These bite-sized treats are the perfect way to enjoy all the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of doughy cinnamon buns. Our Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe transforms classic cinnamon swirl goodness into delightful cookies that are crisp on the outside yet tender inside. They bake up beautifully golden, then get topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that ties everything together in the best way possible. Whether you need a cozy snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies will quickly become your go-to for cinnamon-spiced happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly in this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe. Each one plays an important role, from the rich buttery dough to the cinnamon-sugar filling that gives these cookies their signature warmth and sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping create a light, fluffy dough texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a perfect cookie crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with a lovely aromatic touch.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies for that ideal chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps cookies rise just enough without fluffiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Gives the cinnamon filling a molasses richness and moist texture.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice adding warm, fragrant notes throughout.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on the dough to make the filling sticky and flavorful.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the cookies beautifully.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to perfect drizzle consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a final luscious note to the glaze.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieving tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything combines into a smooth batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry elements into the wet butter mixture. You’ll get a soft dough that’s just the right consistency to roll out without sticking.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough in half for easier handling. On a floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. This is your canvas for the iconic cinnamon swirl, so take your time to get an even sheet.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Brush the rolled dough generously with melted butter—this keeps the cinnamon sugar moist and luscious. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly across the surface, making sure each corner is covered with that irresistible sweet spice.
Step 5: Roll and Chill
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, keeping the filling inside. Wrap these logs in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough for neat slicing and baked cookies that hold their shape.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the dough logs and slice them into ¼-inch thick cookie rounds. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space in between to allow gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden hue.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly runny. Drizzle this glaze over the top of cooled cookies to add a sweet, creamy contrast that perfectly complements the cinnamon goodness.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze or add a few pecan pieces for a delightful crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can make them look even more inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even hot chocolate. The cozy spices play beautifully against these beverages, making for a comforting snack or dessert experience that’s perfect any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange these cookies on a tiered platter surrounded by fresh fruit slices or rose petals. You could even serve them in decorative tins as gifts. They’re stunning yet simple treats that shine no matter how you present them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully for up to five days while maintaining their soft centers and crisp edges. Just make sure the glaze has set before stacking them to avoid stickiness.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these cookies later? Freeze the unglazed sliced dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When you’re ready, slice and bake them fresh. Alternatively, frozen baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two months.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, gently warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the glaze’s softness and brings out the cinnamon aroma, making every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key to the rich flavor and soft texture of these cookies. While you can try margarine, oil won’t provide the same structure or taste, and your cookies could turn out greasy or flat.
How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar filling from spilling out?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly but gently, and chill the logs well before slicing. This helps keep the filling sealed inside during baking for neat and tidy cookies.
Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?
Brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and deep flavor, but you could experiment with coconut sugar for a slightly different taste. Just keep in mind it may alter the sweetness and texture slightly.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Absolutely! Once baked and glazed, let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. When thawed, they taste almost as fresh as the day they were made.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the heart of cinnamon rolls without all the hassle, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. They’re simple to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with your favorite drink. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love bite by bite!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring all the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into a quick and convenient cookie form. Soft, buttery dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy cinnamon roll cravings without the lengthy process.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick, ready for the cinnamon filling.
- Add Filling: Brush each dough rectangle evenly with the melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture (brown sugar mixed with ground cinnamon) evenly over the buttered surface.
- Roll and Chill: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Slice and Arrange: Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the slices spaced apart on the parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Chilling the rolled dough logs is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Slice cookies thinly (about ¼-inch) to ensure even baking and get that crisp outside with a soft center.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
