Step 1: Make the Dough
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Roll & Fill
- Roll dough into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick) on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll up tightly from the long side into a log.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Slice & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds.
- Place on baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Ice the Cookies
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Let icing set before serving (if you can wait!).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy pairing.
- Add to holiday cookie trays — they’re always a showstopper.
- Warm slightly in the microwave for that gooey cinnamon-roll feel.
Tips & Variations
- Chill the dough well — it makes slicing easier and keeps the swirl neat.
- Extra gooey — spread a little cream cheese filling before rolling.
- Festive flair — drizzle with colored icing or sprinkle with crushed pecans.
- Make-ahead — freeze dough logs, then slice and bake when needed.
Why This Recipe Works
By rolling buttery sugar cookie dough with a cinnamon-sugar filling, you capture everything you love about cinnamon rolls — but in a quick, slice-and-bake cookie format. The drizzle of vanilla icing adds that final cinnamon-roll touch.
Final Bite
Swirled, sweet, and irresistibly cozy, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. They’re perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or just indulging in a little cinnamon-sugar happiness at home.
So preheat that oven and get rolling — cookie magic awaits.