Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

This cinnamon roll cookie recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient, bite-sized form. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the commitment of making a full batch of cinnamon rolls. Combining the best elements of both cinnamon rolls and cookies. This recipe is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a cozy treat.

If you’re interested in exploring more traditional cinnamon roll recipes, be sure to check out the detailed guide on making sourdough cinnamon rolls, which offers a unique twist with its rich, tangy flavor.

Essential Ingredients

To make the perfect cinnamon roll cookie recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients that ensure the cookies are flavorful, tender, and irresistible. These components come together to create the signature taste and texture that make this recipe so special.

Dough Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Flour: Flour is the foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture. All-purpose flour is the best choice for this cinnamon roll cookie recipe, as it creates a tender yet sturdy cookie that holds its shape during baking.
• Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in this recipe. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar contributes to a richer flavor and slightly chewier texture.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the dough its richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the dough together and adding moisture. They also help the cookies rise slightly, creating a light texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the dough, adding warmth and depth that complements the cinnamon filling.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent in this cinnamon roll cookie recipe, helping the cookies rise and stay light and tender.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the dough.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Filling

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is the base of the cinnamon filling, providing a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm spice of cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star ingredient in this filling, giving the cookies their classic flavor. Be generous with the cinnamon for a bold, aromatic filling.
• Butter: Melted butter is mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a rich, spreadable filling that infuses these cookies with flavor.

For those looking to skip the traditional cream cheese frosting, there’s an excellent alternative cinnamon roll frosting recipe that you might want to try.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

• Cream Cheese: For those who love a classic cinnamon roll glaze, cream cheese can be used to make a rich, tangy frosting that complements the sweetness of this cinnamon roll cookie recipe.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is essential for making a smooth glaze or icing. It dissolves easily, creating a silky texture that coats the cookies beautifully.
• Milk or Cream: A small amount of milk or cream is used to thin the glaze to the desired consistency. Adjust the amount to achieve a thicker or thinner glaze, depending on your preference.

With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious cinnamon roll cookie recipe that will impress everyone who tries it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a cinnamon roll cookie recipe from scratch may seem daunting, but with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll find the process straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to create cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

The first step in making this cinnamon roll cookie recipe is to prepare the dough. This dough is similar to a classic sugar cookie dough but with a slightly richer flavor and texture.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the dough, helping the cookies rise evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise and create a tender texture.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla adds warmth and depth to the dough, enhancing the overall flavor.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Once the dough is mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Making the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough chills, you can prepare the cinnamon filling. This filling is what gives the cinnamon roll cookie recipe its signature flavor and appearance.

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the microwave.
2. Combine the Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Make sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar for a consistent flavor.
3. Mix the Filling: Pour the melted butter over the sugar and cinnamon mixture, stirring until the filling is smooth and spreadable. The filling should have the consistency of a thick paste, making it easy to spread over the dough.

Step 3: Assembling the Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Now that both the dough and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the cinnamon roll cookie recipe.

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of chilled dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the edges as straight as possible, as this will make it easier to roll the dough into a log.
2. Spread the Filling: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be sure to spread the filling all the way to the edges for even coverage.
3. Roll the Dough into a Log: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to how you would roll up a cinnamon roll. Repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining filling.
4. Chill the Logs: Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling the logs makes them easier to slice into cookies and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Baking the Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Once the dough logs are firm, it’s time to slice and bake the cinnamon roll cookie recipe.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Slice the Cookies: Unwrap the chilled dough logs and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven, as they will firm up as they cool.
4. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Making the Glaze for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

The final step in creating your cinnamon roll cookie recipe is to make a simple glaze to drizzle over the top. This glaze adds sweetness and gives the cookies a polished finish.

1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more liquid a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the Glaze Over the Cookies: Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll create a cinnamon roll cookie recipe that is not only delicious but also beautiful and impressive.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

This cinnamon roll cookie recipe is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, as a sweet snack, or as part of a dessert spread, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Classic Pairings with Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• With Coffee or Tea: This cinnamon roll cookie recipe pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the spices in the cookies, making for a cozy and comforting treat. Serve them as a morning snack or with an afternoon tea break.
• With Cold Milk: For a more traditional pairing, enjoy this cinnamon roll cookie recipe with a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it a refreshing combination that’s loved by both kids and adults.

