If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that warm, swirly goodness of your favorite breakfast treat in a handheld delight, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, tender cookies bursting with cinnamon spice, crowned with a luscious glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s like having a cinnamon roll and a cookie party all at once, and trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to for cozy indulgence.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible cinnamon roll cookies. Each one plays a key role, from building the perfect dough structure to infusing that classic cinnamon flavor and finishing with a signature glaze that ties everything together.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for our cookie dough, giving structure and softness.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds that essential warm spice that defines the flavor.
1/2 cup butter, softened: Key for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings sweetness and a subtle molasses undertone.
1 egg: Binds everything beautifully and helps with softness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a hint of warmth.
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth topping that adds charm.
1 tbsp milk (for glaze): Blends with powdered sugar to make the perfect drizzle consistency.
1/2 tsp cinnamon (for glaze): Reinforces that signature cinnamon roll flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for baking

First off, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly—no sticking allowed in our cinnamon cookie adventure!

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This combination sets the stage for the cookie’s delightful crumb and subtly spiced flavor that’s crucial in the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

Using a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential—the creamed butter traps air for tender cookies. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the butter-sugar blend. Stir gently just until combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want soft, tender bites reminiscent of that classic cinnamon roll feel.

Step 5: Shape the cookies

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading without sticking together—a little breathing room is key.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a soft golden brown. The smell wafting from your oven at this point? Pure comfort!

Step 7: Prepare the glaze

While your cookies cool, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until you have a smooth glaze. This step is the magic that takes your cinnamon roll cookies over the top, adding sweetness and that signature drizzle.

Step 8: Glaze and enjoy

Drizzle your cinnamon glaze over the cooled cookies, giving them a glossy finish that’s as inviting as any bakery display. Let the glaze set a little, then grab a cookie (or two) and savor every cinnamon-spiced bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To make these cookies even more irresistible, consider sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze or adding chopped toasted pecans for a crunchy contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also add that picture-perfect touch.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon roll cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, heightening their warm, comforting qualities. They also complement a creamy vanilla ice cream if you want to turn your snack into a dessert celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your cookies in a basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel for a charming gift or party platter. You could even stack them with layers of cinnamon sticks for an aromatic and rustic presentation that invites curiosity and appetite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store these cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for mid-morning snacks or afternoon pick-me-ups.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just pop them into the oven, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too, wrapped tightly and returned to the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To bring a stored cookie back to life, simply warm it in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. A warm cookie enhances the gooey, cinnamon-glazed experience like nothing else.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe?

While margarine can be substituted, using real butter yields the best flavor and texture. Butter’s richness helps achieve that classic tender and slightly chewy cookie that defines this recipe.

How do I make sure my cookies are soft and not crunchy?

The key is not overbaking—watch for golden edges but keep the center slightly soft. Also, using brown sugar and butter as specified will create a softer crumb.

Can I add nuts or raisins to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins complement the cinnamon flavor wonderfully. Fold them into the dough in Step 4 to distribute evenly.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze adds that signature cinnamon roll sweetness and creaminess which elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. While optional, we highly recommend it for the authentic experience.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days at room temperature, making them perfect for a short-term treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. There’s something truly magical about combining the charm of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease and fun of cookies. Give this recipe a try, share with loved ones, and savor every bite of that cozy, cinnamon-spiced goodness. Happy baking!