Laura Mariano
The Best of Both Worlds—Cinnamon Rolls Meet Cookies
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the ultimate mashup of two beloved classics. Inspired by recipes from Recipe Maestro, Recipes by Lisa, and The Charming Recipes, these cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with the swirled, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls. Each bite delivers warm cinnamon flavor wrapped in buttery dough, finished with a drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting. They’re festive, cozy, and versatile—perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting to friends, or enjoying on a quiet weekend morning. Their pinwheel design makes them as beautiful as they are delicious, with spirals of cinnamon-sugar that look impressive yet are surprisingly easy to achieve. Whether served warm with coffee or packed into tins for seasonal celebrations, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a treat that feels nostalgic yet fresh. They prove that sometimes the best desserts come from blending traditions into something entirely new.
What Are Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a creative twist on traditional cookies, designed to mimic the look and flavor of cinnamon rolls. The base is a sugar cookie-style dough, rolled out into a rectangle and layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. Once rolled into a log, the dough is chilled, sliced into spirals, and baked like pinwheel cookies. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a signature swirl of cinnamon running through each piece. To finish, many recipes call for a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting, adding sweetness and shine. These cookies are versatile enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for holidays and special occasions. Their unique appearance makes them stand out on dessert tables, while their comforting flavor appeals to all ages. Cinnamon Roll Cookies are proof that classic flavors can be reinvented into fun, bite-sized treats.
Ingredient Overview
The dough is the foundation of Cinnamon Roll Cookies. It’s made with all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt, creating a soft yet sturdy base that holds the swirl shape.
The filling is simple but essential: brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. This mixture melts into the dough during baking, creating ribbons of spiced sweetness.
For the glaze (optional), combine powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. This adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness, reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
Optional add-ins include chopped nuts, flavored extracts, or seasonal spices.
Tip: Chill the dough before slicing. This helps maintain the swirl shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Together, these ingredients create cookies that are buttery, spiced, and perfectly balanced—ideal for cozy baking sessions or festive gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, forming a soft dough.
- Prepare filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until spreadable.
- Roll dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
- Spread filling: Evenly spread cinnamon-sugar mixture over dough.
- Form log: Roll dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Slice cookies: Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice log into ½-inch rounds.
- Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & glaze: Allow cookies to cool, then drizzle with vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Tip: Use dental floss for clean spirals—it slices without squishing the dough.
This method ensures cookies that are soft, chewy, and beautifully swirled.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
Cinnamon Roll Cookies can be customized to suit any occasion. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch. Swap vanilla glaze for maple or almond extract to create unique flavor profiles. For autumn, use a pumpkin spice blend instead of plain cinnamon to evoke seasonal warmth. You can also experiment with chocolate drizzle or caramel glaze for indulgence. Each variation adds personality while keeping the comforting essence of cinnamon rolls intact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies warm with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Pack them in cookie tins for holiday gifting—they travel well and look festive. For dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent cinnamon roll-inspired sundae. Their spiral design makes them a standout addition to cookie platters, brunch spreads, or bake sales. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with loved ones, these cookies bring comfort and joy to any occasion.
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe | Soft Swirled Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar & Glaze
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment paper
- Serrated knife or dental floss
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp softened butter
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream butter & sugar: Beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture to form a soft dough.
- Prepare filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter into a spreadable paste.
- Roll dough: On parchment paper, roll dough into a rectangle (~¼-inch thick).
- Spread filling: Evenly spread cinnamon-sugar mixture over dough.
- Form log: Roll dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1 hour.
- Slice cookies: Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut ½-inch rounds.
- Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & glaze: Cool on a rack, then drizzle with glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Dough can be chilled up to 2 days before baking.
- Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container for 5–7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze dough logs or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t overbake, roll dough too thin, or skip chilling.
- Variations: Add nuts, swap glaze flavor (maple, almond), or use pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- Nutrition: Can be lightened with monk fruit or coconut sugar; add oats or almond flour for fiber; use dairy-free butter and milk for allergy-friendly versions.
