Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Soft, Swirled & Irresistibly Cozy

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It’s a quiet winter morning, and the smell of cinnamon fills the kitchen. Snow drifts outside the window, and there’s a soft hum from the oven. Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring that kind of comfort—warm, golden, and sweet. Each bite feels like a hug, wrapping you in the cozy flavors of butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies taste like your favorite breakfast treat but in cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and full of buttery cinnamon flavor. Each cookie has a beautiful swirl that makes them look special on any dessert table. You can serve them for brunch, dessert, or even as edible gifts during the holidays. And the best part? They’re easy to make, even for beginners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Butter adds richness and keeps the cookies soft, while cinnamon gives that signature warmth and cozy aroma.

For the Filling

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

This simple mix creates that sweet, swirled heart inside every cookie.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Prepare the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until creamy and light. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Next, make your filling by stirring together brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread half the dough onto parchment paper. Sprinkle the filling evenly, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch rounds for that signature swirl. This step feels a bit like rolling up a secret—sweet and satisfying.

Bake to Perfection

Place each cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Let them cool slightly before moving to a rack. For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape and texture.

Cinnamon roll cookies with icing on white plate

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Chill the dough before slicing so it holds the swirl.
  • Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
  • Don’t overbake—edges should be just lightly golden.
  • Reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave for that soft, gooey feel again.

Easy Variations

You can get creative with this recipe. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired twist. Or toss in a handful of chocolate chips or diced apple for something new and fun.

Storing & Reheating

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat one cookie for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes holiday prep much easier.

Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Warm dough can cause that. Always chill before baking to help maintain their perfect shape.

Close-up of cinnamon roll cookies with icing on white plate

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe Card

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Close-up of cinnamon roll cookies with icing on white plate

Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Soft, Swirled & Irresistibly Cozy


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a cozy swirl of cinnamon sugar. All the flavor of a classic cinnamon roll in a simple cookie. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

2 tsp vanilla extract

Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp ground cinnamon


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F 175°C.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy.

4. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

6. Stir brown sugar and cinnamon together for the filling.

7. Spread half the dough on parchment, sprinkle filling, and roll tightly into a log.

8. Repeat with remaining dough if needed.

9. Slice logs into 1 inch rounds and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

10. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges look lightly golden.

11. Cool on the sheet 2 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling.

Notes

Chill dough 30 minutes before slicing for a clean swirl.

Use a cookie scoop for even portions.

Check a minute early to avoid overbaking.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheat one cookie 10 to 15 seconds for a soft, gooey bite.

Make ahead: refrigerate dough up to 24 hours.

Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.

Variations: add chopped pecans or walnuts, swap in pumpkin spice, or mix in chocolate chips or diced apple.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Christmas Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (34 g)
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 9
  • Sodium: 80
  • Fat: 6
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 0.5
  • Protein: 0.5
  • Cholesterol: 20

More Such Recipes

If you love these cozy flavors, try my
Glazed Little Orange Cookies with Cinnamon & Cloves for a citrus twist,
Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies with White Chocolate for extra sweetness,
Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting for a creamy fall treat,
or Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting when you want to go all-in on that cinnamon roll craving.

Close-up of cinnamon roll cookies with icing on white plate

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Cookies taste like comfort baked into every swirl. They’re perfect for Christmas mornings, cozy weekends, or sweet gifts for neighbors. The scent alone makes your home feel warmer. Try baking a batch, share them with loved ones, and let those buttery, cinnamon layers bring joy to your table. You can also find more baking inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook.

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