Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the soft, chewy goodness of cookies. Each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar that feels like a hug on a plate. These cookies come together quickly, making them a fantastic treat for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or any time you crave a sweet, cinnamon-flavored delight.

I tried this recipe on a chilly weekend and now it’s become my go-to whenever I want an easy homemade sweet that feels a bit fancy without fuss. My family loves when the whole kitchen smells like cinnamon and butter, and these cookies never last long on the plate.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Two cups all-purpose flour: helps create a tender, chewy base choose unbleached for better flavor and texture
• One teaspoon baking powder: acts as a gentle leavening agent to lighten the cookie slightly
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon: brings that signature warm and spicy note fresh ground is best for a punch of flavor
• Half teaspoon salt: balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• Half cup unsalted butter: softened for creaminess and depth using quality butter really pays off here
• Half cup granulated sugar: adds sweetness and helps with the cookie structure
• Half cup packed brown sugar: for moisture and rich caramel undertones
• One large egg: binds ingredients and contributes to softness
• Two teaspoons vanilla extract: for rounded, aromatic notes that complement cinnamon
• For the filling half cup packed brown sugar: makes the cinnamon filling nicely gooey
• Two teaspoons ground cinnamon: intensify the cinnamon roll swirl effect adjust to taste if you want it more or less spicy

How to Make It

Preheat oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which is ideal for even baking and a golden finish.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a bowl whisk together flour baking powder salt and cinnamon until evenly combined giving the dry mixture a uniform spice and rising effect.

Cream butter and sugars:

In a separate large bowl beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy creating a creamy base that traps air for tender cookies.

Add egg and vanilla:

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated giving the dough moisture and flavor.

Combine mixtures:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture folding gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.

Prepare filling:

In a small bowl mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling creating a sweet and fragrant candy-like swirl for the cookies.

Assemble dough:

On a sheet of parchment paper spread half of the dough evenly then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar filling creating the signature swirl.

Roll dough:

Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape using the parchment paper to help this tight roll ensures distinct cinnamon layers.

Slice and place:

Slice the log into rounds about one-inch thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper leaving space to allow for spreading.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft to touch.

Cool:

Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely which helps them firm up but remain chewy.

I particularly love the swirled cinnamon sugar filling since it captures everything I love about cinnamon rolls but with a simpler, quicker preparation. One Sunday morning my kids eagerly helped me roll the dough and now it’s one of our favorite baking traditions.

Flavor Boosters

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves in the dough during fall and winter for a festive holiday flavor profile. In summer consider making a lighter glaze with citrus zest to brighten up the cookies. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for texture variation across seasons.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are fantastic on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or chai tea for an indulgent afternoon break. Try them slightly warmed and topped with a light glaze of cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat. They also work well crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert twist.

Creative Twists

This cookie version is an American twist blending the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls with a more portable form. It’s a great way to enjoy the familiar flavors in a crispier situation without sacrificing the comforting softness inside.

Many friends who tried this recipe remarked it was their new favorite cookie especially because it is not overly sweet but packed with cinnamon flavor. Some even said it reminded them of their childhood breakfasts or bakery runs which adds a nostalgic element to every bite. It’s a great recipe to share at gatherings since it appeals to all ages.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients create the cinnamon swirl?

The cinnamon swirl is made from a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon, spread inside the dough before rolling.

→ How do I achieve a soft cookie texture?

Using softened butter and balancing the sugars helps maintain a tender and chewy texture after baking.

→ Can these be stored for later?

Yes, these cookies keep well when stored in an airtight container, preserving their softness for several days.

→ What baking temperature is recommended?

Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes ensures the cookies turn golden without drying out.

→ Are these suitable for breakfast?

The warm cinnamon notes and soft texture make these cookies a comforting breakfast choice alongside coffee or tea.

→ How can I make the cinnamon swirl more pronounced?

Ensure an even layer of the cinnamon sugar filling is spread before rolling the dough tightly for defined swirls.