Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ tablespoons softened butter; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1½ teaspoons cinnamon; 1½ tablespoons flour; pinch of salt; ½ cup salted butter (browned and cooled); ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1½ teaspoons vanilla (vanilla paste recommended); 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; splash of vanilla

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for warm spices, you are going to fall in love with this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the comforting swirl and flavor of a classic cinnamon roll but in a perfectly bite-sized, chewy form that’s easy to share and hard to stop eating. Golden browned butter gives them a deep, nutty richness while little pockets of cinnamon sugar filling create those signature gooey ribbons with every bite. Plus, a simple sugary glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness for a cookie that’s both cozy and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, pale yellow dough that looks soft and slightly crumbly. Scattered loosely on top of the dough are many small, round, dark brown balls with a dry, powdery texture. The bowl is viewed from above, showing the contrast between the dough's smooth, uneven surface and the rougher texture of the brown balls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making these Cinnamon Roll Cookies is simple and satisfying because every ingredient plays a star role, from the richly browned butter to the warming spices that bring it all to life. Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

Softened butter (2½ tablespoons): This is used for the cinnamon filling to add softness and moisture.
Brown sugar (¼ cup + ¼ cup): Provides caramel notes and sticky sweetness, divided for filling and dough.
Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): The heart of this recipe’s flavor; aromatic and warm.
Flour (1½ tablespoons + 1½ cups): Adds structure, with a bit in the filling for texture.
Pinch of salt and ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Salted butter (½ cup, browned and cooled): The rich, nutty browned butter forms the cookie’s base flavor.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Light and sweet for the dough’s tenderness.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
Vanilla (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors wonderfully—vanilla paste or extract works great.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon) and baking soda (½ teaspoon): Leavening agents to keep the cookies light yet chewy.
Nutmeg (⅛ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth to complement the cinnamon without overpowering.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): For the glaze, brings a delicate sweetness and smooth finish.
Milk (1 tablespoon) and splash of vanilla: Combine with the powdered sugar to make a perfect vanilla glaze for drizzling.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

This is where the deep, irresistible flavor starts. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of butter. Keep stirring and watching as it foams and then gradually turns a golden brown with a delightful nutty aroma. Don’t walk away—you want a perfect brown, not burnt! Once done, pour it into a bowl and cool it completely. For a quick cooldown, pop it into the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling

While the butter cools, mix together 2½ tablespoons softened butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, 1½ tablespoons flour, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until creamy. This mixture will be the gooey cinnamon bits inside your cookies. Scoop tiny half-teaspoon-sized balls onto parchment paper and freeze them for roughly 15 minutes—they need to be firm to fold into the dough later.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and slide off easily.

Step 4: Make the Cookie Dough

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the browned butter along with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and light, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and mix on low for 30 seconds until smooth, then blend in the vanilla. Slowly incorporate 1½ cups flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg. Be gentle here to avoid developing the gluten too much—overmixing makes tougher cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Cinnamon Bits

Retrieve the frozen cinnamon filling balls and carefully fold most of them into the cookie dough to create those sweet little swirls of flavor. Save about 10 to place on top of each cookie before baking for an irresistible appearance and gooey surprise.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Use a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to portion out large dough balls onto your baking sheet, spacing them comfortably apart. Press one cinnamon ball into the center of each dough ball on top—the visible cinnamon center is inviting and promises the classic flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that are lightly golden around the edges but still soft and pillowy in the middle. They might spread unevenly because of the buttery cinnamon filling—that’s normal. If needed, right when they come out of the oven, nudge the cookies gently with a spatula to reshape them while warm.

Step 8: Add the Vanilla Glaze

Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or brush this sweet glaze over the cooled cookies to finish. Let it set for a few minutes, and your perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

A stack of four round cookies is shown on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a golden brown color with visible swirls of darker brown, indicating cinnamon or similar spices. The top of each cookie is covered with a light, creamy icing that looks slightly melted and drips a little over the edges. The cookies appear soft with a slightly cracked texture on the surface. The stack is neatly aligned, and no plate is visible under the cookies. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pecans can also add delicious texture and a lovely appearance.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a creamy latte or hot chocolate to soak up those cinnamon sugar flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a rustic wooden board and tie them with a simple twine for gift-giving, or arrange them on a beautiful plate with cinnamon sticks and small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. They also make delightful additions to brunch spreads or holiday cookie platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Lining the container with parchment paper can help prevent sticking.

Freezing

Freeze leftover unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Reheating

Warm your cookies slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds to bring out that fresh-baked softness, especially after freezing. You can also rewarm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet for a pleasant freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter by simply adding a pinch more salt to balance the flavors. Salted butter adds a subtle seasoning that complements the sweetness beautifully, but either will work.

Is it okay to use vanilla extract instead of vanilla paste?

Absolutely! Vanilla paste gives a slightly more intense vanilla flavor with those lovely little flecks, but vanilla extract is a perfect and convenient substitute in this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.

Can I make the cinnamon filling balls ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare and freeze the cinnamon filling balls a day in advance to save time on baking day. Just keep them frozen until ready to fold into the dough for best results.

Why do the cookies spread unevenly while baking?

The buttery pockets of cinnamon filling soften the dough unevenly during baking, causing the cookies to spread in spots. This is normal and adds to the rustic charm and gooey bites of these cookies.

How thick should I scoop the dough balls?

Using a 3 tablespoon scoop or slightly rounded large tablespoon works best to ensure the cookies are substantial yet bake evenly without becoming too thin or flat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about turning the timeless warmth of cinnamon rolls into a cookie that fits right in your hand. This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a joy to bake and share, bringing together cozy spices, rich browned butter, and sweet cinnamon swirls in every bite. I promise once you try it, these cookies will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re about to treat yourself and your loved ones to something incredibly delicious!