If you love the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls but want a fun twist, these cinnamon roll cookies are just what you need. Soft, chewy, and swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar, they capture all the comforting flavors without the fuss of rolling dough long and waiting for hours to rise.
With a simple icing drizzle on top, these cinnamon roll cookies are the perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy afternoon snack, this cinnamon roll cookies recipe delivers all the taste with less effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- Sweet cinnamon sugar swirl gives authentic cinnamon roll flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare compared to traditional cinnamon rolls
- Drizzled with creamy icing for an irresistible finish
- Perfect for sharing or packing as a treat on the go
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to bake your own batch of cinnamon roll cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe – Soft & Chewy Dessert With Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Swirl and Icing – Etsy
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, then mix in the sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×8 inches thick about 1/4 inch.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- Don’t over-roll the dough or the cookies may be tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Slice evenly to ensure consistent baking and avoid burning thin edges.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor in your cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before icing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Storage and Reheating
Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness and bring back the gooey cinnamon sugar swirl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based sour cream alternative. Make sure to also use dairy-free milk for the icing.
Will these cookies keep their soft texture?
Absolutely! These cinnamon roll cookies are designed to be soft and chewy. Proper storage in an airtight container helps maintain their texture for several days.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for the swirl?
Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor critical to the cinnamon swirl. Using only granulated sugar may result in a less flavorful swirl.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.
