Prepare to be amazed by the ultimate treat that captures the comforting essence of a classic breakfast pastry in a convenient cookie form: these irresistible cinnamon roll cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with warm cinnamon spice and topped with a luscious, sweet frosting. The best part? You don’t need to dedicate hours to kneading dough, waiting for it to rise, or intricate rolling. These easy-to-make cookies deliver all the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls without the extensive effort, allowing you to enjoy that cozy, bakery-fresh experience anytime you crave it. Get ready to elevate your baking game and delight your taste buds with every bite.
The Inspiration Behind These Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
This recipe for cinnamon roll cookies is more than just a sweet indulgence; it’s a story woven with love, family memories, and a dash of inventive baking. My journey to create these delightful cookies began with a cherished tradition of sharing tales from my darling Grandma, whose life stories are as rich and comforting as her recipes. The initial spark for this cookie idea was ignited by an amazing snickerdoodle-like cookie recipe from Picky Palate that I was eager to try. However, my passion for all things cinnamon led me down a delicious path of experimentation.
It wasn’t long before I had a moment of pure culinary inspiration: what if I combined the soft, chewy texture of that snickerdoodle-inspired base with the iconic flavors of a cinnamon roll? Thanks to yesterday’s incredible cinnamon roll frosting recipe, the vision for these cookies came to life. This frosting, which truly tastes like it belongs on a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, was the missing piece to transform a simple cookie into a decadent cinnamon roll experience.
A key ingredient that truly makes these cookies shine is the cinnamon chips. For serious bakers and cinnamon enthusiasts, these chips are a game-changer, infusing every bite with concentrated cinnamon flavor. I make it a point to stock up on them, especially during the holiday season, to ensure I have enough to last throughout the year. This year, my love for these chips ran so deep that I had to order eight packs through Amazon! Yes, that’s how essential they are, not just for these cookies, but also for other family favorites like our amazing Churro Chex Mix and the delightful Banana Snickerdoodle Cake. These chips add an authentic depth of flavor that sets our cinnamon roll cookies apart.
Grandma’s Legacy: A Blend of Sweetness and Enduring Stories
Beyond the joy of baking and sharing delicious recipes, my blog is also a tribute to the remarkable woman who has shaped so much of my life: my Grandma. Lately, she’s been a little down, particularly after her dear sister suffered a stroke. It’s a poignant reminder of life’s transitions and the challenges that come with aging. My Grandma, who has spent nearly 90 years radiating love and kindness, is a true beacon of wonderfulness in our family and community. Her spirit, her wisdom, and her boundless capacity for love are treasures I want to share with everyone.
She possesses an incredible gift for storytelling, and we are fortunate to have a book filled with anecdotes from her life. These stories offer a unique glimpse into a bygone era, reflecting lessons learned, adventures lived, and the enduring bonds of family. While many of her tales are heartwarming, some, like the infamous outhouse story, are wonderfully humorous and unforgettable. If you’re keen to dive deeper into our family’s rich tapestry of narratives, you can find more of our favorites in posts featuring recipes such as Heirloom Apple Rolls and Grandpa’s Famous BBQ Pork. These stories are a reminder that every recipe, every family gathering, is often steeped in a history that deserves to be remembered and cherished.
Sweet Revenge
A story about Ex-Lax
” Our school was just a small country school so we knew everyone and were usually friends with everybody. I had a cousin in my grade who used to go out of his way to tease and needle me. Every time I turned around he pulled some mean little trick to make me look silly in front of my friends. We took him and his sisters to school in our sleigh but they always made us late because they were never really on time. Oh, how I hated to be late. My feelings toward my cousin were therefore, never really friendly. Maybe that’s why he was mean to me. During my young years, I was quiet and shy, but there was a bit of mischief tucked up inside of me. One day, my cousin pulled every trick imaginable to make me miserable. No matter how hard I tried to stay away from him he popped up out of nowhere. I could almost see horns sprout, and that devilish grin made me so nervous. I was always wondering what was coming next. I decided that I had had enough. I had a piece of chocolate ex-lax (laxative) in my pencil box. It looked like a delicious piece of candy except it said “ex-lax” on the top of it. I took my little scissors out of my desk and ever so carefully scraped those revealing letters off.
