Cozy Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

As the cooler days of autumn settle in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. The soft embrace of cinnamon and sugar makes even the grayest of days feel warm and inviting. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies — a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that marry the joy of cookies with the cozy flavors of your favorite cinnamon bun. Perfect for an easy weeknight treat or to sweeten up your holiday gatherings, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe combines simple steps for a crowd-pleasing result, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Delightfully Soft: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that feels indulgent but still comforting.
A Sweet Twist: Enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient cookie form — perfect for any occasion!
Customizable: Personalize your cookies with various add-ins or toppings to suit your taste or festive needs.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and bring them to your next gathering or surprise a friend — they’re bound to be a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
1 egg (room temperature)
1/4 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2-3 teaspoons milk (may need more or less to achieve desired texture)
Splash of vanilla extract

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, butter, and butter-flavored shortening until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Place the dough in a plastic bag, flatten it into a disc, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Meanwhile, prepare the cinnamon mixture by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Once chilled, work quickly with the cold dough to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Mix together 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Generously flour your nonstick work surface and also coat your hands and rolling pin.
Roll the chilled dough out into a rectangle, about 12×9 inches and 1/4-inch thick.
Brush the rolled dough with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture across the surface. Press it down slightly to ensure it sticks.
Starting from the longest side, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Keep your hands floured, adding more flour to the surface as needed.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to slice without squishing.
Carefully slice the log into 1-inch thick cookies using a serrated knife. Discard the ends if they’re uneven.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Press the edges of each cookie gently to seal them, ensuring they remain tightly rolled during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping in mind that cookies must be cold when going into the oven. Check on them around the 6-minute mark to ensure they are not unraveling; if they are, gently press the seams back together.
While cookies bake, prepare the glaze: Combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
Once the cookies are slightly underdone, allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Brush the hot cookies with the glaze, letting it melt into the fluffy folds.
Let the glaze set before storing cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between rows.

Delicious Variations to Try

Add Chocolate: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the glaze for a rich twist.
Pecan Topping: Chop up some pecans and add them to the brown sugar filling for a delightful crunch.
Apple Cinnamon: Mix in some finely chopped apples to the dough for a delicious fruity addition that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple syrup for a warm, zesty flavor that screams autumn.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Advice: The dough can be prepared and chilled the night before, making cookie-making a breeze on busy days.
Storage Suggestions: For optimal freshness, store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature. They stay best when layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Slicing Trick: Always use a serrated knife for a clean slice; it helps you maintain the perfect round shape instead of squishing the cookies.
Dough Temperature is Key: Ensure the dough remains cold throughout the process to achieve that soft, tender texture.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 21g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 85mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated overnight or even frozen for later use.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, or experiment with different fillings and toppings.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

How long do they last?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!

A Cozy Closing Note

These Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies represent everything cozy and homey about the season. With their warm spices and sweet glaze, they are not only a treat but also a nostalgic hug in cookie form. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. Save this Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!