Creative Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• As a Dessert Topping: Use this cinnamon roll cookie recipe as a topping for other desserts. Crumble the cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced twist. You can also layer the cookies in a trifle with whipped cream and fruit for an elegant dessert.
• On a Cookie Platter: Add this cinnamon roll cookie recipe to a holiday cookie platter alongside other favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and chocolate chip cookies. The swirl pattern of the cookies adds visual interest, and their unique flavor makes them stand out.

These serving suggestions will help you make the most of this cinnamon roll cookie recipe, whether you’re enjoying them on your own or sharing them with others.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

This cinnamon roll cookie recipe is not only delicious but also convenient to make ahead and store. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your cookies stay fresh and flavorful for days, or even weeks, to come.

Proper Storage for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

To keep your cinnamon roll cookie recipe fresh, proper storage is essential.

• At Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to extend the shelf life of your cookies, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Cookie Dough and Cookies

This cinnamon roll cookie recipe freezes well, making it an excellent option for preparing in advance.

• Freezing Baked Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: If you’d prefer to bake the cookies fresh, you can freeze the dough logs before slicing. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the logs in the refrigerator until firm enough to slice, then proceed with baking as usual.

Make-Ahead Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

For added convenience, you can prepare parts of this cinnamon roll cookie recipe ahead of time.

• Prepping the Dough: Make the dough and filling up to 2 days in advance. Store the chilled dough logs in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and bake.
• Storing the Glaze Separately: If you plan to make the glaze ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-whisk the glaze before drizzling it over the cookies.

By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you’ll always have fresh, delicious cinnamon roll cookie recipe cookies ready to enjoy.

Variations of Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

While the classic cinnamon roll cookie recipe is delightful on its own, there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe with Nuts

For added texture and flavor, consider adding nuts to the cinnamon filling.

• Adding Chopped Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling before spreading it on the dough. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of this cinnamon roll cookie recipe.
• Garnishing with Nuts: For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped nuts over the glazed cookies before the glaze sets.

Glazed Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Experiment with different glazes to add variety to this cinnamon roll cookie recipe.

• Maple Glaze: Replace the milk or cream in the glaze with maple syrup for a sweet, maple-flavored topping. The maple glaze pairs beautifully with the cinnamon filling, adding a warm, autumnal flavor.
• Chocolate Glaze: For a more indulgent option, drizzle this cinnamon roll cookie recipe with a chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate and a bit of cream. The rich chocolate adds a decadent twist to the classic recipe.

Sugar Cookie Variation for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

For a different texture, try using sugar cookie dough as the base for this cinnamon roll cookie recipe.

• Sugar Cookie Base: Swap out the traditional dough for your favorite sugar cookie recipe. The sugar cookie dough is slightly sweeter and more tender, creating a softer, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Adjusting the Filling: Since sugar cookie dough is sweeter, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon filling to avoid making the cookies too sweet.

Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies

For a vegan version of this cinnamon roll cookie recipe, make a few simple substitutions.

• Substituting Butter and Eggs: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs. These substitutions maintain the rich flavor and texture of this cinnamon roll cookie recipe while making them suitable for a vegan diet.
• Vegan Glaze: Use almond milk or another plant-based milk in the glaze to keep it vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies

For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily adapt this cinnamon roll cookie recipe to be gluten-free.

• Using Gluten-Free Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent. This ensures that the cookies hold together and have the right texture.
• Adjusting the Dough: Gluten-free doughs can be more delicate, so handle the dough gently and consider chilling it a bit longer to make it easier to work with.

These variations allow you to tailor this cinnamon roll cookie recipe to your preferences, making them a versatile and adaptable treat for any occasion.

Conclusion for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

This cinnamon roll cookie recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the best elements of cinnamon rolls and cookies. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or eager to try new variations, these cookies offer endless possibilities for customization. Their rich, cinnamon-spiced filling and soft, buttery dough make them a comforting and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

By following the step-by-step instructions in this article, you can easily create these beautiful and delicious cinnamon roll cookie recipe cookies at home. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family treat, or just because, this cinnamon roll cookie recipe is sure to impress and delight everyone who tries them.

For a more traditional take on cinnamon rolls, you might want to explore the best cinnamon roll pancake recipe as another creative twist on a classic dessert.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of cinnamon roll cookie recipe cookies that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite of these irresistible treats.

Frequently Asked Questions “FAQs”