Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)

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Cinnamon roll cookies are the perfect mashup of two of my favorite sweet treats—classic cinnamon rolls and soft, buttery cookies. These cookies have that same warm, spiced swirl you’d find in a cinnamon roll, all wrapped up in a tender sugar cookie dough that bakes into golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies give me all the flavor of cinnamon rolls without the need to wait for dough to rise. They’re buttery, soft, and filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, then finished with a sweet glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. I enjoy making them during the holidays, but honestly, they’re perfect any time of year.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar
Milk or cream (for glaze)

Directions

I start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then I add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
I gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until a soft dough forms.
I roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
I mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then spread it over the dough.
I carefully roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Once chilled, I slice the log into cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.
After they cool slightly, I drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the tops.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes me around 25 minutes to prepare the dough, plus 1 hour of chilling time, and another 10–12 minutes to bake. In total, I need about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a little twist. I’ve also tried using a cream cheese glaze instead of the basic icing, which gives the cookies even more cinnamon roll flavor. For a holiday touch, I sprinkle a bit of crushed pecans or drizzle some white chocolate over the top.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to warm them slightly before serving, I pop them in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. They also freeze well—I just freeze the baked cookies without glaze and add the icing after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge. It also freezes well if I want to bake later.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

I make sure to chill the rolled dough log thoroughly before slicing. Cold dough helps the cookies keep their shape.

Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?

I can, but homemade dough gives a much better texture and flavor. If I’m in a pinch, I just make sure to roll and fill it quickly before it gets too soft.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?

I usually use a small spoon or pour the glaze into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and drizzle it in a zig-zag pattern across the cookies.

Can I freeze the rolled dough log?

Absolutely. I wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When I’m ready to bake, I let it thaw slightly in the fridge before slicing.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cookies are one of those treats that always impress, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. I love how each bite delivers that comforting cinnamon swirl and a sweet finish from the glaze. Whether I’m baking them for a party, holiday platter, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies never disappoint.