Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492138H30M9S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

I love making these cinnamon roll cookies when I want all the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a simple, slice-and-bake cookie. They have a soft, buttery dough swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and finished with a light vanilla glaze. I find them perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or whenever I crave something warm and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

I start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy. Then I add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.

To prepare the cinnamon swirl, I mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set it aside.

Next, I roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches between two sheets of parchment paper. I sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, I tightly roll the dough into a log. I chill the log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help it firm up and hold its shape.

When I am ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I slice the chilled log into ½-inch thick cookies and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. I bake them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

While the cookies cool, I prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to create a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Once the cookies are completely cooled, I drizzle the glaze over the top.

Servings and timing

I get about 24 cookies from this recipe.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Chill time: 30 minutes

Bake time: 12–15 minutes

Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar swirl for a bit of crunch. When I want a fruitier flavor, I mix in a handful of raisins. For a deeper flavor, I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture. I have also tried swapping the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze when I want a more traditional cinnamon roll taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When I am ready to enjoy them again, I let them thaw at room temperature. If I prefer them slightly warm, I heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the glaze and enhance the cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

I often prepare the dough log a day in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. I slice and bake it fresh when I am ready.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

I chill the dough to firm it up, which makes slicing cleaner and helps maintain the swirl shape during baking.

Can I freeze the dough?

I freeze the rolled log before slicing. When I want to bake, I let it thaw slightly just until I can slice it, then bake as usual.

How do I prevent the swirl from separating?

I make sure to roll the dough tightly and chill it thoroughly. This helps the layers stay intact while baking.

Can I double the recipe?

I double the ingredients when I need more cookies for gatherings. I divide the dough into two logs so it is easier to handle and chill evenly.

Conclusion

I find these cinnamon roll cookies to be the perfect balance of beauty and flavor. They give me all the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls in a convenient cookie form. Whether I bake them for special occasions or simple family treats, I always enjoy how soft, sweet, and satisfying they turn out.

📖 Recipe:

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft and buttery slice-and-bake cookies swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and topped with a light vanilla glaze, bringing all the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy cookie form.