Hi There! Let’s Make Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies Together
If you love the cozy taste of cinnamon rolls but want an easy, handheld treat, you’re going to adore these cinnamon roll cookies! I first made these on a lazy weekend, and honestly, they remind me of those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls—with way less fuss and much quicker baking time. Plus, they come out soft and perfectly spiced, with a lovely sweet cinnamon swirl and a simple glaze on top. I’m super excited to share this simple recipe with you!
Why These Cinnamon Roll Cookies Are a Treat You’ll Love
One of the best things about these cookies is that they capture the classic cinnamon roll flavor without needing to wait for dough to rise or spend ages in the kitchen. If you’re like me and sometimes crave that cinnamon-sugar comfort, these cookies hit the spot perfectly! They’re soft, sweet, and just the right size for snacking with your coffee or tea. Even better—they’re great to share with friends and family since they bake up quickly and disappear even faster.
A Few Flexible Variations You Can Try
- Go Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts right on top of the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling for a crunchy surprise.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you need to avoid gluten. Just ensure it has xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes).
- Extra Zesty: Sprinkle a bit of orange zest into the glaze for a fresh citrus note that pairs amazingly with cinnamon.
Let’s Bake Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Step by Step
Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon-sugar layer)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon-sugar layer)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper – makes cleanup easier!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mix aside for a moment.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy. This might take about 2-3 minutes if you use a mixer or some elbow grease if you’re mixing by hand!
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat them in well until everything is combined.
- Slowly add the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients and stir just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—it should come together nicely but stay tender.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect—rustic shapes taste just as good!
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of your dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting at one of the longer edges, roll the dough up tightly into a log, like a cinnamon roll. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into ½ to ¾ inch thick slices.
- Place the cookie slices on your prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart — they expand a bit as they bake.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’re aiming for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and sweet.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up a little, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and a bit thick, but pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for a few minutes before enjoying your delicious cinnamon roll cookies!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye near the end of baking! These cookies are best when soft and just starting to turn golden on the edges.
- Rolling Ease: Chill your dough for 10 minutes if it feels too sticky to roll out well.
- Serving Suggestion: These go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie logs and freeze them unbaked. When ready, slice and bake directly from frozen—add a couple of extra minutes baking time.
What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen (Equipment)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and hand or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife for slicing dough rolls
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl for cinnamon-sugar mix
- Fork or small whisk for mixing glaze
Frequently Asked Questions About These Cookies
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough and roll it up into the log, then wrap it and store it in the fridge overnight. Slice and bake fresh the next day!
- Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely! The cookies are delicious even without the glaze, especially if you prefer less sweetness.
- What if I don’t have brown sugar? You can use all granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds extra moisture and a lovely caramel hint.
- How do I store these cookies best? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I double this recipe? Yes! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches.
Give These Cinnamon Roll Cookies a Try & Share the Love!
So, are you ready to bake these soft, warm cinnamon treat cookies? I promise they’ll bring a smile and maybe even a few happy dance moves in the kitchen. When you try this recipe, I’d love to see your cookies! Share your photos and tips with me on Pinterest or drop a comment—let’s spread the cinnamon love together!
