Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Cookies : A Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Love

There’s something magical about baking on a crisp fall morning, and Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring that same cozy feeling right into your kitchen. The scent of cinnamon and sugar fills the air while these tender cookies bake to golden perfection. Each bite captures the sweet swirl and buttery richness of a classic cinnamon roll—only in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie form.

If you adore easy fall dessert ideas and comforting treats to bake, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Just like our reader-favorite Pumpkin Twists, these cookies are festive, simple, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend, a bake sale, or a cookie swap, this recipe guarantees warm smiles all around.

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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies combine everything people love about cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies into one bite-sized treat. They’re soft and fluffy on the inside with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Why they’re amazing:

• Simple ingredients and no yeast required.
• Ideal for make-ahead baking.
• Perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Gorgeous swirl design for a bakery-style look.

They’re especially wonderful to serve alongside brunch dishes like our Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake or a warm cup of Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew.

What Are Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a creative twist that merges the taste of cinnamon rolls with the soft texture of classic sugar cookies. Instead of a yeast dough, you’ll use a buttery sugar cookie base rolled up with a sweet cinnamon filling. Once sliced and baked, you get pretty spiral cookies that taste just like mini cinnamon buns.

They’re perfect when you crave the flavor of a cinnamon roll but want something quick and shareable—like how our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies bring cheesecake flavor into cookie form.

Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy recipe, adapted faithfully from Sally’s Baking Addiction while keeping the authentic flavor intact.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Optional Icing:

• 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these essentials for a smooth baking experience:

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sharp knife or dough cutter
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Small whisk or fork for icing

If you enjoy making cozy recipes like this, you’ll also love using this same setup for our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls — another reader favorite that’s perfect for autumn mornings.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies every time.

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This prevents over-spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to roll.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. The mixture should resemble a paste.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread half the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Roll and Chill

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one long side. Repeat with the second piece of dough and the remaining filling. Wrap both logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to firm up for easy slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Add the Icing (Optional)

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a classic cinnamon roll finish.

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of Lavender Lemonade or a tall glass of milk.

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Baking Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

1. Chill, chill, chill — Never skip chilling the dough; it prevents spreading.
2. Don’t overmix — Stop mixing once the dough forms to keep cookies soft.
3. Even slicing — Slice the dough evenly to create uniform, pretty spirals.
4. Cool before icing — Allow cookies to cool fully or the icing will melt.
5. Bake in batches — Too many cookies on one tray can cause uneven baking.

For a Halloween-ready twist, drizzle them with orange icing or pair them with our festive Halloween Brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the chill step – leads to flat, spread-out cookies.
• Overfilling – too much cinnamon mixture can ooze out while baking.
• Overbaking – keep a close eye to maintain a soft, fluffy texture.
• Uneven rolling – try to roll the dough evenly for consistent cookie size.

These are the same key tips we share in our soft Apple Fritter Donuts, where dough consistency and timing are everything.

Variations and Creative Cinnamon Roll Dessert Ideas

• Add nuts: Mix finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy bite.
• Use maple glaze: Swap out the vanilla icing for a drizzle of maple syrup glaze.
• Make mini versions: Slice thinner for adorable mini cinnamon swirl bites.
• Pumpkin twist: Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée to the dough for a seasonal spin inspired by our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles.

These cookies are versatile enough to adapt to any occasion—perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a simple weekend treat.

How to Store and Keep Them Fresh

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to make them ahead, unbaked dough logs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

When freezing, wrap the dough tightly and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing. Baked cookies can also be frozen for 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

For a warm, freshly baked flavor, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds before enjoying.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Present your Cinnamon Roll Cookies on a white platter sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a café-style touch. They look beautiful next to a batch of Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies.

They’re also great for gifting — stack a few in a mason jar, tie with ribbon, and add a handwritten tag for a homemade holiday surprise.

Food Pairings to Enjoy with Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Pair these sweet, spiced cookies with any comforting, cozy drink. Try them with:

• Warm milk or hot cocoa
• Pumpkin spiced tea or chai latte
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for a fall breakfast combo

Each pairing enhances the cookies’ cinnamon warmth and makes every bite feel like autumn comfort.

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Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to two days in advance.

2. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

3. My cookies spread too much — what happened?
The dough likely wasn’t chilled long enough. Try chilling for at least 2 hours next time.

4. Can I skip the icing?
You can! They’re just as delicious without it — similar to our soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.

Recipe Notes and Expert Advice

• If you want extra soft cookies, bake for no more than 10 minutes.
• Use high-quality cinnamon for a stronger, deeper flavor.
• To get perfect slices, chill the rolled dough longer or freeze briefly.
• If the dough cracks slightly while rolling, gently pinch it back together.

Conclusion: The Sweetest Way to Celebrate Fall

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are everything you love about fall—sweet, warm, and comforting. They combine the nostalgia of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of sugar cookies, making them an instant favorite.

Bake a batch for your next family gathering or weekend treat, and your kitchen will smell heavenly. For even more cozy inspiration, check out our Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls or Pumpkin Twists.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more sweet, seasonal recipes that make every day feel special.

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