Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect blend of two favorite treats—classic cookies and gooey cinnamon rolls. I love how they have a soft, buttery cookie base swirled with cinnamon sugar, then topped with a sweet glaze. They taste just like a cinnamon roll but are much quicker to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls into a cookie form that’s easier to share (and snack on!). The dough is simple to prepare, and rolling it with the cinnamon-sugar filling gives each cookie a beautiful swirl. I also enjoy that I can drizzle them with icing for a bakery-style finish, or leave them plain for a less sweet option. Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe with Icing

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Softened butter

For the Glaze

• Powdered sugar

• Milk (or cream)

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.

4. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Roll the dough into a rectangle on parchment paper.

6. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.

7. Roll the dough tightly into a log and chill for at least 1 hour.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.

9. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.

10. Cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time is 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling), bake time is 10 minutes, and total time is around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for crunch. If I want a stronger cinnamon flavor, I use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. For a festive twist, I tint the glaze with food coloring or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top after glazing.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them warm, I reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds, which makes them taste fresh out of the oven. They also freeze well (without glaze) for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up so the cookies hold their swirl shape while baking.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, I sometimes use sugar cookie dough as a shortcut and roll it with the cinnamon sugar filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the dough log in advance and keep it chilled or frozen. Then I slice and bake when ready.

Can I add cream cheese glaze instead of sugar glaze?

Yes, a cream cheese glaze makes them taste even more like real cinnamon rolls.

How do I keep them soft?

I store them in a sealed container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Conclusion

I love how these Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the flavor of a cinnamon roll in a soft, swirled cookie. They’re cozy, sweet, and perfect for sharing during the holidays, for brunch, or anytime I want a comforting homemade treat.

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