Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine two beloved treats: the soft, buttery goodness of a classic cinnamon roll and the convenience of a cookie. This recipe brings all the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll into a bite-sized, cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion. The cookies have a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, chewy center, and the swirl of cinnamon filling inside makes every bite a delightful experience.

These cookies are perfect for a cozy family treat, an afternoon snack, or to share with friends at your next gathering. The dough is soft and easy to work with, and the cinnamon filling provides that classic swirl and flavor that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the nostalgic taste of cinnamon rolls in a fun new form. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Cinnamon Swirl

The cinnamon filling inside the cookies gives them the signature cinnamon roll flavor, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies have a delightfully soft and chewy texture, making them the perfect comfort food for any time of the day.

3. Easy to Make

While they look fancy, these cinnamon roll cookies are simple to make with basic ingredients and just a few steps.

4. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a party, or holiday treats, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser and suitable for any occasion.

5. Perfect for Cinnamon Roll Lovers

If you love cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier to make, these cookies deliver the same delicious flavor in a much more convenient form.

Ingredients

For the Filling

Salted butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon

For the Dough

Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Kosher salt
Cream of tartar

For Rolling

Granulated sugar
Cinnamon

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting: For a traditional cinnamon roll touch, drizzle the cookies with cream cheese frosting after baking.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon filling for a slightly different flavor profile.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or sprinkle some on top of the cookies before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled dough.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer side. Slice the rolled dough into 1/2-inch thick pieces and set aside.

Step 5: Coat the Cookies

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Gently roll each cookie slice in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, enjoy these soft, cinnamon-swirled cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, or share them with friends and family for a delightful treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft or difficult to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Even Cinnamon Filling: Be sure to spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough to ensure that each cookie has the perfect swirl.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, so be sure to check them at the 8-minute mark to avoid overbaking. The cookies should be golden around the edges.
Roll Cookies Evenly: When rolling up the dough, try to roll it tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

How to Serve

These cinnamon roll cookies are best served fresh, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Serve them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or as part of a dessert spread. Pair them with coffee, milk, or a hot beverage for a comforting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They will stay soft and delicious for several days.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out.

2. Can I substitute butter for margarine in this recipe?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may affect the texture slightly.

3. How thick should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.

4. Can I make these cookies without cinnamon?

While cinnamon is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can substitute it with another spice like pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a different flavor.

5. How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from spreading too much while baking.

6. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling is a great way to add texture and flavor.

7. How long will the cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.

9. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but the cookies may lack the depth of flavor that the brown sugar provides.

10. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful fusion of two classic treats, offering all the flavor and comfort of cinnamon rolls in a convenient cookie form. With a soft and chewy texture and a swirl of cinnamon sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to bake for a family gathering, a party, or just a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon in every bite!