Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Best 5 Recipes for Home Bakers

Table of Contents

• The Sweet Allure of Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• The Best 5 Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipes for Every Home Baker
• What Makes These Cinnamon Roll Cookies So Special?
• Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Cookie Masterpiece
• General Steps to Bake Any Cinnamon Roll Cookie
  • Recipe Spotlight 1: Classic Swirl Cinnamon Cookies
  • Recipe Spotlight 2: Chewy Cinnamon Roll Drop Cookies
  • Recipe Spotlight 3: Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookie Rolls
  • Recipe Spotlight 4: Quick & Easy Cinnamon Bun Bites
• Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• Serving & Storing Your Delicious Creation
• frequently asked question

Welcome, home bakers! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of delectable desserts? Today, we’re thrilled to share our guide to making the absolute best Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Best 5 Recipes for Home Bakers. These treats capture all the beloved flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, conveniently packed into a delightful, bite-sized cookie. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible creations.

Baking homemade cookies can be incredibly rewarding, and transforming a beloved breakfast pastry into a cookie format is pure genius. If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, Read our in-depth guide here.

The Sweet Allure of Cinnamon Roll Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling together in the kitchen. Cinnamon roll cookies perfectly encapsulate that cozy feeling, offering a unique blend of soft, chewy cookie texture with the distinct spice of cinnamon and a sweet, often tangy, glaze.

These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They bring the comfort of a Sunday morning brunch to your afternoon coffee break, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion or simply a treat for yourself.

The Best 5 Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipes for Every Home Baker

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, there’s a cinnamon roll cookie recipe out there for you. We’ve curated a selection of five fantastic variations, ranging from simple drop cookies to intricate swirled designs, and even a quick ‘n’ easy bite option. While we’ll spotlight four detailed recipes below, the fifth recipe often involves a simple variation, such as adding nuts or a different spice blend to one of the base recipes.

Each recipe brings its own charm and flavor profile, ensuring you’ll find a favorite to add to your baking repertoire. Let’s explore what makes these delicious treats so special before diving into the recipes!

What Makes These Cinnamon Roll Cookies So Special?

What sets cinnamon roll cookies apart from other treats? It’s the delightful combination of a tender, buttery cookie base, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and that signature cream cheese or vanilla glaze. This trifecta creates a flavor explosion that truly mimics its larger pastry counterpart.

The visual appeal is also a huge draw, especially with the swirled varieties. Each cookie is a miniature work of art, promising a burst of cinnamon-sugar goodness with every bite. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal indulgence.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Cookie Masterpiece

Crafting delicious cinnamon roll cookies requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. These form the foundation for all the recipes we’ll explore.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar & Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder & Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Cream cheese (for frosting)
• Powdered sugar (for frosting)
• Milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Having these staples on hand will ensure you’re ready to bake any of these fantastic cinnamon roll cookies at a moment’s notice!

General Steps to Bake Any Cinnamon Roll Cookie

While each recipe will have its unique twists, the general process for making cinnamon roll cookies follows a similar pattern. Understanding these basic steps will give you confidence as you tackle any of our spotlight recipes.

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder/soda, salt) until just combined.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
3. Assemble the Cookies: This varies by recipe – either roll out the dough, spread the filling, and roll up into a log (for swirl cookies) or mix the filling directly into the dough (for drop cookies).
4. Chill the Dough: Most recipes benefit from chilling to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
6. Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese (if using), vanilla, and a touch of milk or cream.
7. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle or spread the glaze over cooled cookies.

Recipe Spotlight 1: Classic Swirl Cinnamon Cookies

These classic swirl cookies are a visual delight, mimicking the spiral of a traditional cinnamon roll. They are soft, buttery, and packed with that irresistible cinnamon flavor. This recipe is a fantastic way to showcase your baking skills.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the filling: ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. While dough chills, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until a paste forms.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
5. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Repeat with the second dough disk and remaining filling. Wrap logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Slice the chilled logs into ½-inch thick rounds. Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between cookies.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While cookies cool, prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Recipe Spotlight 2: Chewy Cinnamon Roll Drop Cookies

For those who love a chewy texture, these drop cookies offer all the cinnamon roll flavor with less fuss. The cinnamon swirl is incorporated right into the dough, making them quick and easy while still incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the cinnamon swirl: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the glaze: ¾ cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ¼ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture: Combine melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture over each dough ball, then gently swirl with a toothpick or knife.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Recipe Spotlight 3: Cream Cheese Frosted Sugar Cookie Rolls

Combining the beloved sugar cookie with the indulgence of a cinnamon roll, these cookies feature a tender sugar cookie base rolled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the cinnamon filling: ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the cream cheese frosting: 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
3. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half into a 12×8 inch rectangle.
4. Prepare the cinnamon filling by combining ¼ cup softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a paste forms. Spread half of the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
5. Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Repeat with the second half of the dough and remaining filling. Wrap logs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Slice chilled logs into ½-inch thick rounds and place on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
9. While cookies cool, make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in vanilla and enough milk/cream to reach desired consistency.
10. Frost cooled cookies generously and enjoy these delightful homemade treats.

Recipe Spotlight 4: Quick & Easy Cinnamon Bun Bites

Sometimes you need a cinnamon roll fix fast! These “bun bites” are incredibly quick to assemble, often using store-bought dough or a very simple, no-chill recipe. They’re perfect for satisfying a sudden craving.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or a simple no-chill sugar cookie dough
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, pressing seams together to form a rectangle. (If using cookie dough, roll it out into a rectangle).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Brush the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
4. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
5. Slice the log into approximately 1-inch pieces. Place the slices cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. While the bites cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm or cooled cinnamon bun bites. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon roll cookies is easier than you think with these expert tips. Pay attention to the details, and your baking will shine!

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing dough develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
• Chill Dough Properly: Chilling is crucial for swirl cookies. It prevents spreading and makes slicing easier, ensuring beautiful swirls. For chewy cinnamon roll cookies, chilling also deepens flavors. For more baking insights, check out King Arthur Baking’s tips on cinnamon swirls.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free dough and frosting.
• Even Spreading: When rolling out dough and spreading filling, aim for evenness. This ensures consistent baking and perfect swirls.
• Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly after coming out of the oven. Remove them when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look a little soft.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cookies will cause the glaze to melt and run, creating a mess. Patience is key!

Serving & Storing Your Delicious Creation

These delightful cinnamon roll cookies are best served fresh, ideally slightly warm, allowing the glaze to be perfectly soft and the cookie tender. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your cookies have a cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator, bringing them to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2-3 months; thaw and glaze just before serving.

frequently asked question

Can I make cinnamon roll cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Most cinnamon roll cookie doughs can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For swirl cookies, you can even form the logs and chill them overnight, slicing and baking when ready. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

What if my cinnamon roll cookies spread too much?

Excessive spreading can be caused by dough that isn’t chilled enough, too much butter, or an oven that isn’t hot enough. Ensure your butter isn’t too soft, chill the dough thoroughly, and verify your oven temperature with a thermometer. Adding a tablespoon or two more flour to the dough can also help if it’s consistently spreading.

Can I use different spices in my cinnamon roll cookies?

Yes, feel free to experiment! While cinnamon is traditional, a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a very small amount of ground cloves can add an interesting depth to the flavor profile. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate cinnamon essence. You can also add a touch of orange zest to the dough for a bright twist.