Craving the comfort of cinnamon rolls but want something a little quicker and easier? These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are your answer! Combining all the delicious flavors of your favorite cinnamon roll—sweet, spicy, and gooey—into a soft, chewy cookie, these treats will transport you straight to cinnamon heaven. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just indulge in a sweet afternoon snack, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to create these cinnamon-inspired delights. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! The dough is rolled into a swirl of cinnamon sugar, then sliced into cookies and baked to perfection. Top them off with a simple glaze to complete the cinnamon roll experience.
Let’s dive into this incredible recipe and create the perfect batch of Cinnamon Roll Cookies!
What Makes These Cinnamon Roll Cookies Special?
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies aren’t your average cookies—they’re a twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Here’s why you need to try them:
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Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting taste that’s reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon rolls.
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Chewy Texture: The dough is soft and chewy, giving each bite the perfect texture—crispy on the edges and tender in the center.
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Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there’s no waiting for dough to rise. These cookies come together quickly and easily.
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Versatile: You can serve them at breakfast, as a snack, or even at your next holiday gathering.
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Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a dash of vanilla extract to make these cookies your own.
These cookies bring together the best of both worlds—cookies and cinnamon rolls—so if you’re a fan of both, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients in these Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
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All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture. Make sure to measure accurately for best results.
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Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
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Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a crisp edge when baked.
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Brown sugar: Used for the cinnamon-sugar swirl, brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
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Cinnamon: The star of the show, adding that signature spicy-sweet flavor we love in cinnamon rolls.
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Eggs: Help bind the dough together and give the cookies a rich, tender texture.
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Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
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Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates the sweet, smooth glaze that’s drizzled on top, mimicking the icing on cinnamon rolls.
Substitutions:
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You can swap the butter with margarine if you prefer a dairy-free version.
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Maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar for a unique flavor.
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For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir until a dough forms.
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Make the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This will be your cinnamon-sugar swirl.
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Roll out the dough: Roll the dough out onto a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
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Roll and slice: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the roll into ½-inch thick pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. They should look slightly puffed and firm to the touch.
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Make the glaze: While the cookies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and a bit of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cookies once they’re out of the oven.
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Serve and enjoy: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before serving, but don’t wait too long—these cookies are best enjoyed while still warm and gooey!
Pro Tip: If you prefer a gooier cookie, remove them from the oven a minute or two earlier for a softer texture.
Storage Options
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Room Temperature: Store your Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
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Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. For dough, wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For cookies, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to an airtight container once frozen. To reheat, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
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Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch.
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Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Swap butter for vegan butter and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
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Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cookies: For a fall twist, add pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and drizzle with cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cookie cutter for these?
While you can certainly use a cookie cutter to shape the dough, slicing them into rolls gives the classic cinnamon roll look and feel.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it until you’re ready to bake. Just slice and bake as directed.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.
Can I make these without a glaze?
Yes, the cookies are delicious even without the glaze, though the glaze adds a nice sweetness that mimics the icing on a cinnamon roll.
Can I substitute the cinnamon sugar mixture?
Yes! You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, or use brown sugar with a hint of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls in a much easier, quicker form. With their chewy texture, warm cinnamon sugar swirl, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Give this recipe a try and share the delicious results with friends and family!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp cinnamon
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1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
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Mix flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients.
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Combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
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Roll dough, add cinnamon sugar, and slice into cookies.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, then drizzle with glaze.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g