Cinnamon Roll Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen. It takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings when my family would gather around the table, waiting for freshly baked cinnamon rolls to come out of the oven. The comforting scent, the warm, gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar—it was the highlight of our weekend. But what if you could capture that same joy in an easy-to-make cookie? That’s where Cinnamon Roll Cookies Cookies come in.

Perfect for beginners, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the softness of sugar cookies with the swirled goodness of a cinnamon roll. They don’t require yeast or hours of waiting—just a simple dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a little patience as they bake to perfection.

Why This Recipe is Special

• A Unique Twist on Classic Cookies – These cookies combine the best of three beloved treats: sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and cinnamon rolls.
• Beginner-Friendly – No special techniques or equipment are needed, making this a great baking project for first-timers.
• Every Bite is a Swirl of Flavor – The layered cinnamon-sugar filling ensures that each cookie has a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday treat, an afternoon snack, or a homemade gift, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients and Preparation

Essential Ingredients & Their Role

• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Sugar (Granulated and Brown) – Granulated sugar gives the cookies structure, while brown sugar in the cinnamon filling adds depth and a slight caramel-like flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Egg & Egg Yolk – Provide structure and moisture, ensuring a soft and chewy cookie.
• Flour – The foundation of the cookie dough, giving it the right consistency.
• Baking Powder & Cornstarch – Work together to create a slightly crisp edge while keeping the center soft.
• Cinnamon – The star of the show, adding warmth and spice to every bite.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter Alternative: Use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option with a deeper caramel taste.
• Egg-Free Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined, then place the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to layer into the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Layer the Dough with Cinnamon Filling
Take half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the mixing bowl. Retrieve the cinnamon sugar filling from the freezer and use two spoons to scoop small pieces onto the dough. Place the remaining dough on top, pressing it gently into an even layer. Add the rest of the cinnamon filling in small pieces on top.

Step 4: Swirl the Dough for a Cinnamon Roll Effect
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dough 2–3 times. The goal is to create a marbled effect, not to fully mix the cinnamon sugar into the dough. Overmixing will result in losing the distinct swirls.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on a plate. Freeze them for 10 minutes—this quick chill helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls on the sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Shape for a Bakery-Style Look
If your cookies bake up slightly misshapen, use one of these quick tricks:

• While the cookies are still hot, place a large glass over them and gently swirl in a circular motion to create a round shape.
• Use the back of a spoon to push the edges inward for a clean, even look.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Chilling is Key – Freezing the cinnamon filling and chilling the dough balls before baking prevents excessive spreading.
• Don’t Overmix – The light swirling of dough and filling ensures a beautiful cinnamon roll pattern. Overmixing will blend the layers too much.
• Measuring Flour Properly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
• For Extra Thick Cookies – Leave the dough balls in their rounded shape instead of flattening them before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Warm Drink – These cookies go beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
• Make an Ice Cream Sandwich – Sandwich vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzle with Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze to drizzle over the cookies.

Storing Leftovers

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life by storing them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing for Later: Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Try It and Share Your Experience

Now that you know how to make these delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Let me know how they turned out in the comments, and if you have any creative twists, I’d love to hear them. Happy baking!

FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

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