Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Oh, if you love everything cinnamon and sweet in bite-sized form, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. I absolutely love how these cookies capture the cozy, gooey essence of a classic cinnamon roll but in a crisp, portable cookie that’s just perfect for sharing or sneaking a few whenever you want. Plus, they come together in a way that feels both a little fancy but totally doable in a home kitchen.

When I first tried making these cinnamon roll cookies, I was amazed at how the tender sugar cookie dough swirls with that cinnamon-butter-sugar filling and then finishes with a dreamy cream cheese icing drizzle. They’re great for gifting during the holidays, but honestly, I bake a batch anytime I need a sweet little treat that feels special without being complicated. You’ll find the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but work together to create that perfect cinnamon roll vibe in cookie form. I like using almond flour because it adds a subtle nutty flavor and tenderness that you don’t get with just all-purpose flour.

• All purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and chew.
• Almond flour: Adds a tender crumb and a slight nuttiness to balance the cinnamon sugar filling.
• Baking powder: Helps lighten the dough just enough so your cookies don’t turn out too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
• Unsalted butter: This is the flavor powerhouse and makes the dough rich, be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-y sweetness both in the dough and filling.
• Granulated sugar: Gives a slight crunch and balances the softer brown sugar.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture, room temperature for best mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the filling — fresh and aromatic is the way to go!
• Cream cheese: For the icing, adding tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the sweet cookies.
• Powdered sugar: Makes the icing silky smooth and easily spreadable.

Variations

I love trying little tweaks to this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative — these cookies are pretty forgiving and fun to play with.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and it still turned out beautifully soft and tender.
• Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for an extra flavor kick that really impresses guests.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling adds a lovely crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• No Cream Cheese Icing: For a dairy-free option, I skip the icing and dust with powdered sugar instead — still delicious!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough Like a Pro

Start by whisking together the flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl to make sure everything is evenly combined. Then, in your mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — it usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. I always scrape down the sides to avoid any dry bits. Next, add the egg and vanilla on low speed and mix until just combined. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mixing gently so you don’t overwork the dough. It should be sticky yet manageable; if it feels too wet, a tablespoon or two of flour will help.

Step 2: Roll Into Rectangles and Chill

Divide your dough roughly in half and roll each portion into a thin rectangle (about ¼ inch thick) on parchment paper. This is a bit easier than trying to roll the whole dough at once. Trim the edges to make things neat and pop the rectangles onto a baking sheet or plate, then chill in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This chill step ensures the dough is cold enough for the cinnamon filling and rolling without sticking or tearing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cinnamon Filling and Spread

While the dough chills, melt your butter and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. It smells heavenly! Once your dough is chilled, take it out and spread half of this cinnamon mixture evenly over each rectangle. Don’t skimp here — that swirl is the magic.

Step 4: Roll it Up and Chill Again

Using the parchment paper edges, gently roll each rectangle into a log, being careful not to squeeze out the filling. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours (or until very firm). This step is crucial — it makes slicing neat and keeps the pretty spiral shape intact when baking.

Step 5: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove one log from the fridge and slice into ½ inch thick rounds. Arrange them spaced about 2 inches apart because they’ll spread just a touch. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden (watch carefully, ovens vary!). Let them cool briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Ice ‘Em Up

While the cookies cool, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread or drizzle this luscious icing over the cookies once they’re fully cooled. Let them set about 30 minutes before digging in — trust me, this is worth the wait!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the cream cheese icing because it gives that classic cinnamon roll finish. But if I’m feeling extra, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top after icing makes them sparkle a bit. Sometimes a few toasted almond slivers add a nice crunch and a beautiful look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea — the warm spices complement each other beautifully. For a brunch spread, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these cinnamon roll cookies on a wooden board layered with fresh greenery and cinnamon sticks — the aroma makes the whole room cozy. You could also stack them like mini cinnamon roll towers tied with a festive ribbon for a cupcake alternative that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay fresh for about 5 days. If you’ve iced them (which I highly recommend), pop them in the fridge covered so the icing stays firm and fresh up to 5 days as well.

Freezing

One of the things I love about this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is how easily it freezes. Before baking, you can slice the dough logs and freeze the rounds layered between parchment paper in a container. Then bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes of baking time—super convenient for last-minute sweet cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, I warm cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to get that fresh-baked feel again. If iced, a quick blast in the microwave (10-15 seconds) softens them without melting the cream cheese icing too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to sweet treats whenever I want to impress without overcomplicating things. The balance of flavors and textures is just so comforting and addictive, and the whole process brings me joy — from rolling that cinnamon swirl to licking the bowl clean. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a fun baking project that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Give it a try and let me know how much your family and friends go crazy for them!

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