If you love the irresistible warmth and spice of cinnamon rolls but are looking for a quicker, cookie version, then these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are exactly what you need! They’re soft, buttery, and packed with the same sweet cinnamon flavor that makes cinnamon rolls such a beloved treat. With a deliciously sweet filling, tender dough, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these cookies combine the best of both worlds in one bite.

This recipe brings together all the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a portable, cookie format. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies will quickly become a favorite. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cinnamon Roll Flavor in Every Bite

If you love cinnamon rolls, you’ll adore these cookies. They have all the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness you crave, but in a fun cookie form!

2. Soft and Buttery Texture

These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispness on the outside. The buttery dough is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

3. Easy to Make

These cookies are surprisingly simple to make, with just a few ingredients and easy steps. You don’t need to worry about rolling dough or waiting for it to rise like traditional cinnamon rolls.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these cookies are ideal for any time of day. They’re great for holiday gatherings, family baking sessions, or a special treat for yourself.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Magic

The cinnamon sugar coating on these cookies adds that extra pop of flavor and makes them even more irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Filling

6 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 & 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Dough

1 cup salted butter (2 sticks, softened)
1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

For Rolling

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Variations

Add a Glaze: For a classic cinnamon roll touch, drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) over the cooled cookies.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra crunch.
Use Brown Butter: Brown the butter for the dough to add a nutty, caramelized flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.
Different Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it’s smooth and well combined. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one edge to the other. Once rolled, slice the dough into about 1-inch wide pieces.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the rolling mixture.

Roll each cookie dough piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is evenly coated.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, or at room temperature for a soft, delicious treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it could result in dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to roll out, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Watch the Baking Time: The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to avoid over-baking.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect on their own as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, milk, or tea. Serve them at a brunch, or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you’ve frozen the cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

2. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just make sure to add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance out the flavor.

3. Can I make these cookies without the cinnamon-sugar coating?

Yes, you can skip the cinnamon-sugar coating if you prefer, but it adds a delicious finishing touch and extra flavor to the cookies.

4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly when rolling it up. If any filling leaks out, it’s okay—it’ll still taste great!

5. Can I substitute the brown sugar in the filling?

You can substitute the brown sugar with white sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavor.

6. Can I add frosting to these cookies?

Absolutely! You can drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk for that classic cinnamon roll vibe.

7. Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture and flavor.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch if you’re serving a crowd or want to freeze extras.

9. Can I make these cookies smaller?

You can make smaller cookies by rolling the dough tighter and cutting thinner slices. Just reduce the baking time slightly.

10. What’s the best way to enjoy these cookies?

These cookies are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They’re also fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for anyone who loves the flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants a quicker and easier version. With their soft, buttery texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies will satisfy your cinnamon cravings in the most delicious way. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy treat, these cookies will be a hit every time.