If your family ever asks for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the answer. I first made these when my youngest daughter begged for something that tasted like a cinnamon roll but wanted cookies instead. I had my doubts—could a cookie really capture that soft, swirled cinnamon roll flavor? When I pulled the batch from the oven and shared them with my family, their smiles said it all. The soft cinnamon cookies were instantly a hit, quickly slipping into our regular baking routine.
What I love about Cinnamon Roll Cookies is how they bring everyone to the kitchen countertop, sharing stories while smelling the sweet cinnamon aroma fill the air. These cinnamon-flavored cookies carry the spirit of a cinnamon roll but come together faster and easier for our busy weeknights or weekend celebrations. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that help these cookies stay soft and flavorful every single time.
If your family loves cinnamon sugar cookies or roll cookies with cinnamon, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe is a perfect fit. It’s simple enough for home cooks juggling schedules and special enough to feel like a treat. I invite you to try this recipe for your own family and see how it brings a little extra warmth to your meal times.
For more fun cookie ideas your family might enjoy, check out this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies recipe that’s perfect for a cozy evening. And if you want more cinnamon-inspired treats, the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies from Celebrating Sweets inspired part of this too.
What You’ll Need
Making your own batch of Cinnamon Roll Cookies is simpler than you might think. Here’s what you’ll gather before starting:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – For the best Cinnamon Roll Cookies, I recommend using fresh flour for soft, tender results.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps keep the soft cinnamon cookies light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness just right.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter gives that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality. My family prefers unsalted here so I control the salt perfectly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – This is the base for the cinnamon sugar cookies’ sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything together for a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cinnamon flavor.
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The heart of your cinnamon cookie recipe.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds a touch of molasses flavor to complement the cinnamon.
- Optional: powdered sugar glaze – For drizzling after baking, if you want to dress up your roll cookies with cinnamon.
You’ll find everything for this Cinnamon Roll Cookies dish at your regular grocery store. If you can’t find brown sugar, swapping it with extra granulated sugar works in a pinch. For a dairy-free version, you can try a plant-based butter substitute, but watch the texture as it may change slightly.
Before you start, make sure your butter is softened—not melted—to get that perfect dough consistency. Using room temperature ingredients helps your Cinnamon Roll Cookies come together smoothly and bake evenly.
Here’s a Cinnamon Roll Cookies secret that makes all the difference: mix your cinnamon and sugars separately before adding to the dough for that classic swirl effect.
How to Make It
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies happens in a few easy steps. It typically takes me about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll love how your kitchen fills with the scent of cinnamon while they bake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside—this combo is the base for your soft cinnamon cookies.
- Cream butter and sugar. Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing slowly. Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies dough will start to form—a little sticky but soft.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar swirl. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll and layer the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Create the roll. Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/2-inch thick cookies. Each cookie shows that beautiful cinnamon swirl inside.
- Place on baking sheet. Lay slices flat with a little space between them—they will spread slightly as they bake.
- Bake time! Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know your Cinnamon Roll Cookies are ready when edges begin to turn a light golden color but the centers still look soft.
- Cool and glaze (optional). Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you want, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while this cinnamon cookie recipe cooks. Don’t worry if your Cinnamon Roll Cookies look a little soft when you take them out—the cooling process lets them set without becoming hard.
If your family loves these, they might also enjoy the Cinnamon Roll Cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction, which bring their own tasty twist.
Serving Ideas
Everyone at my house reaches for seconds when this Cinnamon Roll Cookies comes out alongside a warm drink like milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. These soft cinnamon cookies make the perfect dessert, snack, or even a special breakfast with a dollop of cream cheese on the side.
For a simple presentation, arrange your cookies on a decorative plate and frost lightly with glaze. This adds a little shine and makes them look bakery-style. Cinnamon Roll Cookies work great for birthday parties, cozy family gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting treat without fuss.
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying but not too heavy. If you do happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can refresh them with a quick 10-second zap in the microwave for that soft, fresh-baked feel.
I’ve tried variations with chopped pecans mixed into the dough for a little crunch and swapped brown sugar with coconut sugar for a nuttier twist that my son enjoyed. Each tweak still keeps that cinnamon flavor front and center.
If your family loves this soft cinnamon cookies twist, they might also like to try the Strawberry Crunch Cookies I share for a fruity contrast, or these fun Twisted Christmas Cookies for festive occasions.
Your Questions Answered
Home cooks often ask about making Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time. You can absolutely prepare the dough, roll it, and slice the cookies before baking. Just wrap the cut dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. When you’re ready, pop the frozen slices directly on the baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
If you don’t have ground cinnamon on hand, you can try pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a similar flavor profile in your cinnamon-flavored cookies. Freshly ground cinnamon provides the best aroma and taste, but pre-ground works nicely too.
How about storage? Leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Several readers have asked whether they can use rolled oats or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. I suggest trying half and half because too much swap-out can affect how soft your cinnamon cookie recipe turns out. For a gluten-free option, almond flour blends well but may need extra binder like an egg yolk.
Your family might wonder if adding cream cheese frosting is necessary. I don’t always use it, but it’s a tasty addition if you want to bring out that cinnamon roll vibe even more. My husband loves them just plain for a quick bite.
How long do these Cinnamon Roll Cookies last once glazed? The glaze can soften after a day or two, so eat them fresh or store them separately and drizzle when serving.
If you’re worried about your cookies spreading too much, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before slicing helps keep them firm and prettier.
People also ask if this recipe can be doubled. Yes! The dough holds up well, just double all ingredients carefully and bake in batches.
For more details on cinnamon cookie recipe ideas, you might check out this Cinnamon Roll Cookies guide from I Heart Naptime. It offers extra tips and variations to try.
The Final Word
Cinnamon Roll Cookies have earned their spot in my recipe collection because they blend nostalgia, flavor, and ease so well. My family’s favorite version sticks to the classic cinnamon sugar swirl, but we’ve enjoyed adding pecans, cream cheese drizzle, and even swapping some flour for oat flour to mix things up.
- Always soften your butter properly to get the right dough texture.
- Don’t overbake—soft cinnamon cookies are tender and moist.
- Chill the dough if you want sharper swirls and less spreading.
My youngest daughter swears by the classic cinnamon sugar version, while my husband loves it when I add the cream cheese glaze for richness. This recipe invites you to make it your own and add your family’s favorite touches.
If you want to try more crowd-pleasing cookies that bring smiles, don’t miss the cozy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies or the festive Twisted Christmas Cookies. These recipes have collected many happy moments at our table.
I hope this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe makes your family gatherings sweeter and simpler. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-spiced fun at your own kitchen table!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Delight in these soft and chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies that capture the sweet, warm flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a handheld treat. Perfect for snack time or dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
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, mixing well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Divide the cookie dough in half. Roll out each half between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over one rectangle of dough, then roll it up tightly from the long side like a jelly roll.
- Repeat the spreading and rolling for the second half of dough.
- Slice the rolled dough into 1/2 inch thick cookies and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While cookies bake, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then drizzle glaze over the top.
- Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, serve these cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.