Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: The Ultimate Easy Dessert Recipe for Sweet-Tooths

Few experiences compare to the aroma of cinnamon drifting through your home. From comforting cinnamon rolls on a lazy Sunday to the sweet swirl in a freshly baked cookie, cinnamon is a universally beloved spice. But what if you could merge the joy of a cinnamon roll with the convenience of a cookie? Enter these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies—an easy dessert recipe that captures the essence of a soft, gooey cinnamon roll in a portable, slice-and-bake form. Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday cookie platter or simply want to surprise your family with a creative treat, this recipe delivers delight in every swirl.

this now & bake later ❤️

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Iconic Flavor Fusion: You get the classic notes of brown sugar and cinnamon layered inside a tender sugar cookie dough.
• No Yeast Needed: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there’s no waiting for the dough to rise.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack in between. They also make a sweet gift during the holidays.
• Instagram-Worthy: The spiral pattern is undeniably cute and looks impressively professional once baked.

Ingredients & Preparation Overview

Let’s start by taking stock of what you’ll need. Most are standard baking pantry staples.

Key Ingredient Insights

• Butter: Ensure it’s softened (not melted) to cream easily with sugar, giving you a tender cookie base.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: These combine for the signature flavor in the swirl.
• Egg: Just one is enough to bind the dough without making it cakey.
• Baking Powder: Provides a slight lift, so the cookies don’t turn out too dense.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
2. Add Egg & Vanilla: Crack in the egg, add the vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain soft to the touch.

2. Chill & Roll Out

1. Chill the Dough: For easier rolling, wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll Dough into Rectangle: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for roughly 9×12 inches, though the exact shape can vary.

3. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

1. Filling Prep: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Spread: Brush or spread a thin layer of softened butter (not included in the ingredient list, you can use 1-2 tablespoons if desired) across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
3. Roll Up: Starting at one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Work slowly to keep the filling from spilling out. Once fully rolled, gently pinch the seam to seal it.

4. Slice & Bake

1. Slice the Log: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (a neat trick to avoid squashing the roll), cut 1/2-inch thick slices of the dough.
2. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place slices about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
3. Bake: Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep a close eye.

5. Cool & Glaze (Optional)

1. Cool on Rack: Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before glazing.
2. Make the Glaze: Whisk 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a piping bag, a spoon, or a fork. You can adjust consistency by adding more sugar (for thickness) or more milk (for thinness).
3. Let the Glaze Set: Give it a few minutes to firm up if you prefer a less sticky cookie.

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

1. Tight Swirl Trick: Roll the dough slowly and consistently. Chilling the dough again after rolling helps the swirl keep its shape when slicing.
2. Fillings Galore: For an extra dimension, sprinkle in chopped nuts or raisins over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
3. A Maple Twist: Swap the vanilla extract with maple extract or drizzle a maple-infused icing for a cozy flavor shift.
4. Serving Ideas: Pair these cookies with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a tall glass of cold milk. They’re a delightful breakfast treat, dessert, or snack.
5. Holiday Flair: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal spin. You can also decorate with colored icing for festive occasions.

FAQ: Mastering Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Q: How do I keep the swirl tight?
A: Start with chilled dough and roll slowly. If the dough becomes too soft or sticky, return it to the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before continuing. This helps maintain clean layers.

Q: Can I prep the dough the day before?
A: Yes. You can store the tightly wrapped log of cookie dough in the fridge overnight. You might need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for smoother slicing.

Q: What’s the best way to store them?
A: These cookies last up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re stacking them, place parchment or wax paper between layers to protect the glaze and swirl detail.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Cinnamon Roll Cookies unite the best aspects of two beloved treats: the swirl of cinnamon sugar and the straightforward nature of a cookie. No more waiting for dough to rise; instead, you can whip up a batch, slice them, and have them baking in the oven in under an hour. This accessibility makes them perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone who wants to relish that sweet cinnamon taste without the effort of a full yeast-based roll.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about having the flavor of cinnamon rolls in a more convenient form, these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are exactly the easy dessert recipe you’ve been waiting for. From the enticing aroma to the luscious glaze on top, every bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon? Gather your ingredients, whip up the dough, and treat yourself to a batch of these delightful swirled cookies. Share them with friends, pack them in lunchboxes, or savor them with your morning coffee—however you choose to enjoy them, one thing’s for sure: these cookies will spin a little extra sweetness into your day.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: The Ultimate Easy Dessert Recipe for Sweet-Tooths

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Description

Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies—a perfect marriage of the irresistible flavors of a classic cinnamon roll and the convenient, bite-sized charm of a cookie. With a tender, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a luscious glaze, these cookies make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ideal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened Approximately 115g)
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 large Egg At room temperature
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/4 tsp Salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/4 cup Brown sugar (Packed about 50g)
• 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (softened For spreading over the dough)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (Sifted)
• 1–2 tsp Milk (or lemon juice Adjust to achieve desired consistency)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.

Roll and Fill:

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it into a rectangle approximately 12 x 8 inches.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
3. Spread the 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
4. Starting with the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Chill for 5 minutes if needed for easier slicing.

Slice, Bake, and Glaze:

1. Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze.
4. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack, then drizzle the glaze over each cookie.

Notes

• For extra-soft cookies, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes.
• Chilling the rolled dough for 5 minutes can help achieve cleaner slices.
• These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Feel free to experiment with adding a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an even more indulgent treat.

Enjoy your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies—a delectable dessert that brings the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in every bite-sized, irresistible cookie!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150