Imagine your favorite cinnamon roll, but in the form of a buttery, soft cookie with swirls of cinnamon sugar and a delicate glaze on top. These irresistible cinnamon roll cookies combine the cozy warmth of a morning treat with the ease of a handheld dessert. They’re perfect for sharing over coffee, gifting during the holidays, or simply indulging whenever you need something sweet.
What makes these cookies stand out is their rich flavor and beautiful presentation. The dough rolls out like a dream, wraps around a cinnamon-sugar filling, and slices into gorgeous spirals that bake up golden. The final touch is a drizzle of vanilla glaze, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the warm cinnamon center.
What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?
Actually, no puff pastry here! These cinnamon roll cookies are made from a simple sugar cookie dough that is easy to roll and shape. It gives you that lovely tender bite while holding the cinnamon swirl just right. If you’re tempted to try puff pastry, go for it—but be prepared for a flakier, more pastry-like result instead of a chewy cookie.
Ingredients for the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
How To Make the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Gently press the filling into the dough.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼ inch rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These cookies are fantastic served fresh with a drizzle of glaze, still slightly warm from the oven. They also make lovely gifts when packed in a decorative tin or box. Pair with a warm chai latte or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (unglazed) in a zip-top bag and glaze them fresh after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking. A firm dough holds its shape better in the oven.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing.
What if I want more filling?
You can slightly increase the brown sugar and cinnamon, but avoid adding too much butter to prevent leakage.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I skip the glaze?
Sure, though the glaze adds a sweet touch. You could also dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If these cinnamon roll cookies hit the spot, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy and creative bakes:
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies — festive and fruity.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars — a rich layered delight.
- Funnel Cake Bites — fairground magic in every bite.
- Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies — quick, nostalgic, and chewy.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars — cinnamon-sugar heaven.
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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cinnamon? Maybe some chopped nuts? I love seeing your creative twists.
Questions? Leave them below—we’re baking better, together.
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the buttery softness of sugar cookies with swirls of cinnamon-sugar and a sweet vanilla glaze. These cookies are a cozy treat perfect for holidays, gifting, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a smooth dough.
5. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
6. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Gently press the filling into the dough, then roll it tightly into a log.
8. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into ¼-inch thick rounds.
10. Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
12. Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
13. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
14. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cookies and let set.
Notes
For sharper spirals, chill the dough overnight before slicing.
Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
Store unglazed cookies in the freezer and glaze fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cookies, sugar cookies, holiday treats
