How to Make Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies for Cozy Days

Cinnamon rolls and cookies are both comfort classics — so why not combine them? These Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture all the sweet, spiced goodness of a cinnamon roll in a soft, swirled cookie that’s perfect for cozy days. Imagine buttery dough, a cinnamon-sugar spiral, and a light glaze on top — simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at holidays or weekend gatherings.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies skip the yeast and rising time, making them much quicker while keeping the same cozy flavors. They’re fun to bake with kids, great for gifting, and pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels special but doesn’t take all day, this one is a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This cinnamon roll cookies recipe

These cookies are everything you love about cinnamon rolls in a bite-sized treat. They’re soft and chewy with buttery edges, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a simple glaze. They look bakery-worthy but are easy to make at home.

You’ll also love their versatility. Bake them slightly less for a softer cookie or let them crisp up for more crunch. Add nuts, a cream cheese drizzle, or extra spice to make them your own. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or a cozy night in — always a crowd-pleaser.

What You’ll Need

To make these irresistible cinnamon roll cookies, you’ll need pantry staples and a few baking essentials.

For the cookie dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon-sugar filling:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

That’s it! Everything comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have at home.

How to Make cinnamon roll cookies recipe

1. Prepare the dough – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Roll and fill – On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick). Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Shape the cookies – Roll the dough tightly into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour to firm up. Slice into ¼-inch rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
5. Glaze – Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

These steps give you soft, swirled cookies that taste just like mini cinnamon rolls — ready in less time, with no yeast required.

You Must Know

Chilling the dough is essential — it keeps the swirl intact and prevents spreading. Roll the dough evenly to about ¼-inch for the right balance of soft center and crisp edge. When slicing, use a sharp knife or dental floss to avoid squishing the spiral. Finally, watch the bake time closely; pull them out when edges are golden, as they’ll finish setting on the tray.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For best results, cream softened (not melted) butter with sugar to get a light dough. Roll on a lightly floured surface, or between parchment if sticky. Bake just until edges turn golden — overbaking will dry them out. For the glaze, aim for a pourable consistency that drizzles but doesn’t run; adjust with milk or powdered sugar as needed. Always glaze once the cookies are cooled.

Add Your Touch cinnamon roll cookies recipe

These cookies are easy to customize. Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch. Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for extra warmth. Swap the glaze for a cream cheese drizzle if you want them more like classic cinnamon rolls. You can even dip half the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for a festive twist.

Storing & Reheating

30-minute dinner favorites.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. For reheating, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes — this revives the cinnamon aroma and gives them that fresh-baked taste again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for cinnamon roll cookies recipe

Holiday recipes everyone enjoys.

• Chill the dough twice: once after mixing and again after rolling into a log — this ensures clean swirls.
• Use parchment paper when rolling; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t skip the cooling step before glazing, or the drizzle will melt right off.
• For uniform cookies, slice the dough log in half, then in quarters, then into smaller even pieces.
• If you want softer cookies, bake on the shorter end of the time; for crispier edges, add 1–2 extra minutes.

FAQ for cinnamon roll cookies recipe

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Prepare the dough log, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Hearty fall and winter recipes.

Do I need to glaze them?
The glaze adds sweetness and that cinnamon roll vibe, but they’re delicious plain too.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, but the cookies will be denser.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Use white sugar mixed with 1 tsp molasses, or just white sugar for a lighter flavor.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cookies bring the best of two classics in one bite — buttery dough, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a sweet glaze. They’re simple to make, look impressive, and are perfect for cozy days, holiday gatherings, or homemade gifts. Quick to bake, easy to customize, and always crowd-pleasing, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.