Who doesn’t love the smell of warm cinnamon wafting through the house?

Picture this: soft, chewy cookies that taste just like your favorite cinnamon rolls, but without the fuss. Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies are perfect for those cozy afternoons or last-minute gatherings when you crave something sweet and delicious. They come together seamlessly, and honestly, you won’t believe how quickly they vanish at any gathering. Seriously, they can turn into your new go-to treat!

Why make this recipe

Easy to make: No dough rolling and cutting like with traditional cinnamon rolls.
Family favorite: Kids and adults can’t resist these soft, sweet bites. Invite the whole neighborhood—no one leaves without asking for the recipe!
Minimal cleanup: Who wants to deal with a mountain of dishes? Not me, and I bet not you either.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened
1 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions

In a small bowl, cream together 6 tablespoons of softened salted butter, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon until smooth.
In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of softened salted butter and 1 and 2/3 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Add 2 large room-temperature eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Gradually add 3 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 10 x 8 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Tightly roll the dough into a log from the longer side, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet with space in between. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
For a glaze, whisk together melted cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.

How to make Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies (Overview)

Making these cookies isn’t just fun, it’s downright simple! Start by whipping up a buttery cinnamon mixture, and then blend in the sweet ingredients until you have a soft dough. You’ll chill it for a bit before rolling it out and spreading on that dreamy cinnamon filling. Roll, slice, and bake, and voila—you’ve got cookies that make you feel like a baking superstar! Pro tip: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough; it helps in achieving the right texture. Trust me on this one!

How to serve Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Serve these delightful cookies warm, straight from the oven, perhaps drizzled with that sweet cream cheese glaze for a gorgeous finish. They pair excellently with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa—imagine that cozy sipping while enjoying the heavenly aroma of cinnamon! For extra flair, layer them on a colorful plate and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a touch of magic. 😍

How to store Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies will last about 3-5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Want to keep them longer? Freeze them! They’ll hold up well for up to three months in the freezer. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft warmth, and you’re set!

Tips to make Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Room temperature eggs help to achieve better mixing, so don’t skip this step!
If you’re in a rush, skip the chilling step, but the cookies might be a tiny bit less chewy.
Want a nuttier flavor? Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans in the cinnamon filling!
Substitutions: You can swap the cream of tartar with lemon juice if you run out!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of maple syrup into the dough or using pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist. You could also make them vegan by using flax eggs and a dairy-free butter substitute, which is super easy!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it the night before you plan to bake.

What’s the best way to freeze cookies?
Slice the cookies and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. This keeps them from sticking together!

Can I use a different type of sugar?
Sure! Coconut sugar or even monk fruit sweetener can work, but remember it might change the flavor slightly!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!