Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Bakery‑Style Twist on Swirl Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with the warm, sweet swirl of a classic cinnamon bun. These cookies are made with rolled cookie dough layered with a brown sugar cinnamon filling, then sliced and baked to showcase their signature spiral. Popular during the holidays, these cinnamon sugar cookies can be topped with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for a bakery-style finish.

With flavors reminiscent of cinnamon roll thumbprint cookies and cinnamon roll sandwich cookies, they’re the ultimate holiday cinnamon cookies that satisfy both nostalgia and indulgence. Whether you’re looking for swirl sugar cookies to share or bakery style cinnamon cookies to impress, this recipe delivers the soft cinnamon cookies you crave.

How to make them: You’ll chill the dough, roll it with a brown sugar cinnamon layer, slice into thick cookies, bake until golden, then drizzle with a luscious frosting of your choice. Ready to learn the exact steps?

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies At Home

If you’re craving all the cozy charm of a cinnamon bun in a cookie’s crispy-chewy form, cinnamon roll cookies are your answer. Unlike traditional cinnamon sugar cookies or soft cinnamon cookies, these start with a buttery base that’s rolled out, swirled with a brown sugar cinnamon filling, and sliced into picture-perfect spirals.

These cookies are ideal for holiday gifting, special occasions, or simply cozying up with a warm batch on a weekend afternoon. Think of them as a creative twist on slice and bake cinnamon cookies, with the added bonus of looking like they came from a professional bakery.

Whether you’re curious about cinnamon roll thumbprint cookies, tempted by cinnamon roll icing cookies, or just want to explore the layered texture of bakery style cinnamon cookies, this recipe lays the foundation. From their rolled cookie dough swirl to the sweet, spiced center, each bite balances flavor and nostalgia.

Next, we’ll walk through a complete recipe with prep, bake, and storage details, so you can get the most from your homemade cinnamon roll cookies.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe: Soft, Swirled, and Bakery-Style Perfect

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Enjoy bakery‑style cinnamon roll cookies that combine a buttery sugar‑cookie base, a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling, and a swirl of dough, all topped with a luscious frosting. These soft cinnamon cookies bring together the best of slice and bake cinnamon cookies, swirl sugar cookies, and cream cheese frosting cookies into one irresistible treat.

• Author: Jake Hollander
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chill)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 16–20 cookies (4–6 servings) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250 g) all‑purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Brown sugar cinnamon filling:

  • ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

• Frosting / icing for cinnamon roll icing cookies:

  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for drizzle consistency)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   

2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 

   

3. In a large bowl using a mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.

   

4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

   

5. Prepare the brown sugar cinnamon filling: in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Spread this filling evenly over the rolled‑out dough in the next step.

   

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 9 × 7 inches). Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly on top. Starting at one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour (for better swirl definition and to prevent spreading).

   

7. After chilling, slice the log into approximately ¼‑inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

   

8. Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and centers look set. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

   

9. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting: beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix. Add milk as needed to achieve a drizzle consistency. Drizzle over fully cooled cookies.

   

10. Serve and enjoy! These bakery style cinnamon cookies with their rolled cookie dough swirl and brown sugar cinnamon filling are perfect for holiday cinnamon cookies or everyday indulgence.

Notes

• For best swirl definition and to prevent spreading, chilling the dough log is highly recommended.
• If you prefer a vanilla‑glaze instead of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze un‑frosted cookies and add frosting after thawing.
• To make cinnamon roll sandwich cookies, you can sandwich frosting between two cookies for a fun variation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg

Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft Cinnamon Cookies

Before you dive into the process of creating your bakery‑style cinnamon roll cookies, let’s break down the key ingredients and their roles in making swirl sugar cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, and all the delightful variations like cinnamon roll icing cookies, cinnamon roll thumbprint cookies and cinnamon roll sandwich cookies. You’ll gather everything you need ahead of time so you’re ready for the recipe card.