At recess I sneaked the laxative out of the box and ran out to the playground. My cousin wasn’t hard to find because it seemed as if there were always a dozen of him–lurking by the swings or giant stride or slide, grinning and announcing what color bloomers I was wearing. Ohhhhhh! I’ll get even with him today!
I walked up to him so sweetly and said, “I’ll give you a piece of candy if you’ll be my friend and not tease me anymore.” What a trusting, gullible boy! He swallowed the line and the laxative in one gulp. Gosh, I didn’t really think he would do it so easily. I felt pretty smug and wondered if he’d feel like grinning tomorrow.
The next day I was the one grinning. Every time my cousin held two fingers up to be excused from class I was so happy inside. It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud, but of course that would have given it away.
I laugh about it now and sometimes feel my forehead to see if I have horns too. I don’t. I’ve turned back into that shy little country girl again.”
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try
If you loved these cinnamon roll cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of cookie recipes perfect for any occasion, from classic chocolate chip to unique flavor combinations. Explore some of our other cherished cookie creations:
- Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies: Extra soft and chewy, thanks to a secret ingredient!
- Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies: A colorful and chocolatey delight.
- NY Times BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: A tried-and-true classic that never disappoints.
- Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies: Double the chocolate, double the joy!
- Thick Snickerdoodle Cookies: A beloved classic with a perfectly chewy texture.
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced to perfection for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Glazed Lemon Cookies: Zesty and refreshing, a burst of citrus in every bite.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: A seasonal favorite, perfectly spiced.
- Million Dollar Cookies: Rich and indulgent, worth every penny (and calorie!).
- White Chocolate Molasses Cookies: A unique blend of sweet and spiced.
- Nutella and Dulce de Leche Stuffed Cookies: A decadent surprise in the middle!
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic combination of sweet and savory.
- Lemon Drop Cookies: Small bursts of lemony goodness.
- Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies: Perfect for decorating and sharing.
- Copycat Swig Sugar Cookies: Achieve that famous bakery taste at home.
- Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies: A hearty and flavorful cookie.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Rating: 4.25 from 16 votes
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
By Sweet Basil
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 15 mins
Pin Recipe
You haven’t truly experienced bliss until you’ve tasted these extraordinary cinnamon roll cookies. Forget the long hours of making traditional cinnamon rolls; simply bake these incredible cookies for an equally satisfying and much quicker treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup White Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Salted Butter, softened (one stick)
- 3/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Large Egg, whisked
- 1 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons French Vanilla Pudding Mix (instant)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Cup Cinnamon Chips
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips
- Cinnamon Roll Frosting (from our recipe)
Note on measurements: All measurements are given in US Customary units.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal and cleanup.
- In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the softened salted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This creates the perfect base for your soft cookies.
- Add the vanilla extract and the whisked large egg to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix for another 15 seconds until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, French vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Ensuring these dry ingredients are well combined will help distribute the flavors evenly throughout your cinnamon roll cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer. Mix on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing the flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Stir in the cinnamon chips and white chocolate chips by hand using a spatula. Fold them gently into the dough until they are evenly distributed, ensuring every cookie gets a burst of flavor.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a standard ice cream scoop), drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. Do not overbake to ensure a chewy texture.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare your Cinnamon Roll Frosting. This frosting is essential for achieving that authentic cinnamon roll cookie taste.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, generously frost each cookie with the prepared cinnamon roll frosting. For an extra indulgent treat, you can even sandwich two cookies together with frosting in the middle!
Recipe Notes
For best freshness and flavor, store these cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you prefer, they can also be stored in the refrigerator, especially if your frosting is quite soft, for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Serving: 1g, Calories: 180kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 82mg, Potassium: 60mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 133IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
These cinnamon roll cookies are truly a delightful shortcut to a beloved flavor, perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or any time you need a sweet treat without the fuss. Their soft texture, warm spice, and sweet frosting make them an instant classic that everyone will adore. Don’t forget to pair them with a fresh cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort experience.
For even more cinnamon-infused goodness and irresistible treats, check out these related recipes:
Cinnamon Roll Frosting
The frosting that tastes like an actual cinnamon roll, perfect for these cookies or any other treat!