Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Chewy Cookie with a Sweet Cinnamon Swirl

Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! What do you get when you combine a chewy, soft cookie with the sweet, gooey flavor of a cinnamon roll? You get these incredible Cinnamon Roll Cookies. This recipe is the perfect mashup of two classic treats, giving you all the delicious flavor of a cinnamon roll in a much more manageable, bite-sized cookie form. With a tender cookie base, a rich cinnamon sugar swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze on top, these cookies are pure perfection. They’re a simple, sweet treat that’s perfect for a party, a special occasion, or anytime you’re craving something sweet.

I first came up with this recipe when I wanted to make cinnamon rolls but didn’t have the time or energy for all the rising and kneading. I thought, why not get all those classic flavors into a cookie? The result was a huge hit with my family and friends, and it has since become a go-to recipe. The secret is to roll out the dough, spread a cinnamon sugar filling over it, and then roll it up and slice it like a real cinnamon roll. It’s a fun, simple, and incredibly delicious baking project that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I love most about these Cinnamon Roll Cookies is the combination of textures and flavors. You get a soft, chewy cookie, a gooey cinnamon sugar filling, and a perfect crunch from the glaze on top. It’s a complex bite that comes from a very simple preparation. The cinnamon sugar filling is rich and aromatic, and it bakes up beautifully into a delicious swirl. And the vanilla glaze adds that final, perfect touch of sweetness that is essential to any great cinnamon roll.

This recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family with a cookie that looks and tastes like a lot of work went into it, but is actually quite simple. It’s a fun baking project that you can do with kids, and the results are always delicious. For another great easy cookie recipe, my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime are also a total hit.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Swaps and Notes

• Butter: Make sure your butter for the dough is at room temperature. For the filling, you’ll want it melted to spread it easily.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
• Cinnamon: Use a good quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
• Sugar: The combination of granulated and brown sugar in the dough gives the cookies a perfect chewy texture.
• Glaze: You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner one.

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the cookie dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter, leaving a small border on one of the long sides.
3. Roll into a Log: Starting from the long side with the cinnamon sugar, tightly roll the dough into a log.
4. Slice: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
5. Bake: Place the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze and Serve:

1. Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and has a pourable consistency.
2. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each one. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will result in a tough, dense cookie. Mix it just enough to bring it together.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll, you can chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before rolling.
• Roll Tightly: Roll the dough into a tight log. This ensures you get a beautiful cinnamon swirl in the middle of each cookie.
• Cool Before Glazing: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before you add the glaze. If they are warm, the glaze will melt and be absorbed into the cookie.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a complete dessert on their own. They are the perfect treat with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. For another great dessert that’s perfect for a crowd, you might also like my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

This is a sweet and satisfying treat, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional dessert.

Storage and Leftover Tips

These cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before serving.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of simple, delicious cookies, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a no-bake treat that’s always a hit, my recipe for These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times is a lifesaver. For another delicious cookie recipe, you can’t go wrong with my These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies are My Favorite Way to Bake Up Instant Joy. And for another simple dessert, my These Easy Coconut Macaroons are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat is a winner.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. They’re a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious cookie that is the perfect way to get all the best flavors of a cinnamon roll without any of the work.

I’d love to know what your favorite hybrid dessert is! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy baking!