Go Back
+ servings
Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Soft, buttery cookies swirled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled in vanilla glaze, these cinnamon roll cookies pack all the magic of a cozy cinnamon roll into a crisp-edged, chewy, sliceable cookie. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or just hoarding for yourself—no waiting for dough to rise or fussy yeast required!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 32 cookies

Ingredients
 

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp (6 g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp (2.5 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) ground nutmeg

Cinnamon Swirl Filling

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed
  • 1 1/2 tbsp (12 g) ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp (43 g) unsalted butter melted

Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk plus more as needed
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • pinch fine sea salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Baking Sheets
  • Wire rack

Instructions
 

  1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the whole egg and then the yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract until glossy and well combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add to the wet mixture on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  4. Roll out the dough: Divide dough in half. Place each half on a sheet of parchment and roll into a rectangle about 10x8 inches and 1/4-inch thick.
  5. Make the swirl filling: Stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the filling. Spread half over each dough rectangle evenly.
  6. Roll and chill: Starting on a long side, roll each dough rectangle tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (up to 2).
  7. Slice and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap chilled logs, slice into 1/2-inch thick spirals, and lay on lined baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, just until edges are barely golden.
  8. Cool and glaze: Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies. Let set before storing.

Notes

• For extra pretty spirals, chill the logs very well and use a sharp knife.
• Cookies freeze beautifully (unbaked, baked, or glazed).
• Make it ahead: store dough logs tightly wrapped for 2 days in the fridge, or freeze up to 2 months.
• Need it dairy-free? Swap in vegan butter and use a simple powdered sugar/milk glaze.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.5mg