Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

When I first baked these cinnamon roll cookies, I knew they were going to be something special. They take everything I love about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and pack it into a soft, chewy cookie with a hint of crunch at the edges. The swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon melts into the dough just enough to create those signature pockets of buttery sweetness—and the drizzle of vanilla glaze? That’s what dreams are made of.

What I especially love about these cookies is that they’re impressive without being complicated. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, a weekend brunch, or simply craving a cozy treat with your coffee, these cookies hit all the right notes. They look like mini cinnamon rolls, but they come together with the ease of a drop cookie—and they disappear just as quickly.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

These cookies are the perfect marriage of comfort and creativity. You’ll get that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor—complete with a sweet glaze—but in a form that’s easier to share and faster to make. Plus:

• They don’t require yeast or rising time.
• They freeze beautifully for make-ahead baking.
• The dough is easy to roll and slice.
• They make a fun alternative to classic holiday cookies.

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

The secret is in the sugar cookie base—it’s sturdy enough to roll yet soft enough to melt in your mouth. You want a dough that holds its shape when sliced but doesn’t dry out when baked. I recommend using a classic sugar cookie dough that’s been chilled slightly, so it rolls smoothly and doesn’t become too sticky.

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Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, but aim for one with similar fat content to regular butter.
• Brown Sugar: Swap for coconut sugar if you want a refined sugar-free version—it will add a more caramel-like flavor.
• Glaze: Instead of the classic powdered sugar glaze, try a cream cheese glaze if you want something richer.
• Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well in this recipe. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra warm twist on the cinnamon swirl.

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Ingredients for This Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that signature cinnamon roll taste and texture in cookie form:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and helps with the creamy swirl.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the dough.
• Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to that chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation for the cookie dough; essential for shape and structure.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Used in the filling for that deep, caramelized sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the swirl, providing warmth and spice.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
• Milk or Cream: Thins out the glaze for perfect drizzling.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until a dough forms—do not overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

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Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. You can also add a touch of softened butter to the filling for an extra gooey center.

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Step 3: Roll and Fill

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

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Step 4: Roll and Slice

Gently roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Step 6: Add the Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of milk or cream until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle over the cooled cookies. Let set before serving—or enjoy them while the glaze is still a little warm and gooey.

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How Long to Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Prep Time: Expect to spend about 15–20 minutes preparing the dough and filling. This includes creaming the butter, mixing the dry ingredients, and assembling the cinnamon-sugar filling. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is key to making it easy to roll out and shape.

Bake Time: Once sliced, the cookies bake in just 10–12 minutes. Let them cool for another 5 minutes before glazing. If you’re in a rush, the glaze can be prepped while the cookies are in the oven.

Total hands-on time: About 30–35 minutes. Total time including chilling and cooling: Around 1 hour.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Chill the dough long enough to make rolling easier and to prevent spreading.
• Use parchment paper when rolling the dough to avoid sticking.
• Slice the cookies evenly so they bake uniformly.
• Don’t overbake—remove them when the edges just begin to turn golden.
• Let the glaze set fully before storing to avoid sticky stacking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chill: The dough needs to be firm or it will tear and spread.
• Overfilling with cinnamon sugar: Too much filling can cause leaking during baking.
• Rolling too tightly: This can make the swirl too dense and affect baking.
• Baking too long: Overbaked cookies lose their soft, chewy center.
• Glazing too early: Hot cookies will melt the glaze into a thin mess.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

1. Hot Coffee

The bold bitterness of black coffee balances the sweet glaze perfectly.

2. Chai Latte

Spiced tea pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon profile of the cookies.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

4. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

For a lighter snack plate, add some fresh apple slices and a protein-rich dip.

5. Cream Cheese Dip

Whip up a quick cream cheese frosting-style dip to dunk your cookies in for extra decadence.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Freezing: You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough. Freeze the dough log wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, then slice and bake from frozen (just add 2 extra minutes to the baking time). Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months—glaze after thawing for best texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: 170
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Use less milk or cream to get a thicker glaze. Add it in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance or freeze it for later baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The cookies are still delicious without it, though the glaze adds that classic cinnamon roll finish.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses as a quick substitute.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just be sure to chill the dough in separate portions to make rolling more manageable.

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Conclusion

These Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies are everything you love about cinnamon rolls but in a quicker, more shareable form. With their beautiful swirl, gooey cinnamon center, and sweet glaze drizzle, they’re a standout treat for any occasion—from holiday cookie exchanges to weekend brunches. Easy enough for beginner bakers and special enough to impress, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. Happy baking!

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