There’s something magical about cinnamon rolls — that warm aroma, the swirl of sugar and spice, the creamy icing drizzle. Now imagine all that comfort transformed into a buttery, chewy cookie. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the cozy nostalgia of your favorite breakfast pastry with the ease of a quick cookie recipe. They’re soft, gooey, and lightly crisp at the edges — perfect for coffee breaks, holiday trays, or any time you need a bite of sweetness and warmth.

Inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, this cookie version delivers all the same cozy flavors in a fun, handheld treat. The dough bakes up tender and buttery, while the cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes into soft, golden swirls. Each cookie is finished with a simple glaze that melts beautifully into every groove. Whether you bake them for brunch or dessert, they’re sure to bring smiles — and maybe a little nostalgia too.

Why You’ll Love It

All the cinnamon roll flavor in cookie form: Gooey swirls, warm spices, and buttery dough.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Soft and chewy texture: Perfectly balanced between tender and crisp.
Visually stunning: The cinnamon spirals make these cookies look bakery-perfect.
Cozy anytime treat: Great for brunch, coffee breaks, or late-night baking sessions.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and bake later for instant comfort.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Filling

½ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

¾ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the ovenSet your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Cream the butter and sugarsIn a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine the doughGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix — you want the dough soft and pliable.
Prepare the fillingIn a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll and fillDivide the dough in half. Roll one portion into a rectangle between sheets of parchment. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar filling. Roll it up tightly, slice into rounds, and repeat with the second half.
BakeArrange the slices on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers soft.
Glaze and serveWhisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set slightly before serving.

Variations to Try

Maple Glaze: Swap milk for maple syrup for extra warmth and flavor.
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling for crunch.
Pumpkin Spice: Stir pumpkin pie spice into the dough for fall flavor.
Chocolate Swirl: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips with the filling for an indulgent twist.

Tips from Chef Emma

Chill the rolled dough for 10 minutes before slicing for perfect spirals.
Use room temperature butter for even mixing and better texture.
Let cookies cool before glazing so it doesn’t melt off completely.
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days — they stay soft!

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 130
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 65mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Wrap the dough log in plastic and refrigerate up to 24 hours before slicing and baking.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely. Freeze unbaked slices or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or reheating.
Q: What kind of icing works best?
A: A simple powdered sugar glaze works perfectly, but you can also use cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
Q: Do they taste like real cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes! They capture that same gooey cinnamon-sugar center and soft bite — just in cookie form.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the best of both worlds — the cozy flavor of a cinnamon roll and the ease of a cookie. They’re buttery, soft, and beautifully swirled, making them just as perfect for gifting as for weekend baking. Pour a cup of coffee, grab a cookie (or three), and enjoy that warm cinnamon comfort. Save this recipe to your baking board — your future self will thank you!