Soft cinnamon roll bites

These cinnamon roll cookies bring the comforting warmth of classic cinnamon rolls into a quick, handheld treat. Perfect for when you want that nostalgic flavor without the fuss of yeasted dough. Soft and buttery with a swirl of cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze these cookies are quick to pull together and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

I made these late one afternoon when I wanted a cozy snack and they quickly became a favorite in my house for sharing with friends.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: provides structure pick unbleached flour for better flavor and texture
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: helps the cookies rise giving them a light tender crumb
• ½ teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors balance sweetness
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened: ensures creaminess and richness choose good quality butter for the best taste
• 1 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and helps with browning
• 2 large eggs: bind the dough and add moisture fresh eggs make a difference in texture
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: adds depth and warmth use pure vanilla extract for best results
• ¼ cup unsalted butter melted: blends with sugar and cinnamon to create the rich filling
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: gives moistness and that caramel note to the cinnamon swirl choose light brown for milder flavor
• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon: brings the signature warm spice aroma use fresh cinnamon for vibrant flavor
• 1 cup powdered sugar: smooth glaze base sifted to avoid lumps
• 2 tablespoons milk: thins the glaze adjust as needed for consistency
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted: enriches the glaze adding a subtle richness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: flavors the glaze same high-quality vanilla here as in dough

Instructions

Build The Dough:

In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt. In a large bowl beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy then add eggs one at a time and beat in vanilla extract. Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet until just combined avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Roll And Spread The Filling:

On a lightly floured surface roll dough to about a quarter-inch thickness forming a large rectangle roughly 12 by 16 inches. Mix melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and spread this evenly across the dough to create that delicious cinnamon swirl.

Roll And Slice The Log:

Starting with a long edge roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into rounds about 1 inch thick. Arrange the cookies on baking sheets leaving some space for spreading.

Bake The Cookies:

Place baking sheets in a preheated oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 Celsius. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies turn lightly golden around the edges but remain soft in the center.

Make And Drizzle The Glaze:

While baking whisk powdered sugar milk melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Once cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled drizzle this glaze over the top while the cookies are still warm for that lovely melt-in-your-mouth shine.

My favorite part about these cookies has to be the cinnamon sugar swirl which reminds me of cozy weekends baking with family. The scent alone feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness. If you want to keep them longer freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed bag then thaw and glaze just before serving. Always give them a fresh glaze to keep that lovely shine and added moisture.

Ingredient Swaps

Butter can be replaced with vegan margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version but the texture may vary slightly. Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different kind of sweetness and deeper flavor profile. Ground nutmeg or cardamom also pairs wonderfully with cinnamon in the filling for added depth.

Serving Ideas

Serve these cookies slightly warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a perfect afternoon treat. They make lovely additions to brunch spreads or packed lunches for a sweet surprise. Pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.

The scent of cinnamon sugar baking fills the kitchen giving a hint of the treat to come. These cookies invite everyone around the table to share a little moment of warmth and sweetness.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What gives the swirls their cinnamon flavor?

A mixture of ground cinnamon and light brown sugar is spread evenly over the dough before it’s rolled up, creating the signature swirled flavor inside each piece.

→ How do I achieve soft texture in these cookies?

The dough uses softened butter and careful mixing to keep it tender. Baking them until lightly golden ensures a soft interior while adding a slight crisp outside.

→ Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Yes. Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness, or more milk for a thinner drizzle that seeps into the cookies.

→ What’s the best way to store these treats?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft. They’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.

→ Is it possible to enhance the flavor further?

Using brown butter in the dough adds a richer, nutty depth that complements the cinnamon and vanilla flavors beautifully.