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If you’re a fan of everything cinnamon and love bite-sized sweets that pack all the warmth and sweetness of your favorite breakfast treat, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe will become an instant favorite. These cookies capture the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls in a delightful, handheld form, baked from a simple sugar cookie dough that transforms into soft, aromatic bites crowned with a luscious vanilla glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white marbled surface, there is a rectangular silicone baking mat with a red border. In the center of the mat sits a small, square mound of pale yellow dough. Around the dough, a light dusting of white flour is spread unevenly, creating a soft textured ring. The dough has a slightly irregular surface with some small indentations and looks soft and pliable. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and that classic melty cinnamon swirl we all adore, making it as accessible as it is delicious.

All-purpose flour (2 and 1/4 cups or 281g): The sturdy base that holds everything together while keeping the cookies tender.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lightens the dough just enough without making it cakey.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness, making the flavors pop.
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup or 170g, softened): Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup or 150g): Sweetens perfectly while helping create the cookie’s tender crumb.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm, inviting aroma and subtle complexity.
Butter for filling (2 Tablespoons, melted): Ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully and adds extra moisture.
Granulated sugar for filling (1/4 cup or 50g): Sweetens the cinnamon filling to perfection.
Ground cinnamon (1 Tablespoon): The star of the show, providing that unmistakable cinnamon roll flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup or 120g) for icing: Gives a silky smooth glaze that finishes off the cookies beautifully.
Milk for icing (3 Tablespoons or 45ml): Thins the icing just enough for drizzling.
Pure vanilla extract for icing (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a delicate sweetness to the glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – in a medium bowl. This mix creates the structure and gives your cookies that perfect crumb. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until silky smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla, beating until everything is well combined and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the dry mix on low speed just until it comes together. The dough will be soft, but if it feels sticky, a tablespoon more flour can help with rolling later.

Step 2: Roll, Fill, and Shape

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a rectangle about 9 by 7 inches on a floured surface to keep it from sticking. Brush each rectangle with a tablespoon of melted butter – this is what makes the cinnamon sugar filling stick and become beautifully gooey. Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each rectangle, spreading the warmth of cinnamon throughout every bite. Now comes the fun part: carefully roll each rectangle into tight 9-inch logs. Don’t worry about a few cracks; they add character! Pop these logs into the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up.

Step 3: Slice and Bake

When your dough logs have chilled and are nice and firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup. Slice the logs into half-inch thick rounds and arrange them 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, just until the edges turn a gentle golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely – this is vital to avoid the cookies falling apart when you drizzle on the icing.

Step 4: Make and Add the Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Drizzle this luscious glaze over your cooled cookies, letting it drip and pool just right for that classic cinnamon roll look. This icing adds a sweet finishing touch that perfectly balances the spiced filling.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of many small cinnamon rolls arranged in neat rows on a white marbled surface lined with parchment paper; each roll has visible spiral layers of golden-brown dough with cinnamon filling, topped with thin white icing lines drizzled across the tops in parallel patterns, creating a uniform look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe, consider sprinkling a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or a few finely chopped pecans on the icing right after drizzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate, snow-kissed beauty that makes these treats irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or a frothy latte, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of stacking the cookies traditionally, why not present them in a rustic wicker basket lined with a soft tea towel for a charming, homemade feel? Or serve them on a wooden board interspersed with cinnamon sticks and tiny bowls of extra glaze for dipping. You can even assemble them into mini cookie sandwiches with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a twist on the classic cinnamon roll.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and iced, store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them tender and flavorful, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough logs. For dough logs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To warm up your cinnamon roll cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave individually for 10 seconds. The gentle heat brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts the icing slightly, making each bite taste like just out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour in this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe?

All-purpose flour works best here because it provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours may alter the texture and could require tweaking the amounts or adding binding agents.

Do I have to chill the dough logs before baking?

Chilling the dough logs is crucial. It firms up the dough, which helps maintain those beautiful spirals when you slice and bake the cookies. Skipping this step may cause the cookies to flatten and lose their shape.

Can I make the cinnamon sugar filling spicier?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix or increase the cinnamon slightly for a bolder flavor. Just be careful not to overwhelm the delicate sweetness of the cookies.

Is it okay to omit the icing?

While the icing adds an irresistible finish, the cookies are still delicious on their own with that soft cinnamon swirl. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or serve plain if you prefer less sweetness.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their fresh, soft texture for up to 5 days. Beyond that, they may start to dry out, but reheating as mentioned can help revive their softness.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is one of those little joys that turns any ordinary day into something special. From the comforting scent filling your kitchen to the first bite full of warm cinnamon and sweet icing, it’s a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. So go ahead, try this recipe, and share these delightful cookies with everyone you love—they’re too good to keep to yourself!

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