Hi, I’m Michonne, the baker behind Cook Joy Recipes! Ever since I was little, baking has been my way of sharing joy with family and friends. Cinnamon rolls have always held a special place in my heart—they remind me of cozy mornings and the smell of warm spices filling the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share these Cinnamon Roll Cookies with you. They combine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—sweet cinnamon-sugar swirls, buttery dough, and a drizzle of icing—packed into a handheld cookie that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or holiday trays.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies
There are so many reasons to bake up a batch of these cookies:
- Warm & cozy flavors – Packed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery goodness.
- Perfect texture – Soft and chewy inside with a delicate swirl.
- Beautiful presentation – That spiral makes them look as good as they taste.
- Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be prepared and chilled in advance.
- Holiday favorite – A fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls for Christmas cookie swaps.
Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:
- All-purpose flour – The base for tender dough.
- Butter – Unsalted, softened, for richness.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and caramel notes to the filling.
- Granulated sugar – For the cookie dough.
- Cinnamon – The star spice.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the dough with warmth.
- Egg – Binds everything together.
- Powdered sugar & milk – For the simple glaze drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create bakery-style Cinnamon Roll Cookies at home:
- Make the dough – Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough – Wrap the dough and refrigerate until firm enough to roll out.
- Prepare the filling – Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll & fill – Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, then roll it up tightly into a log.
- Slice & bake – Cut the dough log into slices and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown.
- Glaze & enjoy – Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze once cooled.
Baking Tips for Success
- Chill the dough twice – Once before rolling, and again after rolling into a log to prevent spreading.
- Use dental floss to slice – It makes clean, even cuts without squishing the cookies.
- Don’t overbake – Remove when edges are lightly golden for soft centers.
- Add a cream cheese glaze – For extra richness, swap the simple glaze for cream cheese icing.
Storage and Freezing
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Freeze unbaked dough logs, wrapped well, for up to 3 months. Slice and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
Serving Ideas
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are versatile and perfect for many occasions:
- Holiday platters – A standout addition to your cookie swap.
- With coffee or tea – Perfect for cozy mornings.
- Dessert boards – Add variety to fall or winter dessert spreads.
- Gift boxes – Package with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep Cinnamon Roll Cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough log before slicing and baking helps the cookies keep their shape.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough log and refrigerate overnight or freeze for later.
Can I use a cream cheese glaze?
Absolutely—cream cheese glaze makes these cookies taste even more like traditional cinnamon rolls.
Do Cinnamon Roll Cookies taste like actual cinnamon rolls?
Yes, they have the same sweet cinnamon flavor and soft texture, but in a fun, bite-sized cookie form.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these cookies, try these cozy bakes from Cook Joy Recipes:
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture to form dough.
- Roll dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll dough up tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make icing. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.