Cinnamon roll cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of bite-sized cookies. This easy homemade recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a simple vanilla glaze—perfect for holiday baking, gifts, or a cozy weekend treat.
If you love the warm, spiced aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven but don’t have hours to spare, cinnamon roll cookies are your new best friend. These delightful treats capture all the cozy flavors of the classic breakfast favorite—soft dough, gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a sweet glaze—but in a convenient, handheld cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a school event, or just craving something sweet, this easy cinnamon roll cookies recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
What makes these cookies so special is their simplicity. You don’t need a stand mixer, proofing time, or special baking skills. With just a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes of active time, you can have a batch of golden, fragrant cookies cooling on the rack. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for gifting, packing in lunchboxes, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs—no special tools required.
- No Yeast or Rising Time: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies skip the wait, making them a quick and easy dessert option.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in cute tins or cellophane bags for holiday gifts, bake sales, or teacher appreciation.
- Customizable Flavors: Add nuts, raisins, or cream cheese frosting to suit your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly Baking Project: Rolling and cutting the dough is fun and easy for little hands to help with.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Dough can be refrigerated or frozen, and baked cookies stay fresh for days.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Serve at brunch, holiday parties, or as a sweet afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
📑 Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven. These cinnamon roll cookies bring that comforting scent right into your kitchen without the hassle of yeast or long rising times. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and packed with that signature cinnamon roll flavor we all crave.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its speed. Traditional cinnamon rolls can take hours to prepare, but these cookies are ready from start to finish in under an hour. The dough comes together quickly, and the rolling and cutting process is simple enough for kids to help with. Plus, since there’s no yeast, you don’t have to worry about the dough not rising or over-proofing.
Another reason these cookies are a hit? They’re incredibly shareable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing treats to a potluck, or making a gift for a neighbor, these cookies travel well and stay fresh for days. And let’s be honest—who can resist a cookie that looks like a mini cinnamon roll?
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cinnamon roll cookies recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No fancy flours or hard-to-find spices required. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
All of these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and most are staples in a well-stocked kitchen. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses. And if you prefer a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk in the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these delicious cinnamon roll cookies. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks!
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches and ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the edges as even as possible so the cookies bake uniformly.
3. Add the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This filling is what gives the cookies their signature swirl and sweet, spiced flavor.
4. Roll and Cut the Cookies
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but that’s okay—they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes.
6. Glaze and Serve
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few pro tips. Here’s how to make sure your cinnamon roll cookies turn out perfectly every time:
Chill the Dough if Needed
If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft to roll, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Use Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
Don’t Overbake
These cookies are best when they’re soft and slightly chewy. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden—they’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
Customize the Filling
Feel free to get creative! Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch, or mix in a handful of raisins for a touch of sweetness. You can also swirl in a bit of Nutella or peanut butter for a fun twist.
Make Them Ahead
You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze the rolled log of dough for up to 3 months—just slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
These cinnamon roll cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they stay delicious for several days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled cookies for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Serve them at breakfast, as a dessert, or as a sweet treat during the holidays. They’re also a great addition to gift baskets or care packages.
If you’re bringing them to a party, consider stacking them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or placing them in a festive tin. A little presentation goes a long way!
Conclusion
Cinnamon roll cookies are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. They bring the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls into a quick, easy, and shareable cookie format that everyone can enjoy. With a simple dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and a sweet glaze, these treats are sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this easy cinnamon roll cookies recipe is a must-try. It’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels, uses common ingredients, and delivers impressive results every time. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Your taste buds will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Absolutely! You can cream the butter and sugars by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but the dough will come together just fine. A hand whisk works great for mixing the dry ingredients too.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes! Once the cookies are completely cooled and glazed, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or the oven temperature is off. Try chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before rolling, and make sure your oven is fully preheated. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop too much gluten.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from oozing out?
Make sure the butter in the filling is softened but not melted. Also, don’t overfill the dough—spread it evenly and leave a small border around the edges. Chilling the rolled log before slicing can also help keep the filling in place.
Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Definitely! Swap the vanilla glaze for a simple cream cheese frosting made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla. It adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon flavor.