If you love the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend the time and effort on making yeast dough, then these Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect solution. These cookies combine the delicious, sweet swirl of cinnamon with a buttery, soft dough that creates the taste of a cinnamon roll in every bite. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies will satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings without the fuss.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create cookies that taste like they’ve been baked from scratch. The soft, chewy cookie dough is swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture that melts perfectly as the cookies bake, creating an irresistible flavor profile. The optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a final touch of sweetness, making these cookies even more indulgent. Whether you serve them warm or store them for later, these cinnamon roll cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls and the convenience of cookies. The dough is soft and pillowy, while the cinnamon swirl adds the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. These cookies are a breeze to make, with no yeast or rising time required, and the optional cinnamon-sugar topping takes them to the next level. With their delightful texture and irresistible aroma, these cookies will quickly become a go-to treat in your baking repertoire. Plus, they can be made ahead and stored for later, making them a great choice for busy days or whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Swirl:

Butter (softened)
Brown sugar (packed)
Cinnamon

Cookie Dough:

Eggs
Butter (softened)
Vanilla extract
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
Cream of tartar
Baking soda
Salt

Optional Topping for Cookies:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon swirl.
Nutty Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Chop up some walnuts or pecans and mix them into the dough for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Maple Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you also check the labels on the baking soda and cream of tartar for gluten-free certification.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the cookie dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it up from one edge to the other, like a cinnamon roll.

Cut the rolled dough into slices, about 1/2-inch thick. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the optional topping. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the warm cookies for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be sure to spoon and level your flour when measuring it to ensure you don’t end up with too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
When rolling out the dough, make sure it’s not too thick to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl.

How to Serve

These cinnamon roll cookies are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They make a perfect addition to your breakfast, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea for the ultimate cozy experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

To freeze the cookie dough, roll it into a log after step 3, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, slice the dough and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back their soft, warm texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without the cinnamon-sugar topping?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the cinnamon-sugar topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor if desired.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, but the cookies may have a slightly different texture and flavor.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking the cookies.

4. Can I freeze the cinnamon roll cookie dough?

Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Roll it into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze until ready to bake.

5. Can I add raisins or other dried fruit to these cookies?

Yes, adding raisins or other dried fruit will enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dough.

6. How can I make the cookies fluffier?

For fluffier cookies, be sure not to overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

7. Can I substitute the cream of tartar in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of tartar with an equal amount of lemon juice or vinegar for similar results.

8. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

If using self-rising flour, omit the cream of tartar and baking soda in the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these leavening agents.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are firm to the touch but still soft.

10. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for the dough?

Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for mixing the dough, but make sure not to overmix to avoid tough cookies.

Conclusion

These Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies offer the perfect combination of sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture that mimics the classic cinnamon roll in cookie form. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or a fun way to enjoy the flavor of cinnamon rolls without the hassle, these cookies are the answer. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of irresistible cookies that will quickly become a favorite in your home.