Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the best of two worlds with the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls and the ease of a soft, chewy cookie. They are quick to prepare and deliver warm swirls of cinnamon sugar in every bite, making them perfect for breakfast treats or an afternoon pick-me-up that feels homemade and special.

I first made these on a chilly weekend afternoon and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Now they are a go-to whenever I need a cozy sweet fix.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Two cups all-purpose flour: forms the soft base; choose a flour that is fresh to ensure tender cookies
• One teaspoon baking powder: helps give the cookies a gentle lift without being cakey
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds that classic warm spice; freshly ground works best for bright flavor
• Half teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all other tastes
• Half cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature: creates richness and chewiness; quality butter makes a difference
• Half cup granulated sugar: for sweetness and a bit of crispness on the edges
• Half cup packed brown sugar: lends moisture and deeper caramel notes
• One large egg: binds everything together and adds tenderness
• Two teaspoons vanilla extract: brings depth and a lovely sweet aroma
• For the Filling
• Half cup packed brown sugar: provides the gooey sweet center
• Two teaspoons ground cinnamon: adds the signature swirl flavor and a warm kick

How to Make It

Preheat oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which ensures perfect baking temperature throughout the process.

Mix dry ingredients:

Whisk dry ingredients including flour baking powder salt and cinnamon in a large bowl to distribute flavors evenly and avoid clumps.

Cream butter and sugars:

In a separate bowl cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy highlighting how well they are combined.

Add egg and vanilla:

Beat the egg and vanilla extract into your creamed mixture until completely smooth creating a silky base for adding dry ingredients.

Combine wet and dry:

Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture mixing gently until just combined to keep the dough tender not overworked.

Prepare cinnamon filling:

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to make the cinnamon filling evenly spiced and ready to spread.

Shape dough base:

On a sheet of parchment paper spread half the dough forming a rectangle of about quarter inch thickness to create the base for the swirl.

Add filling and roll:

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly then carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape ensuring the filling stays contained.

Slice roll:

Slice the roll into approximately one inch rounds using a sharp knife to keep the shapes neat and uniform.

Arrange on sheet:

Place the cookie rounds on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving enough space to allow even baking.

Bake:

Bake for ten to twelve minutes or until golden brown edges appear signaling they are perfectly cooked yet still soft inside.

My favorite ingredient is the brown sugar filling because it creates that rich caramelized center that takes each bite from good to unforgettable. This recipe always brings back memories of cozy weekends spent baking with my family and savoring the warmth together.

Flavor Boosters

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them chewy and fresh. If you need to keep them longer place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to three months. To refresh frozen cookies simply warm them in a low oven or microwave briefly to bring back the soft texture and melt the cinnamon sugar swirl slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up full of comforting spices. They make a lovely breakfast treat paired with a dollop of cream cheese or plain yogurt to balance the sweet richness. Pack them in lunchboxes or serve as a sweet snack at parties where their cinnamon aroma will surely impress guests.

Creative Twists

Cinnamon rolls are beloved staples in many American and European kitchens especially during colder months. Transforming the concept into cookies merges tradition with convenience and sweet friendliness perfect for casual gatherings. Adding seasonal nuts or dried fruits to the swirl can make them feel festive during fall and winter holidays giving a new spin on this classic flavor.

I learned the hard way: cutting the rolled dough with a sharp serrated knife makes neater slices without squishing the shape.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What ingredients create the cinnamon swirl in these treats?

A mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon is spread inside the dough to create the signature cinnamon swirl in each cookie.

→ How do I achieve a soft and chewy texture?

Using softened butter, a blend of granulated and brown sugars, and careful baking time helps maintain a tender and chewy texture.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roll the dough in advance, then refrigerate it before slicing and baking to freshen on demand.

→ What is the best baking temperature and duration?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the cookies turn golden brown and are slightly firm around the edges.

→ Are these treats suitable for breakfast or dessert?

The warm cinnamon and sugar flavors make these treats ideal for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon sweet bite.