Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Brown Sugar Swirls

These cinnamon roll cookies combine a soft sugar-cookie dough with a cinnamon-brown sugar swirl. Roll the dough around the filling, chill the log until firm enough to slice, and bake the rounds until the edges are lightly golden.

Why Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

The cookies bring cinnamon roll flavor into a slice-and-bake shape. Chilling the filled dough helps keep the spirals intact as you cut and bake them. The recipe uses a simple cinnamon and brown sugar filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture just until a dough forms.
6. Stir together the filling brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Divide the dough in half. On parchment, roll one portion into a thin rectangle. Sprinkle half the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small edge clear.
8. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
9. Wrap and chill the logs until firm enough to slice. Cut into rounds and place on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet briefly, then transfer to a rack.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with milk, coffee, or tea. The cookies are also good plain without icing.

Storage

Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Tips for Cinnamon Swirls

• Make sure the butter is softened so it creams smoothly with the sugars.
• Roll the dough evenly so the cookies bake at a similar rate.
• Chill the logs until firm enough to slice cleanly.
• Do not overbake; the centers may look soft but will set as they cool.
• Use fresh cinnamon for the strongest flavor.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for texture. A simple powdered-sugar icing can be drizzled over cooled cookies, but it is not included in the ingredient list above. For another related idea, see cinnamon roll bliss bars. For more information, read King Arthur Baking’s guide to cinnamon-roll shaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace some of the all-purpose flour, but the cookies may be denser and the dough may need a different amount of liquid.

How do I know when they are done?
The edges should be lightly golden. The centers may still look soft when you remove the cookies from the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Wrap the filled logs and refrigerate them until firm. Slice and bake when ready.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Wrap the logs tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator until firm enough to slice, then bake.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Print Recipe

Delicious cookies that combine the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Prepare the filling by combining the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Spread half of the dough on parchment paper, sprinkle with the filling, and roll it up tightly.
8. Slice into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature; can be drizzled with icing for extra sweetness.