Name: Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 grams) salted butter, softened; 1 2/3 cups (333 grams) granulated sugar; 3 1/2 cups (438 grams) all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 tablespoons (9 grams) cinnamon; 3/4 cup (165 grams) brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 tablespoons (85 grams) salted butter, softened; 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons (9 grams) cinnamon

Soft, buttery cookies meet the beloved swirl of cinnamon roll magic in this irresistible cinnamon roll cookies recipe that promises pure delight.

These delectable treats blend the comforting essence of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenient charm of handheld cookies.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, warm spices and tender dough that melts in your mouth.

The swirled pattern creates a stunning visual appeal that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive dessert with ease.

Rolled with love and baked to golden perfection, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite at any gathering.

Prepare to fall in love with a new twist on a classic favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Softened Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps bind the cookie dough together.
Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cookie dough.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the cookie's structure and richness.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a softer texture.

Spice and Flavor Ingredients:

Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the signature cinnamon roll flavor throughout the cookie.
Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the cookie dough and provides a slight tanginess.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.

Step 1: Whip Up the Filling Surprise

Create a delightful filling by beating softened butter until creamy.

Toss in brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly until the blend becomes smooth and irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare Filling Balls

Use a spoon to roll tiny filling balls about marble-sized.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop into the freezer for 20 minutes until firm.

Step 3: Mix Cookie Dough Base

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

In a mixing bowl, cream butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Incorporate eggs and vanilla, stirring until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

Prepare the flour mixture by combining:

Flour
Baking soda
Kosher salt
Cream of tartar

Gently fold this into the butter mixture, keeping some flour streaks visible.

Step 5: Incorporate Frozen Filling

Carefully fold the frozen filling balls into the cookie dough, using a wooden spoon to keep the filling intact.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Magic

Scoop dough into 2-inch balls.

Create a cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

Roll each dough ball in this sweet mixture.

Step 7: Arrange and Bake

Place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges look firm.

Step 8: Perfect the Finish

Immediately after removing from the oven, use two spoons to gently reshape the cookies, pushing edges toward the center.

This technique helps seal in the cinnamon filling and creates perfectly round cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

The filling will be gooey and warm, creating a mouthwatering treat that combines the best of cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Handy Tips for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Freeze filling balls to prevent melting during baking, ensuring a perfect swirl of cinnamon in every cookie bite.
Fold flour mixture gently into butter base, leaving slight flour streaks to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delicious crispy exterior and extra flavor burst.
Immediately after removing from oven, use spoons to nudge cookie edges inward, creating a perfect round shape and keeping cinnamon filling contained.
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Cookies

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and enhance cinnamon flavor.

Great Pairings for Cinnamon Cookies

Pair with Sweet Milk Companions: Creamy whole milk or cold vanilla almond milk perfectly complement the warm, rich cinnamon flavors in these cookies, softening their sweet intensity and creating a delightful taste experience.
Enhance with Warm Beverage Buddies: Hot chai tea or classic black coffee provide a robust contrast to the cookie's sweetness, their slightly bitter undertones balancing the dessert's sugary profile while maintaining a cozy, comforting mood.
Serve with Complementary Dessert Friends: Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream can transform these cookies into an elegant dessert, adding creamy smoothness that highlights the cinnamon's warmth and provides a luxurious texture contrast.
Create Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Sandwich a scoop of cinnamon or caramel ice cream between two cookies, elevating the treat into a decadent dessert that merges multiple textures and deepens the overall flavor complexity.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives, ensuring equivalent measurements and consistency.
Reduced Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, cutting down total sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
Keto-Friendly Modification: Swap traditional flour with almond or coconut flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and use low-carb cream cheese in the filling for a ketogenic-friendly approach.

FAQs

Why freeze the filling before adding to the dough?

Freezing the filling helps prevent it from completely melting into the cookie dough, creating distinct swirls and pockets of cinnamon sugar inside each cookie.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

What's the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and creates a softer, more tender cookie texture while also providing a slight tanginess to balance the sweet cinnamon flavor.

How do I know if I'm overmixing the dough?

Stop mixing as soon as the flour is just incorporated. A few flour streaks are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, tender ones.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Dive into a delightful recipe that transforms traditional cinnamon rolls into irresistible cookies, offering a fun culinary challenge for bakers seeking to expand their skills.
Experience a unique twist on classic treats with embedded cinnamon filling that creates surprise bursts of sweet warmth in every delectable bite.
Wow your friends and family with these show-stopping cookies that combine the comfort of cinnamon rolls and the convenience of handheld treats, ideal for potlucks, parties, and casual get-togethers.
Enjoy a recipe that smartly uses the same mixing bowl throughout, reducing kitchen mess and making the baking process wonderfully streamlined and efficient.

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe That Kids Will Love