Cinnamon Roll Cookies

The intoxicating aroma of warm cinnamon and butter fills your kitchen as these Cinnamon Roll Cookies bake to golden perfection. These delightful treats capture all the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls but in a convenient, handheld cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion. The swirled pattern doesn’t just make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies visually stunning – it ensures every bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and spicy cinnamon filling. You’ll learn how to create bakery-worthy spiral cookies that will impress friends and family while being surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are about to become your new favorite baking project for so many reasons. First, they deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls without the lengthy rising time that yeast dough requires. The contrast between the soft, buttery cookie base and the sweet cinnamon filling creates an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for “just one more.”

What makes these Cinnamon Roll Cookies truly special is their versatility – they’re elegant enough for holiday cookie exchanges but simple enough for weekday treats. The beautiful spiral design appears impressive, yet the technique is accessible even for novice bakers. Plus, the vanilla glaze adds that perfect finishing touch, reminiscent of classic cinnamon roll icing but in a form that won’t melt or smear when stored.

The aroma that fills your home while baking these cookies is practically therapeutic – warm cinnamon and vanilla notes that instantly create a cozy atmosphere. Best of all, they stay fresh for days, making them perfect for making ahead when you need a reliable sweet treat on hand.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup (135g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

The key to exceptional cinnamon swirl cookies is using quality cinnamon – Ceylon or Saigon varieties provide the most aromatic and complex flavor. Room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and egg, are crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency that will roll easily without cracking.

Pro Tips

Use Cold Dough for Clean Slices
The most critical technique for perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies is proper chilling. After creating your cinnamon roll log, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes before slicing. This solidifies the butter in the dough, ensuring your cookies hold their perfect spiral shape during baking rather than spreading into amorphous blobs. If the dough starts softening while you’re slicing, simply return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before continuing.

Perfect Your Rolling Technique
When rolling out your cookie dough, aim for an even rectangle approximately 14×10 inches and ¼-inch thickness. Use a ruler for measurement and the edges of parchment paper as guides for straight sides. Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking without adding extra flour, which can toughen your cookies. Press any cracks that form along the edges back together with your fingertips.

Master the Spiral Formation
For the most beautiful swirl in your cinnamon sugar cookies, roll the dough tightly but without applying too much pressure. Start rolling from the long edge for more spirals, or from the short edge for fewer, larger spirals. After each complete roll, gently pull back on the dough to tighten the log. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal, then roll the log back and forth a few times to maintain roundness before chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix or your Cinnamon Roll Cookies could become tough.

Step 2: Form and Chill the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper and shape it into a ball. Divide it in half for easier handling, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it less sticky and easier to roll. While the dough chills, prepare your cinnamon filling by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Spiral
Roll one portion of the chilled dough into a rectangle approximately 14×10 inches. Spread half the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pressing the bare edge to seal. Repeat with the second portion of dough. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one log from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. Let the Cinnamon Roll Cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the cookies are completely cooled, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving your beautiful Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies
For an authentic cinnamon roll experience, replace the simple vanilla glaze with cream cheese frosting. Beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth, then add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired consistency. This rich, tangy frosting elevates these cinnamon roll inspired cookies to a whole new level and makes them taste even more like their namesake.

Orange Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Add the zest of one orange to your cookie dough and replace the vanilla in the glaze with 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. The bright citrus notes perfectly complement the warm cinnamon, creating a refreshing twist on the classic Cinnamon Roll Cookies that’s reminiscent of those special holiday morning orange cinnamon rolls many families enjoy as a tradition.

Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Sprinkle ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough. The nuts add a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. For an even more indulgent version, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze for maple-nut Cinnamon Roll Cookies that taste like a cozy winter morning.

Storage and Serving

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies will keep for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, especially if they’re glazed. For longer storage, the unglazed cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before adding the glaze.

The cookie dough logs can also be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let the log thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as directed.

For an extra special serving suggestion, warm individual Cinnamon Roll Cookies for 10 seconds in the microwave just before eating – this reactivates the cinnamon aroma and makes them taste freshly baked. They’re perfect alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, or create an impressive dessert by serving warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

FAQs

Why did my cookies lose their spiral shape during baking?
The most common reason for Cinnamon Roll Cookies losing their spiral is insufficient chilling. Ensure the rolled dough logs are thoroughly chilled for at least 2 hours before slicing. Also, make sure your butter wasn’t too warm when making the dough, as this can cause excessive spreading during baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough logs up to 3 days in advance and keep them refrigerated, or freeze them for up to 2 months. The baked cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months if stored unglazed in an airtight container.

Why is my dough cracking when I roll it?
If your dough is cracking during rolling, it’s likely too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to slightly soften before attempting to roll again. Conversely, if the dough is sticking, it’s too warm and needs more chilling time.

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit the added salt in the recipe. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

How thick should I slice the cookie dough log?
For the best results, aim for ½-inch thick slices. Thinner slices may overbake quickly, while thicker ones may not cook through properly in the center.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are comfort food in cookie form – buttery, swirled perfection that captures the essence of a fresh cinnamon roll in a convenient, shareable treat. They’re the kind of cookies that fill your home with the most inviting aroma and create an instant sense of warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packaging them as heartfelt gifts, or simply enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of nostalgic flavor and impressive presentation that makes everyone reach for seconds.

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