Base Dough for Bakery Style Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Your foundational dough supports the rolled cookie dough swirl and provides the texture for soft cinnamon cookies. Key ingredients for this dough include:

• All‑purpose flour, gives structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda, provide lift and lightness.
• Salt, balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (softened), for richness and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar + brown sugar, the dual sugars add flavor and chew (brown sugar especially enhances that warm cinnamon sugar cookies feel).
• Eggs + vanilla extract, for moisture, binding and flavor.
  In this way you build the base for slice and bake cinnamon cookies with reliable texture.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Rolled Cookie Dough Swirl

This is the heart of your swirl sugar cookies: the brown sugar cinnamon filling layered inside the dough. It’s what transforms ordinary cookies into cinnamon roll cookies with that signature spiral and bakery style finish. The filling is spread over the rolled dough, creating the lovely pattern when sliced. This layered technique distinguishes these from classic cinnamon sugar cookies and gives you visual impact and flavour depth.

Frosting Options: Cinnamon Roll Icing Cookies & Cream Cheese Frosting Cookies

Once the cookies are baked, the topping is what elevates them into true bakery style cinnamon cookies. You’ve got two strong options:

• A classic cream cheese frosting (making them cream cheese frosting cookies), rich and tangy and great with the warm brown sugar cinnamon filling.
• A simple vanilla glaze (for those not wanting cream cheese), still makes beautiful cinnamon roll icing cookies.
  Both bring the final flourish, whether you prefer the rich, creamy finish or a lighter glaze suited for cinnamon roll sandwich cookies.

Quick Checker: Are You Prepared?

Make sure you have:

• Softened butter (not melted) for best results in dough texture.
• Ground cinnamon (freshly opened, if possible) for full flavour.
• Parchment or silicone baking sheet liners, especially helpful when you will be slicing logs and baking.
• Space in your fridge/freezer to chill dough if needed (this helps with swirl definition and prevents spreading).
  By gathering everything now, you’ll be ready to roll (literally) into the step‑by‑step recipe below.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Slice and Bake Cinnamon Cookies

Making cinnamon roll cookies at home doesn’t require bakery skills, but it does require a little patience and technique. Here’s how to layer that sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling, create the signature rolled cookie dough swirl, and transform simple dough into soft, chewy, swirl sugar cookies with stunning results.

This process is what separates a regular batch from bakery style cinnamon cookies, and each step brings you closer to that gooey center and creamy icing swirl you love in classic cinnamon bun cookies.

Mixing the Dough and Filling

Start by preparing your dough (you’ll find full measurements in the recipe card above). Cream the sugars and butter, add eggs and vanilla, and gently incorporate the dry ingredients. You’re aiming for a dough that’s soft, but not sticky. It should hold its shape when pressed.

Once the dough is mixed, set it aside. Now prepare the brown sugar cinnamon filling. This flavorful mixture of softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt will give the cookies their classic swirl flavor. Think of this as what sets cinnamon sugar cookies apart from the rest, deeper, toastier and more indulgent.

Rolling Out Dough Rectangles, Spreading Filling, and Rolling into Logs

This is where your rolled cookie dough swirl comes to life. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for about ¼ inch thick and 9 × 7 inches in size. Spread the filling mixture evenly, edge to edge, then roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.

This technique is the foundation for both cinnamon roll thumbprint cookies and cinnamon roll sandwich cookies, as it gives the cookies their striped center and layered flavor.

Once rolled, wrap the log in plastic and refrigerate. Chilling helps the swirl hold its shape and prevents spreading, making these truly slice and bake cinnamon cookies.

Chilling the Logs (Do These Cookies Need Chilling?)

Yes, chilling is essential. It’s the secret to keeping your swirl sugar cookies tight and beautiful once sliced. Chill the dough log for at least one hour or up to 24 hours in the fridge. If you’re short on time, a quick 30 minutes in the freezer works in a pinch.

This step also helps keep your cookies from becoming flat or misshapen, which is key when you want that bakery-style, professional look in your holiday cinnamon cookies tray.

Once chilled, slice your log into cookies about ¼ inch thick. Each cut reveals that gorgeous cinnamon roll swirl, and they’re now ready for baking.

Baking and Finishing the Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Once you’ve sliced your chilled log into perfect spirals, it’s time to transform your raw dough into golden, gooey cinnamon roll cookies. This final stage is where your swirl sugar cookies come to life, blending crisp edges with soft centers and showcasing that signature brown sugar cinnamon filling in every bite.

