Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Imagine the cozy flavor of a cinnamon roll, but in a soft, buttery cookie form; that’s exactly what you get with this easy cinnamon roll cookie recipe! These cookies are packed with swirls of cinnamon sugar goodness, making them perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll want to bake them again and again!

---

Understanding The Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt level in your recipe. Many ask if salted butter can be used, and while the answer can be yes, it’s not ideal. Salted butter varies by brand, and even if you omit the salt from the recipe, overly salty butter can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. To avoid this, stick to unsalted butter for consistent, balanced flavor in your cinnamon roll cookie recipe.

• Salt: A small pinch of salt may seem minor, but it’s essential in baking. It enhances the flavor of other ingredients, balances sweetness, and strengthens the dough’s texture. In this recipe, salt highlights the buttery, cinnamon-sugar flavors, making your cinnamon sugar cookies perfectly balanced and irresistible.

• Granulated Sugar: This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also impacts the cookies' texture. Creaming granulated sugar with butter creates a light, airy dough and a slightly crisp exterior on your cinnamon bun cookies. It’s key to achieving that signature bite.

---

Common Questions I get Asked:

• Can I refrigerate the cookie dough overnight?
  Yes, the cookie dough can be refrigerated overnight. This can even enhance the flavor and make the dough easier to work with.

• Can I freeze these cookies?
  Yes, these cinnamon bun cookies are freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.

• How can I adjust the sweetness of the icing?
  The sweetness and consistency of the icing are easy to tweak. For a thicker and sweeter icing, add more powdered sugar. If you want a thinner glaze, stir in a small amount of water until you reach your desired consistency.

• Can I add cream cheese to the icing?
  Absolutely! Cream cheese adds a rich and tangy twist to the icing, making these cookies even more indulgent. Simply mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and vanilla extract for a creamy glaze.

How To Make This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe from Scratch:

Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

COOK TIME: 10-11 minutes | TEMPERATURE: 165°C (329°F) | SERVINGS: 30 cookies

Print Recipe

For The Dough

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (160g)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (310g)

For The Filling

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar) (67g)
• 2 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)

For The Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat the room temperature butter until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until combined.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until well incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour while mixing on low speed with a dough hook attachment until the dough comes together and is not sticky.
4. Place the dough between two sheets of baking paper and roll it out to a thickness of 4-5mm.
5. Remove the top baking paper and trim the dough into a rectangle. Re-roll any excess dough as needed.
6. Brush the rolled dough with melted butter.
7. Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
8. Using the bottom baking paper for support, carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from one long edge. Wrap the log in plastic wrap to secure and chill in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 165°C (329°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
10. Slice the chilled dough log into 2cm thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking tray.
11. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. For the icing, whisk powdered sugar and water together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
14. Let the icing set before serving.

---

Recipes You Will Love:

• Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies (Inspired by Levain Bakery)

• The Best Brookie Recipe: Brownies Meet Cookies

• The Best Funfetti Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Try

---

Tips to Make the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter to make mixing easier and to achieve a smooth, creamy dough for your cinnamon roll cookies.

• Proper Mixing: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft and tender cookie texture.

• Chilling the Dough: Chill the prepared dough in the refrigerator to firm it up. This makes rolling and slicing easier while maintaining the cookie's shape.

• Even Rolling: Roll the dough evenly to a consistent thickness to ensure uniform cookies that bake evenly.

• Tightly Roll the Dough: Roll the dough tightly when adding the cinnamon filling. This creates those signature, defined swirls in your cinnamon sugar cookies.

• Chill Again if Necessary: If the rolled dough becomes too soft while working, chill it briefly to ensure clean slices and perfect swirl patterns.

• Proper Baking: Bake at the recommended temperature until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on the timing to avoid over-baking and ensure soft, chewy cinnamon bun cookies.

• Cooling and Icing: Let the cookies cool completely before adding the icing. This step ensures the icing stays neat and doesn't melt.

• Storage: Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and flavor for longer.