Imagine everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll — the warm spice, the gooey filling, the soft, buttery dough — baked into a chewy, swirled cookie that melts in your mouth. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect comfort treat, ideal for holidays, bake sales, or cozy afternoons with coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is fun to make and even more rewarding to eat!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for dough consistency)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (optional but delicious):
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Dough prep | 15 minutes |
| Chill & roll | 30 minutes |
| Baking time | 10–12 minutes |
| Cooling + glaze | 10 minutes |
| Total time | ~1 hour 10 mins |
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. If the dough is dry, add 1–2 tbsp milk just until it holds together.
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Divide the dough into 2 portions and flatten each into a disc. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
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On a floured surface, roll each disc into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
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Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
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Gently roll the dough into a log shape (as if making cinnamon rolls).
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Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes (or freeze 15 mins for easier slicing).
Step 3: Slice and Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
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Slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds.
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Place cookies 1–2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
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Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. The centers should be soft.
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Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 4: Glaze
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Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
Nutritional Info (Per Cookie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140–160 |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Values vary depending on size and glaze.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
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Chill your dough: This prevents spreading and helps maintain the swirl.
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Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
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Don’t overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center — slightly underbaked is ideal.
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Freeze logs for later: You can freeze the dough rolls and slice/bake fresh when needed.
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Want a richer glaze? Use cream cheese frosting instead of powdered sugar glaze!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with hot cocoa, coffee, or chai tea.
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Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
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Sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat!
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Cookies take the cozy flavor of a cinnamon bun and pack it into a bite-sized, buttery cookie with an irresistible swirl. They’re easy enough for beginners, fun for kids to help with, and impressive enough to wow at a holiday party or brunch spread.