There’s something truly special about the smell of cinnamon drifting through your kitchen on a crisp fall morning. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and makes you want to slow down, wrap up in a cozy blanket, and savor the season. These Cozy Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring all the warmth and sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls into a tender, buttery cookie form that’s perfect for fall baking.
With a creamy glaze drizzled on top and a comforting spice blend in every bite, these cookies are the perfect cross between a cinnamon bun and a snickerdoodle. They’re simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to serve at holiday brunches or cozy coffee breaks. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell like pure fall bliss.
Ingredients Overview
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies come together with simple pantry staples—nothing fancy, just everyday ingredients that work magic when combined. Let’s break them down so you know exactly what you’ll need and why.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and the perfect chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies puff up slightly and stay soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives that buttery, tender bite.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough evenly.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses for warmth.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – For a cozy, aromatic flavor.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Helps the filling stick to the dough layers.
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar – Sweet and caramel-like, it creates the swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star of the show! Brings warmth and spice.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional) – Adds depth and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For that classic icing drizzle.
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream) – Adjust for your desired glaze consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds smooth, sweet aroma to the glaze.
- Optional pinch of cinnamon – For a little extra cozy touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make these beautiful cinnamon roll cookies. The process is easy, but I’ll include every tip and detail so even first-time bakers can bake with confidence.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
- Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. - Add egg and vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth. - Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture into the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until a soft, smooth dough forms. The dough should be slightly soft but not sticky. - Chill the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps it firm up for easier rolling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough chills, make the cinnamon filling.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until smooth. It should look like a spreadable paste.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
- Roll out the dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick (roughly 10×14 inches). - Spread the filling:
Brush or spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. - Roll into a log:
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, just like you would a cinnamon roll. Press gently as you go to keep it even. - Wrap and chill again:
Wrap the cookie log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is key—it helps the cookies hold their swirl shape when baked.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the cookies:
Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled log into ¼-inch thick slices. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. - Bake:
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake—these cookies are meant to stay tender. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 5: Glaze and Enjoy
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon if you like. Drizzle over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes, then serve and watch them disappear one by one.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Helpful Tips:
- Chilling is essential. Don’t skip chilling the dough—both before and after rolling. It helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
- Slice carefully. A sharp knife or unflavored dental floss makes neat slices without flattening the swirl.
- Use room temperature ingredients. Butter and egg blend more smoothly when not cold.
- Don’t overbake. They should look just set when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to bake slightly on the sheet.
Variations:
- Brown Butter Base: Brown the butter before using it for a nutty, caramel-like twist.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for crunch.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the glaze for richer flavor.
- Maple Drizzle: Substitute a tablespoon of milk with maple syrup in the glaze for a sweet autumn note.
Substitutions:
- Butter substitute: Use margarine or plant-based butter if desired.
- Dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk in the glaze.
- Egg-free: Swap in ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Serving Ideas & Occasions
These cookies are perfect for:
- Fall baking days – The scent of cinnamon fills your home as the cookies bake.
- Holiday cookie exchanges – They look elegant on a cookie tray.
- Afternoon snacks – Pair with a cup of coffee, chai, or warm apple cider.
- Brunch spreads – They complement pancakes, muffins, and breakfast casseroles beautifully.
- Gift boxes – Stack a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
You can even warm them for a few seconds before serving—they’ll taste like a mini cinnamon roll straight from the oven.
Nutritional & Health Notes
Each cookie (based on about 24 cookies) contains approximately:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are an occasional treat, but you can make small adjustments to lighten them up:
- Use less sugar in the filling.
- Opt for whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
- Try non-dairy milk for a lighter glaze.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the rolled dough log for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw slightly before slicing.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They stay soft and delicious for 3–4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them without glaze and add icing after thawing.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will remain soft and tender.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
They may not have been chilled long enough, or your butter was too soft. Chilling prevents spreading and keeps the swirls intact.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully for larger gatherings or holiday baking.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about the flavor of cinnamon and sugar baked into tender cookies. These Cozy Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to every bite. They’re simple enough for weekday baking yet special enough to share during the holidays.
With their buttery dough, spiced filling, and sweet vanilla glaze, these cookies taste like home—soft, comforting, and full of fall spirit. Bake a batch, pour yourself a warm drink, and let the comforting scent of cinnamon fill your kitchen. It’s moments like these that make baking such a joy.
Print
Cozy Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours
Description
Soft, buttery cookies filled with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze — these Cozy Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture all the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy, bite-sized treat perfect for fall baking.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Filling:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Chill for 30 minutes.
Mix the filling ingredients in a small bowl.
Roll out dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly.
Roll into a log, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Slice into ¼-inch rounds and place on baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes. Cool completely.
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cookies.
Let set, then serve and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies