If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, handheld treat, this cinnamon roll cookies recipe is just what you need. These cookies capture the soft, chewy texture and sweet cinnamon sugar swirl of classic cinnamon rolls, finished with a luscious icing that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of delightful cookies that will satisfy your cinnamon cravings anytime. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious cinnamon roll cookies that bring bakery-style indulgence right to your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that mimics classic cinnamon rolls
- Swirled cinnamon sugar filling for that signature sweet spice
- Quick to bake—ready in under 30 minutes
- Simple icing glaze adds a perfect finishing touch
- Great for sharing or gifting during holidays and gatherings
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your cinnamon roll cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
YOUR NEXT FAVORITE RECIPE STARTS HERE
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 160 per cookie
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe – Soft & Chewy Dessert With Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Swirl and Icing - Etsy
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated to form a soft dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12x8 inches in size and approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Mix the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough rectangle.
- Starting at a long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, sealing the edge by pinching the dough together.
- Slice the roll into 24 equal pieces, about 1/2 inch thick, and place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm cookies for a sweet finishing touch.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Roll the dough tightly to create well-defined cinnamon swirls in each cookie.
- Bake just until edges are golden to maintain soft, chewy centers.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix.
Storage and Reheating
Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Drizzle extra icing after reheating if desired for a fresh taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the perfect soft and chewy texture. You can try using a mix with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture and density slightly.
Is it possible to make these cinnamon roll cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the icing to make this recipe dairy-free.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can roll the dough, slice into cookies, and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps develop flavor and makes baking day easier.
How do I prevent the icing from melting too much on warm cookies?
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the icing. If cookies are too hot, the icing will melt and run off; a slightly cooled cookie helps the icing set nicely.