Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, only to discover it’s actually a cookie. With this Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe, you’ll bring that cozy delight straight from the oven to your kitchen. It’s a fun twist on the classic breakfast treat, perfect for any time of day. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a rich icing that makes them utterly irresistible. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into the ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its unique flavor and texture combination. You’ll find it both comforting and indulgent.
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Rich cinnamon flavor that feels like a hug.
- Easy to make with common pantry ingredients.
- Impressive enough for gatherings, yet simple for everyday baking.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I made these cookies for my family, the aroma filled the house like a cozy bakery. Naturally, the moment the cookies cooled, they vanished faster than I could put them on a plate.
Everyone loved the buttery cookie base, laced with cinnamon. The combination of warm spices and sweet icing felt like a hug for the taste buds.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories per Serving: 150
Equipment You Will Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer (hand or stand)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor; coconut oil works as a dairy-free substitute.
- Granulated and brown sugar: Creates sweetness and depth; honey or maple syrup can be swapped, but adjust wet ingredients.
- Cinnamon: Gives that classic flavor; nutmeg could be an interesting alternative if you want a twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Fluffiness is key for creating a light texture in your cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to the cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want soft and chewy.
Step 6: Mix in Cinnamon
Add the ground cinnamon and mix until incorporated. This gives that lovely cinnamon roll flavor throughout the cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on the cookies right after they come out of the oven.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Chill your dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
- Add extra cinnamon in the icing for a flavor boost.
- Keep an eye on the cookies; every oven is different!
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not measuring flour correctly can lead to dense cookies.
- Using melted butter instead of softened can result in flat cookies.
- Overbaking will dry out your cookies; aim for a soft center.
- Not leaving enough space between dough balls can cause them to merge.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Classic coffee for a cozy morning.
- Warm apple cider for a fall treat.
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh fruit salad for a balanced snack.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nutty: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Fruity: Add raisins or currants for a sweet twist.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the icing for a different flavor.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Substitute with coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
- Vegan: Use a flax egg and vegan butter.
- Low-carb/Keto: Consider almond flour and a sugar substitute.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Keep at room temperature for soft cookies.
Freezer
Freeze cookies for up to three months.
- Wrap individually or in batches for easy thawing.
Reheating
Reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-baked feeling.
- This keeps the cookies soft and the icing gooey.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
This nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific amounts used.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate or freeze the dough to bake later.
What can I substitute for an egg?
A flax egg is a great choice: mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
Make sure not to overbake them; they should be slightly underbaked when you take them out.
Can I use other spices?
Yes! Adding nutmeg or allspice can provide a delightful twist.
Keep them in an airtight container to hold onto their freshness.
Final Thoughts
Making these Cinnamon Roll Cookies adds a delightful twist to your baking repertoire. Their quick prep and indulgent flavors make them a favorite in my kitchen.
I hope you give them a try and enjoy every bite. Don’t forget to check out my other recipes for more sweet treats, like the giant fluffy cinnamon roll recipe or the cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- In another bowl, beat 1 stick unsalted butter, softened, with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until evenly incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked, then remove and cool on a cooling rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Drizzle the icing over cooled cookies.