Baking Time, Temperature, and How to Know When the Cookies Are Done

Place the sliced cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10 to 12 minutes.

You’ll know your cinnamon sugar cookies are ready when:

• The edges are lightly golden
• The centers are set but still slightly soft
• The swirl is clearly visible

Avoid overbaking if you want that soft, chewy texture that defines truly soft cinnamon cookies.

Preventing Spreading in Swirl Cookies

Even with chilled dough, some cookies can spread too thin. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Ensure the dough is well chilled before slicing
• Keep the slices uniform in thickness (¼ inch is ideal)
• Place the cookie sheet in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm

These tricks will help your bakery style cinnamon cookies hold their shape, preserve that elegant spiral, and stay thick and tender.

Applying the Icing or Frosting

Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time for the finishing touch, frosting.

• For cinnamon roll icing cookies, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This adds shine and sweetness without overpowering.
• For cream cheese frosting cookies, pipe or drizzle the tangy topping across the swirls. It pairs beautifully with the rich filling and adds a luxurious finish.

Make sure the cookies are completely cool before icing, or the topping may melt and slide.

For a fun variation, try making cinnamon roll sandwich cookies: pipe frosting between two cookies for an indulgent twist.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or experimenting for fun, these spins on classic cinnamon roll cookies let you play with texture, filling, and presentation, while keeping that warm, sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling at the heart of every bite.

Cinnamon Roll Thumbprint Cookies Version

For a fun single-bite option, shape your dough into balls, press a thumbprint into the center, and fill it with a dollop of cinnamon-sugar paste. Bake and drizzle with glaze or cream cheese icing. This approach transforms your dough into cinnamon roll thumbprint cookies, perfect for cookie trays and gifting.

Cinnamon Bun Cookies Version

Want to go bigger and bolder? Make oversized cinnamon bun cookies by rolling out your dough thicker and slicing wider rounds. These cookies resemble mini buns, complete with pronounced swirls and a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. They’re especially eye-catching on dessert tables and perfect for brunch spreads.

Holiday Cinnamon Cookies Theme

These cookies aren’t just tasty, they’re beautiful. With their tidy swirls and frosted finish, they make ideal holiday cinnamon cookies. You can:

• Package them in clear bags tied with twine
• Add festive sprinkles before the icing sets
• Use red and white striped boxes for gift sets

Because they travel well and freeze beautifully (more on that in the next section), they’re a go-to for cookie exchanges and holiday baking.

Freezing Cookie Dough and Cookies

Wondering if you can freeze cinnamon roll cookie dough? Absolutely.

• Freeze the log: Wrap the unbaked, filled log tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw just enough to slice before baking.
• Freeze baked cookies: Let them cool fully, skip the frosting, and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Add icing after thawing.

These tips work well for all variations, from swirl sugar cookies to slice and bake cinnamon cookies to those layered cinnamon roll sandwich cookies you might stack with extra filling.

Storage, Freezing & Making Ahead

Storing the baked cookies

Once your cinnamon roll cookies have cooled and been frosted (or glazed), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way, the cookies retain their texture and flavor for up to four days.

Freezing baked cookies vs unbaked logs

For longer‑term storage, you have two excellent options. First: wrap unfrosted baked cookies tightly and freeze them in a sealable bag or container, when ready, thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving. Second: make the dough log, wrap it firmly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw just enough to slice and bake. These options give you flexibility and save time when prepping.

Making ahead for holiday trays or events

With their impressive swirl and bakery‑style look, cinnamon roll cookies are ideal for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or entertaining. Prepare the dough log in advance and freeze it, or bake ahead and freeze the unfrosted cookies. When the event arrives, either bake and frost fresh or thaw and finish quickly. This strategy frees you up for mingling while still serving bakery style cinnamon cookies at their best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cookies bring together the best of holiday flavor, soft texture, and eye-catching presentation, all in one swirl. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend treat or stacking them on your next cookie tray, these bakery style cinnamon cookies deliver warm spice and rich frosting in every bite. Their slice and bake simplicity makes them a go-to for both beginners and seasoned bakers, while variations like cinnamon roll sandwich cookies or thumbprint twists keep things playful.

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