = leaky, messy cookies. Spread a thin, even layer that won’t ooze during slicing.
Use parchment paper or plastic wrap for rolling
It helps create a tight, uniform log and keeps cleanup easy.
Chill before slicing
Cold dough cuts cleaner and holds its shape better. Freeze if you’re short on time.
Store properly to keep them soft
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze baked cookies for 2 months.
Need another nostalgic bake? Our chocolate hot cross buns, are sweet, spicy, and unforgettable.
Serving & Presentation Ideas
Pairing with drinks
- Hot coffee
- Spiced chai tea
- Cold milk
- Vanilla iced latte
Gifting and holiday trays
- Stack in a cellophane bag with ribbon
- Pair with chickpea feta avocado salad on a tray to highlight the sweet-salty contrast.
- Include with other cookies for cookie exchanges
Fun ideas for parties
- Make mini versions as edible favors
- Turn into sandwich cookies with cream cheese filling
- Use icing pens to write names and turn into edible place cards
Creative Variations & Flavor Twists
Apple cinnamon roll cookies
Add finely chopped apples to the filling for a fresh, fruity bite.
Pumpkin spice swirl cookies
Stir in pumpkin puree and a spice blend for a cozy fall touch.
Chocolate cinnamon roll cookies
Add cocoa powder to the dough or drizzle with chocolate glaze.
Mini cinnamon roll cookie bites
Roll smaller logs and slice thinner for pop-in-your-mouth mini versions, great for buffets or brunches.
Looking for savory party picks? Try our vegetable tortilla roll-ups, they balance out all the sweetness perfectly.
Conclusion
If you’re craving the nostalgic taste of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, smaller, more snackable version, cinnamon roll cookies are your answer. With buttery dough, warm cinnamon swirls, and a sweet glaze finish, they’re as comforting as they are convenient.
So, preheat the oven, roll up your sleeves (and your dough), and dive into this recipe. You’ll never look at cookies, or cinnamon rolls, the same way again.
Craving more soft-baked treats? Don’t miss our ice cream bread for a dreamy, creamy surprise in every bite, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
- Stir in flour. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter.
- Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into log.
- Chill log. Slice into ½-inch rounds.
- Bake at 350°F for 9–11 mins.
- Cool and drizzle glaze over cookies.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
What is the golden rule in baking cookies?
Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to tough cookies. Stop mixing once ingredients are combined.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making cinnamon rolls?
Using cold ingredients
Not letting the dough rest
Overfilling with cinnamon sugar
Not sealing the log tightly before slicing
Do cinnamon rolls need to be refrigerated after baking?
If they contain a cream cheese glaze, yes, store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
How do you know if your cinnamon roll dough is ready?
The dough should be soft, elastic, and bounce back when gently pressed. If it’s sticky or doesn’t rise, let it proof longer.
Can you freeze cinnamon roll cookie dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, just add 1–2 mins to bake time.
Can I make cinnamon roll cookies without yeast?
Yes! This recipe doesn’t use yeast at all. It’s made with cookie dough, not yeast, so it’s quicker and easier.
