If you have a sweet tooth but want something a little different than your usual cookie, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful treats capture all the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a crisp, bite-sized cookie form. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with a luscious glaze, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat — and they bring a cozy, homemade charm to any occasion or simple afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are staples in most kitchens but come together to create incredible taste, texture, and that beautiful golden color. Each ingredient plays its part to bring out the perfect balance of buttery richness, sweet cinnamon warmth, and a tender cookie crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the creamy, rich base of the dough, providing flavor and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the dough’s texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle warm aroma that enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): For the cinnamon sugar filling, adding deep caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice of this recipe, delivering that classic cinnamon roll warmth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick and to provide richness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the glaze, giving a sweet, smooth finish.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Added to the glaze to tie the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies maintain a tender texture. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, which enrich the dough and add a lovely aromatic note.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies could become tough.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough in half to make it easier to handle. On a floured surface, roll each portion out into a thin rectangle—aim for about ¼-inch thickness. Keeping these even will help the cookies bake consistently.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Brush each dough rectangle evenly with the melted butter. This not only adds moisture but also helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick perfectly. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously and evenly across the surface for that signature cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Roll and Chill
Roll each rectangle tightly into logs, like you would with cinnamon rolls. Then wrap them securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice thin, even cookies that hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled logs from the fridge and slice them into ¼-inch rounds. Place these rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Bake for about 10–12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous light golden color.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled cookies for that sweet finishing touch. Let the glaze set before indulging.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze for a nice crunchy contrast and added visual appeal. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar to give these cookies a festive and elegant look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. Their sweet cinnamon flavor makes them an ideal companion to morning or afternoon beverages, transforming a simple snack time into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand or serve them alongside mini cream cheese frosting dollops for dipping. You could even place them on a warm fruit platter to echo the comforting flavors of fall. They also make charming cookie gifts, wrapped in parchment paper with a pretty ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and soft, though the glaze may become a little less shiny over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this delightful cookie anytime.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-baked magic, gently warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and helps the glaze regain a bit of its original texture without melting away completely.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If brown sugar is unavailable, you can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses to replicate the deep flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the dough logs?
Chilling the dough is important because it firms up the logs, allowing you to slice even cookies that hold their shape and bake more evenly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make these cookies gluten-free while still maintaining good texture.
How thick should I slice the cookie logs?
Slicing the logs into ¼-inch rounds is ideal for balanced baking — thick enough to stay soft on the inside but thin enough to achieve a crisp edge.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is simply delightful and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whenever you crave that classic cinnamon roll taste with less fuss and more crunch. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly these cookies come together and how wonderfully they fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and vanilla. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. Soft, buttery dough is rolled with a cinnamon sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick to prepare for the filling.
- Add Filling: Brush each dough rectangle evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture of packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly over the buttered surface.
- Roll and Chill: Tightly roll each rectangle into a log shape. Wrap both logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Slice Logs: Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds carefully to maintain shape.
- Bake Cookies: Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Make the Glaze: While the cookies bake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy these cookies fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter for the dough is softened to room temperature to cream properly.
- Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures uniform baking.
- Refrigerating the rolled dough logs helps maintain their shape when slicing into rounds.
- If glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or frozen to extend shelf life.
