Imagine biting into a cookie that tastes just like your favorite cinnamon rolls, but with all the convenience (and fun!) of a batch of home-baked treats. That’s exactly what you get with Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: a swirl of buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness wrapped up in soft sugar cookie dough and drizzled with a sweet glaze. They’re perfect for sharing at the holidays, bringing to brunch, or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon snack—no yeast or tricky rising required!

Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples combine to create such a crave-worthy cookie. Each ingredient brings something special—think tender texture, vibrant flavor, or that perfect golden color—so don’t skip a thing!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich flavor and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookie base.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Brings gentle sweetness while helping the cookies spread just right.
Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds a little chewiness to each bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies, keeping the swirl distinct.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the dough ever so slightly for a soft, pillowy finish.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors in the dough.
Filling – Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps the cinnamon-sugar swirl stick and stay ooey-gooey inside.
Filling – Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and a bit of moisture for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Filling – Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Delivers the star flavor—warm, spicy, and oh-so-inviting!
Glaze – Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a silky, sweet topping to finish the cookies beautifully.
Glaze – Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze’s thickness for drizzling or pouring.
Glaze – Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A dash more vanilla in the glaze adds extra warmth and dessert-like aroma.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until it’s pale, light, and fluffy—don’t rush this step! A good, creamy base ensures your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies have that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and drizzle in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is silky smooth. The scent at this point is so inviting, you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder distributes evenly, so your cookies bake up soft and even every time.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems a little sticky, that’s perfect—it means your cookies will be tender.

Step 5: Roll and Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, then roll each piece between two sheets of parchment paper to a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Chilling the dough for 20 minutes helps keep everything neat (and that beautiful swirl intact), so don’t skip it!

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

Peel off the top parchment from your chilled dough, then brush a layer of melted butter over the surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, covering every inch for that classic cinnamon roll experience.

Step 7: Roll Up the Dough

Working from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Use the parchment paper to help guide it—you want a nice, compact swirl! Then pop those logs back in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes, so they’re firm enough to slice cleanly.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each log into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Let the cookies cool completely before mixing up the glaze: powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a touch of vanilla. Drizzle it over the cookies for the perfect, bakery-style finish to your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Garnishes

Try an extra dusting of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a little shaved chocolate on top of the glaze for a fancy touch. For extra sparkle, a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking gives them a lovely, professional edge.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a mug of hot coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. If you’re hosting brunch or a holiday get-together, pair them with fresh fruit or a platter of cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift, or arrange them in a swirl pattern on a platter for a pretty dessert centerpiece. Stacking two cookies with a bit of glaze in between makes for an adorable twist on sandwich cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days. If your home is particularly warm, a cool, dark cupboard is best to preserve freshness.

Freezing

These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled (skip the glaze until after thawing), stack them between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add the glaze when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies, zap your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies in the microwave for 5 to 8 seconds—they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven! For a crispy edge, reheat on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies can be made and refrigerated up to two days in advance, or even frozen for a few weeks. Just bring to cool room temperature before rolling and filling.

Why do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their pretty spiral shape and prevents spreading, so your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies come out picture-perfect every batch.

Can I use salted butter instead?

You can, but reduce the added salt in the dough to avoid making your cookies too salty. Salted butter will lend a little extra depth to the flavor.

How do I keep the swirl from unraveling?

Roll the dough as tightly as you can, and be sure to chill the logs thoroughly before slicing. This helps the swirl hold together in the oven.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?

For an easy, mess-free finish, use a spoon or small piping bag (even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) to drizzle the glaze over your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies once they’re cool.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about transforming everyday ingredients into treats that look and taste so special. If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave something easy, these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the answer. Give them a try—the swirl, the glaze, the smile on everyone’s face… it’s pure homemade happiness!