Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp (1 pkg) instant yeast; 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted); ¼ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 16 tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter (cold, for cutting into dough); 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 ¼ cups scalded milk (scalded and slightly cooled); 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, for spreading); 2 cups sifted powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 63 reviews

If you're anything like me and love the irresistible swirl of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and more portable, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats capture all the buttery, cinnamon-spiced goodness you expect from a classic cinnamon roll, but in a crisp, tender cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a few extras before anyone notices. Each bite delivers soft, pillowy dough bursting with a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a luscious, creamy glaze that really takes these cookies to the next level. It’s a perfect combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and you’ll find yourself reaching for these cookies time and time again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a long, rolled dough log with a light beige color and a smooth texture placed on a white rectangular plate. Around the plate, there are four small white bowls holding different ingredients: one with white flour, one with brown sugar, one with a small square of pale yellow butter, and one with a dark brown powder, likely cinnamon. Next to the dough and bowls is an open container filled with a light creamy liquid. All items are arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, flavor balance, and appearance. From the richness of butter to the zest of cinnamon, every element has its moment to shine in this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.

Instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp): This gives the dough its light, airy texture and subtle tang that mimics traditional cinnamon rolls.

All-purpose flour (4 cups, sifted): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, keeping the sweetness from being overwhelming.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for frosting): Adds that warm, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides sweetness and helps with browning in the dough.
Unsalted butter (16 tablespoon for dough + 4 tablespoon for filling): Delivers rich flavor and tender crumb, keeping the cookies moist and soft.
Large eggs (2, beaten): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.

Scalded milk (1 ¼ cups): Helps activate the yeast and ensures a smooth dough with excellent rise.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cinnamon filling with a subtle molasses note for depth.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice that delivers that signature swirl of warmth and spice.

Sifted powdered sugar (2 cups): Forms the base of the ultra-creamy frosting that crowns these cookies.
Heavy cream (2 tbsp): Whips the frosting up to a luscious, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Create the Dough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold butter just like you would for pastry dough, until the mixture looks crumbly and sandy. This step ensures your cookies get that tender, flaky texture reminiscent of a cinnamon roll.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and scalded milk that’s cooled just a bit. Pour this into your dry mixture and stir until the dough forms. It will look very shaggy and wet, which might seem unusual if you’re used to firmer doughs, but trust the process—this is part of what makes these cookies so soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Refrigerate to Rest and Rise

Cover the bowl tightly and tuck it into the refrigerator for at least eight hours to overnight. This resting time allows the yeast to slowly work, developing flavor and making the dough much easier to handle the next day. When you’re ready, you’ll notice it’s risen slightly and feels wonderfully pliable.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside. This simple duo is the crowning glory, adding that classic, sweet-spiced swirl inside every cookie.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a floured work surface, divide the chilled dough into three sections. Take one section and roll it into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle. Sprinkle with a third of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, leaving a one-inch border on one long side. This careful spacing ensures the filling stays put while rolling without oozing out.

Step 6: Roll, Slice, and Bake

Roll up the dough like a jelly roll starting from the side with the filling. Slice into half-inch thick rounds and place them on a greased baking sheet. Press gently with your floured hand to flatten slightly. Bake in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and lightly browned—the aroma alone will make your mouth water.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool a bit more. Meanwhile, whip up the frosting by combining powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Spread this on the slightly warm cookies so the frosting melts into delicious swirls that mirror the classic cinnamon roll experience.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

The image shows soft, light golden cinnamon rolls placed evenly on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each roll has a clear spiral pattern with layers of light brown cinnamon sugar swirled into pale beige dough, creating a contrast between the smooth dough and the cinnamon filling. The rolls have a fluffy texture with slight browning on the edges, giving a freshly baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, consider sprinkling a little additional cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting or adding chopped pecans or walnuts to offer a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. Serving them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream can also balance their rich sweetness beautifully.

Creamative Ways to Present

For special occasions, stack the cookies on a pretty platter with layers of parchment in between, drizzle with extra glaze, or even sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist. Wrapping a few in wax paper with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies soft and the frosting luscious without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze baked and frosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze hard first, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.

Reheating

Warm your cinnamon roll cookies gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for five minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive their softness and melt the frosting slightly, bringing them back to that just-out-of-the-oven glory.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without yeast?

While yeast is key to achieving the authentic texture and taste in this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe, you could experiment with baking powder, but the final result won’t have the same fluffy, light quality that yeast provides.

What if I don’t have time to refrigerate the dough overnight?

Refrigeration is vital for flavor development and handling ease. However, if pressed for time, rest the dough in a warm place for 1-2 hours, but be prepared for a denser, less flavorful cookie.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Using low-fat milk may slightly affect the richness and tenderness of the dough. Whole milk or even 2% is preferable for best flavor and texture.

Is it okay to substitute the butter with margarine?

Butter adds essential flavor and moisture, so margarine may change the taste and texture. It’s best to stick with unsalted butter for that authentic buttery richness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Gluten-free flours behave very differently, especially in yeast doughs. If you want a gluten-free version, look for a yeast-friendly gluten-free flour blend and expect some adjustments in texture and rise.

Final Thoughts

There truly is something magical about turning a beloved classic like cinnamon rolls into a handy, shareable cookie form. This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe brings all the gooey, sweet, and tender goodness you crave in a cinnamon roll with the ease of a cookie. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and may just become your new favorite treat!

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need