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Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies (Soft, Sweet & Cozy Like Fresh Cinnamon Rolls)

If you love the warm aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are about to become your new cozy-day favorite. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and filled with a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, giving every bite that comforting bakery flavor — just in an easy cookie form. The dough is simple and soft, rolled up just like cinnamon rolls, sliced into cute spirals, and baked until lightly golden. These cookies feel nostalgic, warm, and perfect with tea, coffee, or a blanket and movie evening. Whether it’s fall, winter, or simply a day you want comfort, these cookies taste like home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Chill Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 26 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp softened butter from your dough butter
Optional Icing (recommended)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tsp milk
  • Splash of vanilla extract

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

    View ↗
  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

    View ↗

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife for slicing
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1 — Make the Dough:
  1. Beat butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Step 2:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3:
  1. Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  2. Mix gently until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
Step 4:
  1. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
  2. Form the Cinnamon Roll Spirals
Step 5:
  1. Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 6:
  1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
  2. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over top.
Step 7:
  1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Step 8:
  1. Wrap and refrigerate the log for 20–30 minutes so it slices cleanly.
Step 9:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
Step 10:
  1. Slice the dough log into 1/4–1/2-inch slices and place on the baking sheet.
Step 11:
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just lightly golden.
  2. Add the Icing (Optional but Delicious)
Step 12:
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a smooth drizzle.
Step 13:
  1. Drizzle over warm cookies and let set slightly before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
To refresh softness: warm in the microwave 5–7 seconds.
🥄 Variations (Normal Style)
Extra Cozy Version:
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar + cream cheese + milk for richer frosting.
Caramel Drizzle:
Drizzle caramel sauce in place of icing.
Chunky Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
Add mini white chocolate chips to the filling swirl.
Brown Sugar Dough:
Replace 2 tbsp granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why chill the dough twice?
It keeps the cookies thick and helps keep the swirl neat.
Can I roll the dough thinner?
Yes — thinner dough = more spirals.
Can I freeze the dough log?
Yes — freeze up to 2 months, slice, and bake.
Why are my cookies spreading?
Dough was too warm — chill longer before slicing.
Can I skip the icing?
Yes, but the icing adds that true cinnamon roll finish.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes — just reduce added salt by a pinch.
Can I make them smaller?
Absolutely — reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes.
Can I use coconut sugar?
Yes — flavor will be slightly caramel-like.
Are they soft or crunchy?
Soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.
Can kids help shape these?
Yes — rolling the dough is fun and very kid-friendly.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are warm, soft, sweet, and full of cozy cinnamon swirl flavor — just like fresh cinnamon rolls, but easier and quicker to make. They’re perfect for mornings, holidays, quiet afternoons, or anytime you want something comforting and homemade.