Name: CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES Recipe
Prep time: PT-497232H59M52S
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-497232H59M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup Challenge Unsalted Butter, room temperature; 2/3 cup white sugar; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/3 cup Challenge Unsalted Butter, softened; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·5 from 22 reviews

There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of homemade CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES fresh from the oven. These delightful treats capture all the cozy, gooey goodness of your favorite cinnamon rolls but in a perfectly portable, soft and chewy cookie form. With a tender sugar cookie base swirled with caramelized cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES are sure to become your new go-to dessert for sharing with friends or indulging yourself on a chilly afternoon.

CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that soft texture, rich flavor, and irresistible sweetness you crave. From the buttery cookie dough to the cinnamon-spiced swirl and silky glaze, everything combines so beautifully.

2 ¾ cups all purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently, keeping them soft and fluffy.
2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Adds that subtle tang and chewy texture reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 cup Challenge Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
⅔ cup white sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the cinnamon goodness.
¾ cup light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for depth.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together while enriching the dough.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened, for filling): Creates the luscious cinnamon sugar swirl inside.
½ cup dark brown sugar: Intensifies caramel notes in the cinnamon filling.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that gives these cookies their signature cozy warmth.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the creamy glaze topping.
3 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the glaze smooth and drizzle-worthy.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a lovely aromatic finish.

How to Make CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a bowl. This ensures that your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed for a consistent cookie texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with white and light brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step incorporates air to help your cookies rise happily in the oven.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This enriches the dough and enhances the flavors that make CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES so irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet one and beat just until a soft, fluffy dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gentle is the way to go here.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a large piece of parchment paper and roll the dough into a rectangle. This is your canvas for the delicious cinnamon sugar filling.

Step 6: Make and Spread Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Mix together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy and well combined. Spread this evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure every bite gets that perfect swirl.

Step 7: Roll the Dough into a Log

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from one of the long edges. If it feels sticky, dust the surface with a little flour. Wrap the log in parchment paper and chill in the freezer for 20 to 25 minutes to firm up.

Step 8: Slice and Freeze

Slice the chilled dough into 1-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the cookies for about 30 minutes; this helps them keep their shape during baking.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange 6 cookies spaced apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges turn golden and the aroma fills your kitchen—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!

Step 10: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until firm enough to transfer, then move to a cooling rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to make the vanilla glaze. If the glaze is too thick, heat it in the microwave for 15 seconds. Drizzle over the cookies and let it set before serving.

How to Serve CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of charm. You can also finely chop some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to sprinkle on top for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the gooey sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect on their own or alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. For a decadent twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES on a rustic wooden board or placing them in a decorative tin as a heartfelt gift. You can also sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make delightful mini cinnamon roll cookie sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture. If the cookies start to harden a bit, warming them slightly in the microwave can bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

To enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked sliced dough or fully baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull them out and bake or enjoy them anytime you crave that cinnamon-swirled goodness.

Reheating

Reheat baked CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warm. This gentle warming revives their softness and makes the vanilla glaze glow enticingly once again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but you might want to reduce the added salt slightly in the recipe to keep the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and ensures those beautiful cinnamon swirls stay intact during baking.

Can I substitute the heavy cream in the glaze?

Absolutely! You can use milk or even half-and-half, though heavy cream makes the glaze extra rich and smooth. Adjust the amount slightly to get your preferred consistency.

How do I make the cookies more chewy?

Make sure not to overbake the CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES. Pull them out as soon as the edges are golden but the centers still look soft—they will continue to set as they cool.

Can I add other spices to the cinnamon filling?

Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can complement the cinnamon nicely and add your personal twist to the classic flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you adore cinnamon rolls but want a fun new way to enjoy their flavor, these CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES are a must-try. They blend soft, chewy textures with rich swirls of cinnamon sugar and a dreamy vanilla glaze that will quickly make them a household favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—happy baking!