cinnamon roll cookie recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe: 6 Secrets to Gooey, Chewy Bliss

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Have you ever bitten into a cookie that looked perfect but turned out dry and crumbly? It’s one of the biggest letdowns in baking. Now, imagine the sweet swirl of a cinnamon roll combined with the chewy bite of a cookie—warm, gooey, and utterly delicious. Sounds like a dream, right? The good news is, it’s not a dream—it’s exactly what this Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe delivers. And with the 6 secrets I’m about to share, you’ll never settle for boring cookies again.

This recipe is more than just another cookie. It’s the best of two worlds—classic cinnamon rolls and soft-baked cookies—rolled into one irresistible treat.

  • Time requirement: About 40 minutes total (20 minutes prep, 20 minutes bake).
  • Difficulty level: Easy to medium. If you can roll cookie dough, you can make this.
  • What makes it special: Unlike typical cookies, this recipe has a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl inside, plus a creamy glaze on top that makes every bite taste like a bakery treat.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Essential Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

To nail this Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe, you’ll need:

For the Dough:

  • Butter (softened): The base of chewy cookies. Butter adds flavor and keeps them soft. If needed, substitute with margarine or vegan butter.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness. Granulated sugar alone won’t give the same chewy texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Helps the cookies spread and balances flavor.
  • Egg: Provides structure and richness. Use a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • Vanilla extract: Brings out the cinnamon flavor and adds warmth.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough. Swap with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly without making them cakey.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • Brown sugar: Essential for that sticky, gooey filling.
  • Ground cinnamon: The star spice of the recipe.
  • Butter (melted): Helps the filling spread and caramelize.

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar: Smooth and sweet base.
  • Milk or cream: Thins the glaze. Use almond or oat milk for dairy-free.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of flavor to finish things off.

💡 Pro tip: You can get creative! Try adding chopped pecans, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel to the swirl for fun variations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to bring your Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe to life:

Step 1 – Make the Dough (10 minutes)

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

👉 Secret #1: Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops too much gluten, which makes cookies tough instead of chewy.

Step 2 – Chill the Dough (15 minutes)

  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

👉 Secret #2: Always chill your dough! It’s the difference between a flat, lifeless cookie and a thick, chewy masterpiece.

Step 3 – Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

  • Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
  • Stir in the melted butter until you get a paste-like consistency.

👉 Secret #3: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, richer caramel flavor in your filling.

Step 4 – Roll and Fill

  1. Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
  2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
  3. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape.

👉 Secret #4: Roll tightly but gently. Too loose, and the swirl disappears. Too tight, and the filling will ooze out.

Step 5 – Slice and Bake (12–15 minutes)

  1. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough log into ½-inch thick rounds.
  2. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between cookies.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

👉 Secret #5: Pull cookies out just before they look fully baked. They’ll keep cooking on the sheet, giving you that perfect gooey center.

Step 6 – Make the Glaze

  • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar (for thicker) or more milk (for thinner).

👉 Secret #6: Drizzle the glaze while cookies are slightly warm so it melts into the swirls for extra gooey bliss.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

  1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  2. Drizzle or spread the glaze on top while still warm.
  3. Add optional toppings: crushed pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.

Now you’ve got soft, chewy cookies with a gooey cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze—basically the perfect dessert.

Tips for Success

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat before serving.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the dough log, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake the next day.
  • Serving idea: Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snacking.

Variations to Try

  • Apple Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Add finely diced apples to the filling.
  • Nutty Delight: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the swirl.
  • Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips inside the swirl for a fun twist.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, flax egg, and plant-based milk.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With this Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe, you don’t have to choose between cookies and cinnamon rolls—you get both! By following these 6 secrets, you’ll create cookies that are soft, chewy, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and discover the sweet bliss of homemade cinnamon roll cookies today.