Let’s be honest—some days you just need a baked hug. Not a real hug (although those are nice too), but a warm, sweet, cinnamon-swirled kind of hug. That’s where these cinnamon roll cookies come in. Imagine if your favorite cinnamon roll and chewy sugar cookie had a baby… now picture it fresh out of the oven, golden at the edges, soft in the center, with a swirl of sugary cinnamon spiraling through each bite.

These cookies are a bite-sized take on a brunch classic, without the rising time or icing drama. They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake and fancy enough for your cookie swap crew. If you’re looking for a new cinnamon sugar dessert that looks as pretty as it tastes, these cookies check all the boxes—and then some.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Soft and chewy: The perfect texture combo for those who love a chewy cinnamon cookie that still feels indulgent.
Gorgeous swirl: These swirl cookies look impressive with minimal effort.
All the cinnamon roll flavor: But in 30 minutes instead of 3 hours.
Perfect for any season: Holiday trays? Yes. Tuesday night snack attack? Absolutely.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the ultimate blend of chewy sugar cookies and cozy cinnamon rolls—soft in the center, golden on the edges, and beautifully swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar. These easy cookies capture all the nostalgic warmth of a classic breakfast pastry in just 30 minutes, no yeast or frosting drama required. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or an afternoon pick-me-up, each bite feels like a sweet, buttery hug.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
1 tsp (2.5 g) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (3 g) salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
2 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Cream butter & sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add wet ingredients: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Form dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Make the filling: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll out & fill: Divide dough in half. Roll or press each half into a rectangle (¼-inch thick) on parchment paper, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll up tightly.
Slice & bake: Cut logs into ½-inch slices. Arrange on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
Cool: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for that just-baked cinnamon aroma.

Notes

Chill dough if too sticky before rolling.

Use parchment for easy cleanup and smooth rolling.

Slice evenly for consistent baking.

Add a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk for an iced cinnamon roll look.

Freeze the dough log for up to 3 months and slice directly from frozen when ready to bake.

Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
1 tsp (2.5 g) ground cinnamon
½ tsp (3 g) salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
2 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step gives you that classic chewy cookie texture.
Add the egg and vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
Combine the wet and dry
Gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir just until a dough forms—don’t overmix!
Make the filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Try not to eat it straight (but no judgment).
Roll and swirl
Divide your dough in half. On parchment paper, press or roll one half into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mix. Gently roll it up into a log (like a cinnamon roll). Repeat with the other half.
Slice and bake
Slice each log into ½ inch rounds and place them on your baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden at the edges and set in the center.
Cool and enjoy
Let them cool slightly before diving in—or don’t. They’re incredible warm.

Tips for Cookie Success (and Sanity)

Chill if sticky: If your dough feels too soft to roll, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Use parchment to roll: It makes shaping the log easier and less messy.
Uniform size = even baking: Slice your cookies as evenly as possible for best results.
No icing needed: These are perfectly sweet, but a drizzle of glaze wouldn’t hurt if you’re feeling extra.
Freeze the log: You can slice and bake directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

The First Time I Made These… I Ate Four

I’ll never forget the first batch of these cookies. It was a chilly fall afternoon, and I was craving something cozy but didn’t feel like committing to full-on cinnamon rolls. I threw these together while the kids were watching cartoons, and by the time the first tray was out of the oven, the smell alone had everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “What’s that amazing smell?”

We each had one. Then another. And before I knew it, half the batch was gone, and I was scribbling notes to make them again for the holidays. Now, they’re a regular in our rotation of baked cinnamon treats, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to get fancy, try them with:

A mug of chai or spiced coffee: Cinnamon loves cinnamon.
Warm milk or a cinnamon latte: For ultimate cozy vibes.
Vanilla ice cream: Cookie sandwich, anyone?
Holiday cookie platter: These add a beautiful swirl and a burst of spice to any mix.

Whether it’s breakfast (yes, cookies count), dessert, or a midday pick-me-up, these cookies fit in beautifully.

How to Store Your Swirl Cookies

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
Freeze the dough log: For fresh-baked cookies any time, freeze the log whole and slice as needed.

Pro tip: Store a slice or two in a zip-top bag in your purse or work bag. Emergency cinnamon cookie = solved.

FAQs About These Cinnamon Sugar Beauties

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough (or rolled log) can chill in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer.

Do I need to use both brown and white sugar?

Highly recommended—brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor, while white sugar keeps them tender.

Can I add icing or glaze?

You bet. A simple powdered sugar + milk drizzle makes these look even more like classic cinnamon rolls.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store with a slice of bread in the container. The cookies will stay soft for days—cookie science magic!

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—and you’ll want to. These go fast.

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s equal parts comfort and crowd-pleaser, these cinnamon roll cookies will win over just about everyone. Whether you’re chasing the perfect cinnamon sugar dessert, craving a cozy baked cinnamon treat, or just want a fun twist on chewy cinnamon cookies, these deliver in all the best ways. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it.

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Cinnamon Roll Cookies: The Chewy, Swirly Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed