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Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe for Cozy Days

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are everything cozy baking should be — buttery, soft, warm, and swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness. Each cookie tastes like a mini cinnamon roll: a tender cookie base, a cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They’re comforting and nostalgic — a gentle reminder of slow mornings, soft sweaters, and sweet moments. Whether you're baking for family, holidays, gifts, or simply a relaxing afternoon treat, these cookies bring warmth into the kitchen and smiles to the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Chill Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Use 1–2 tablespoons from the listed brown sugar to mix into filling, optional extra cinnamon sugar

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing spatula
  • Plastic wrap or parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Knife for cutting cookie slices

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. flour
  3. baking powder
  4. salt
  5. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes, until creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
  1. Add the egg and vanilla extract.
  2. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
  1. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
  2. Mix on low until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
  1. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
  2. Roll into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
  1. Sprinkle the dough generously with cinnamon (and a tablespoon of brown sugar if desired).
  2. Gently press the cinnamon into the dough.
Step 7: Roll & Chill
  1. Roll the dough into a log (like a cinnamon roll).
  2. Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or 20 minutes in the freezer).
Step 8: Slice & Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice cookie log into ½-inch rounds.
  3. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  4. Bake 9–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers soft.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
  1. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a rack and enjoy warm or room temperature.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
To rewarm: microwave for 8–10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
🥄 Variations
Glazed Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
Drizzle with simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) after baking.
Extra Cinnamon Flavor:
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the cookie dough.
Add Crunch:
Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
Holiday Twist:
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for spiced warmth.
Vanilla Sugar Roll:
Use vanilla sugar in place of regular sugar for aroma.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes — chilling helps cookies maintain shape.
Can I freeze the dough log?
Yes — keep frozen up to 2 months, slice and bake as needed.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce salt to a small pinch.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly, but it may affect chewiness and swirl definition.
Why are my cookies dry?
They likely overbaked — pull while centers are soft.
Can I make them thicker?
Cut slices thicker and bake 1–2 minutes longer.
Can I add icing?
Yes — they taste amazing with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Use half whole wheat and half white for best texture.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter; texture remains similar.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes — they package beautifully and stay soft for days.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are tender, warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. They taste like everything cozy about fall mornings and sweet winter afternoons — but in a simple, handheld cookie form. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying solo with a warm drink.
Soft. Sweet. Swirled. Cozy.
A cookie you’ll want to bake again and again.