Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: 2-Hour Insanely Good Treat
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 Tablespoons (28g) butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar; 3 Tablespoons (45ml) milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, listen up! You KNOW I’m all about easy, delicious, and just plain FUN baking. And let me tell you, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies? They check *all* the boxes. Seriously, if you’re craving that warm, gooey cinnamon roll goodness but don’t want to spend hours wrestling with dough, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. They’re like mini cinnamon rolls, but in cookie form – how cute is that?!

I first made these for a bake sale, and they were GONE in minutes. Everyone kept asking for the recipe! And honestly, that’s the best feeling, right? Sharing something you made with love and seeing everyone enjoy it. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even the kids can get involved. My little ones love helping me roll them up (and sneaking a few sprinkles of cinnamon sugar, of course!).

I’ve always loved cinnamon rolls. But sometimes, I just want a smaller, quicker treat. That’s where these Cinnamon Roll Cookies come in. They’re perfect for satisfying that sweet craving without committing to a whole pan of cinnamon rolls. Kinda like my mini chocolate chip cookies, but with that irresistible cinnamon swirl! Trust me, you NEED this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe in your life!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a total winner! But just in case you need a *little* more convincing, here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

Quick and Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Forget spending all day in the kitchen! These cookies are ready in under an hour. I mean, come ON! That’s faster than ordering takeout!

Taste of Cinnamon Rolls in Cookie Form

All the warm, gooey, cinnamon-y goodness of a classic cinnamon roll, but in a perfectly poppable cookie. My favorite part is that first bite!

Adorable and Fun to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Itty bitty, swirly, and oh-so-cute! These cookies are seriously adorable. Plus, they’re super fun to make, especially with kiddos. Get ready for some floury fun!

Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is pretty straightforward, but a few things are key. First, you’ll need 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) of all-purpose flour. Now, listen closely: make sure you spoon and level it! Trust me, it makes a difference. You might need a *little* extra for rolling, so keep some handy.

Then, you need 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) of unsalted butter. And it’s gotta be softened, like, *really* softened, to room temperature. We’re talking “fingerprint leaves an indent” soft. Get yourself 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar, too, plus a large egg – at room temperature, of course! Don’t forget the vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons of the *good* stuff. We’re not skimping on flavor here!

How to Prepare This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, people, time to get baking! This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is super easy, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on warm, gooey cookies in no time!

Making the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Dough

First things first, let’s make that dough! Grab a medium bowl and whisk together 2 and 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set that aside for now. In a *big* bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy – about 2 minutes will do. Then, beat in one egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Make sure you scrape down the sides of the bowl! We don’t want any sneaky butter clumps hiding out.

Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. The dough will be a *little* soft, and that’s okay! If it seems way too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together. Don’t overmix it!

Shaping and Filling Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Alright, this is where the magic happens! Divide your dough in half. On a lightly floured surface (or a silicone mat – those are my fave!), roll one half into a roughly 9×7 inch rectangle. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Spread about 1 tablespoon of melted butter over it. Then, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle *generously* over the buttered dough. Repeat with the other half of the dough.

Now, slowly and tightly roll each rectangle into a 9-inch log. If the dough cracks a bit, don’t panic! Just smooth it out with your fingers. Wrap those logs in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for *at least* 2 hours. This is important! You can even freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to make them way ahead of time!

Baking the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Remove your chilled dough logs from the fridge and slice them into 1/2-inch thick cookies. Arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-11 minutes, until they’re lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary!

Icing Your Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies

While the cookies are cooling on a wire rack (you *did* let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet first, right?), whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a *tiny* bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Drizzle that yummy icing over the cooled cookies. Now comes the hardest part… waiting for the icing to set before you devour them!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Want to take your Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for cookie perfection:

Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency

Okay, this is HUGE. Too much flour, and your cookies will be dry and crumbly. Not enough, and they’ll spread like crazy. Make sure your butter is *actually* softened, and add flour gradually until the dough *just* comes together. Trust me on this one!

Rolling the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Dough Like a Pro

Cracks happen, but we can minimize them! Make sure your dough is chilled enough to be firm but not rock solid. Roll it gently and evenly, and if you see a crack starting, smooth it out with your fingers before it gets too big. Easy peasy!

Getting the Right Baking Time for Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Nobody wants burnt cookies! Start checking your Cinnamon Roll Cookies at 10 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still a *little* soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after you take them out of the oven, so don’t overbake them!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Wanna get a little creative? This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is pretty forgiving! Here are a few notes on ingredients and some easy swaps you can make:

Flour Options for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

All-purpose flour is my go-to for these cookies, but you *could* try using pastry flour for a super tender cookie. I wouldn’t recommend using bread flour, though – it’ll make them too chewy!

Butter Substitutions in Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Okay, I’m a butter purist, but if you’re in a pinch, you *can* use a vegan butter stick. Just make sure it’s one that’s meant for baking, otherwise, it might affect the texture. I haven’t tried it myself, so let me know how it goes!

Cinnamon Variations for Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

I usually use regular ground cinnamon, but Vietnamese cinnamon has a *super* intense flavor that’s amazing in these! You could also try Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, more delicate taste. Experiment and see what you like best!

FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe:

Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Cookies Dough?

Absolutely! In fact, I *highly* recommend it! Just wrap those dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and slice ’em up! Easy peasy!

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cookies for the Best Freshness?

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). Pro tip: add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft and moist. Seriously, it works!

Can I Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Ahead of Time?

You bet! You can totally make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Or, you can bake the cookies and freeze them *without* the icing. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just thaw them and drizzle with fresh icing. Voila! Instant deliciousness!

Why are my Cinnamon Roll Cookies flat?

Ah, the dreaded flat cookie! This usually happens when the butter is too warm or you’ve overmixed the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, and mix the dough until *just* combined. Chilling the dough logs for the recommended time is also super important for preventing spread. Don’t skip that step!

Storing and Reheating Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Okay, so you’ve managed to not eat all the Cinnamon Roll Cookies in one sitting? Impressive! To keep ’em fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Wanna warm one up? Pop it in the microwave for like, 5-10 seconds. Gooey perfection!

Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use. So, this is just a rough estimate, okay? Don’t come at me if your cookies have, like, one extra calorie!

Rate and Share Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe!

Loved these itty bitty cinnamon swirls? Leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media – I wanna see those cookies!