Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Try these buttery cookies inspired by cinnamon rolls. Packed with brown sugar and cinnamon filling, finished with creamy vanilla glaze.
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Updated on Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:37:18 GMT
Close-up of a cinnamon cookie with creamy glaze on parchment paper. Pin it
Close-up of a cinnamon cookie with creamy glaze on parchment paper. | linacooks.com

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies have become a family favorite in my home. They pack all those warm cinnamon roll flavors into cute little bites. I adore how the rich buttery dough twists with sweet cinnamon sugar—it's like having those Sunday breakfast treats in a handy cookie form. Whenever I make these, my whole house gets wrapped in the most amazing smell.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for a soft, tasty dough base.
  • Sugar: You'll need both granulated and brown sugar for the right sweetness and texture.
  • Cinnamon: This ground spice brings that cozy, warming flavor to your filling.
  • Flour: Regular all-purpose flour gives your cookies their structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: This boosts the overall taste of your cookies.
  • Milk: Just a bit helps you create that smooth topping glaze.

Let's Start Baking

First Steps
Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla until it's fluffy and light to make your perfect base.
Rolling Time
Spread your dough into a nice square shape before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mix.
Wrap and Chill
Roll everything up like a log and stick it in the fridge; this cool-down makes everything work better.

Making Cookie Magic

Slicing the Dough
When it's nice and cold, cut it up to show those pretty swirls.
Baking
Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden; your kitchen will smell wonderful as they cool down.
Glazing
After they're cool, add that sweet drizzle on top for the true cinnamon roll look.

My Baking Secrets

Chilling is Key
Let that dough get really cold for easier cutting and better shapes.
Even Dough
Give your dough log a quarter turn now and then in the fridge so it stays round.
Freezing Extra
Store extra dough logs in the freezer for quick cookies anytime you want them.
Glazing Patience
Don't rush to add the glaze—cookies need to be totally cool or it'll just melt away.

Keeping Them Fresh

These treats stay good in a sealed container for about five days. When I plan ahead, I'll either freeze the baked cookies without the glaze or save the raw dough logs. They taste just as good when you thaw and glaze them later.

More Than Just Cookies

I can't wait to share these cookies with everyone I know. They're great on holiday cookie plates or during coffee with friends. There's something about those swirls and that warm cinnamon that makes people smile every time.

Sharing the Love

When I mail these cookies to family, I stack them with parchment paper between layers. Add a cute tin and a nice note to make the gift feel extra thoughtful. They actually travel pretty well if you pack them right.

A Special Touch

These treats remind me of those bakery visits on weekend mornings but they've got their own special feel. They can turn any regular day into something a bit more magical, not just for big celebrations.

Two cinnamon rolls with cream frosting are presented on a piece of parchment paper. Pin it
Two cinnamon rolls with cream frosting are presented on a piece of parchment paper. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why aren’t my cookies staying round?
Chill the rolled dough evenly, turning it to keep the shape. Use an empty paper towel roll as a guide, and fix warm cookies with a round cutter right after baking.
→ How early can I prepare these?
You can freeze the dough for as long as three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
→ Why won’t my glaze sit on top?
Let the cookies cool off completely before adding glaze. If they’re still warm, the glaze might soak in instead of sitting nicely.
→ What’s the right thickness to slice?
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly to cut clean, 1/2-inch-thick slices of the dough to help them bake evenly.
→ What else can I add for flavor?
Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice, or toss in some orange zest for a twist!

Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Soft, fluffy cookies with warm cinnamon swirls, drizzled with vanilla glaze. A perfect mix of sweetness and comfort.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
02 3 cups plain flour.
03 1/2 teaspoon table salt.
04 1 cup room-temp unsalted butter.
05 2 teaspoons vanilla essence.
06 2 large eggs.
07 1 cup white sugar.
08 1/2 cup soft brown sugar.
09 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon powder.
10 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (for the filling).
11 2 tablespoons milk.
12 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (for the icing).
13 1 tablespoon melted butter (for the icing).
14 1 cup icing sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the salt, baking powder, and flour using a whisk.

Step 02

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until it’s fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Finally, mix in the dry ingredients.

Step 03

Flatten the dough into a 13x13-inch square on parchment dusted with flour.

Step 04

Stir brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon together.

Step 05

Spread the filling over the dough, then roll it up like a jelly roll.

Step 06

Wrap the roll tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 07

Cut into 1/2-inch slices and bake in a 350°F oven for around 10-12 minutes.

Step 08

Mix the icing ingredients and drizzle over your cookies once they’re cool.

Notes

  1. Turn the dough while it cools to keep it round.
  2. You can store the dough in the freezer for 3 months.
  3. Let cookies cool before adding the icing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer.
  • Parchment paper sheets.
  • Cooling rack.
  • Cookie sheets for baking.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains wheat.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 224
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 2 g