Cinnamon Roll Cookies Are the First Dessert You Should Bake This Winter

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These cinnamon roll cookies capture the best parts of a cinnamon roll and a classic sugar cookie rolled into one bite. A tender dough made with a mix of whole-wheat and all-purpose flour gets layered with a buttery brown sugar–cinnamon filling, then rolled, sliced and baked into golden spirals. A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled on top adds just the right touch of sweetness.

A recipe image of Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
24
Nutrition Profile:
  • These tender cookies are buttery-rich and spiced with a delicious brown sugar filling.
  • Using a mix of whole-wheat and all-purpose flour adds fiber while keeping the cookies tender.
  • For a more traditional cinnamon roll icing, whip up a cream cheese icing.

Our Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delicious cross between a cinnamon roll and a sugar cookie. They’re buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness, and we used whole-wheat flour to boost the fiber. The warm flavors of cinnamon mixed with brown sugar make these perfect for any occasion. Keep reading for our expert tips on adding more spice, rolling technique suggestions and more. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Using dark brown sugar in the filling would be a delicious choice. You might also consider adding some cinnamon to the icing for an extra touch of warmth.
  • If the dough is too cold, the brown sugar mixture may be difficult to spread. In that case, let the dough stand on the counter for a few minutes to warm up before you spread it on.
  • If you prefer, you can make a cream cheese icing for the cookies, which is more traditionally aligned with the flavor of cinnamon rolls.
  • If you don’t have a sharp chef’s knife available, a serrated knife can be a good alternative for slicing the cookies.

Nutrition Notes

  • Whole-wheat flour is higher in fiber and also contains B vitamins and magnesium. Substituting higher-fiber foods can help add to your overall fiber intake for the day and improve the health of your microbiome. 
  • Cinnamon is a warm spice that is packed with antioxidants. While we typically only consume spices in small amounts, eating cinnamon every day may contribute to an overall healthy anti-inflammatory diet.
Ingredients for baking including flour eggs brown sugar butter and spices arranged in bowls on a countertop

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • Baking spray with flour

  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour, plus more for sprinkling

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter plus 6 tablespoons, softened, divided

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar

  • 1 tablespoon whole milk

Directions

  1. Coat a large baking sheet with baking spray; line with parchment paper and lightly coat the parchment with baking spray.

  2. Combine 2 cups whole-wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; whisk well.

  3. In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed. Beat in 1 tablespoon vanilla until just combined. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until fully incorporated, scraping the bowl as needed, about 30 seconds.

    Cookie dough being mixed in a pink bowl with a hand mixer

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

  4. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with flour and press or roll into a 12-by-16-inch rectangle, using floured hands or a floured small rolling pin. Brush off excess flour. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

    Rolling out dough on a baking sheet with a wooden rolling pin

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

  5. Meanwhile, place the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High until melted, about 30 seconds, stirring halfway through. Stir in ¾ cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon.

  6. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chilled dough, using an offset spatula. Starting at one short end, tightly roll the dough into a log, using the parchment to help guide the roll. Refrigerate, uncovered, until firm, about 45 minutes.

    Rolledout cinnamon roll dough in a baking tray being prepared for rolling

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

  7. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Trim the ends of the dough log and discard. Slice the log into 24 (½-inch-thick) rounds. Arrange cookies 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate, uncovered, until firm, about 45 minutes.

  8. While the cookies chill, preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position.

  9. Bake 1 sheet at a time until the cookies are set and lightly browned around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely on the baking sheet set on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

  10. Stir ½ cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon milk together in a medium bowl. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

To make ahead

Assemble the log through Step 6; place in an airtight container or wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw slightly before slicing. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Drizzle with the icing right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I prevent the dough from sticking when I’m rolling it out?

    The dough will be very sticky, so be sure to use plenty of flour, including on top of the dough, while rolling it out into a rectangle. You might also consider rolling it out on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Once you’ve finished rolling, remove any excess flour from the dough, as it can prevent the brown sugar mixture from sticking properly.

  • How do I prevent cookies from spreading during baking?

    We recommend using softened butter rather than melted butter, as melted butter can cause the dough to spread more during baking. Also, it’s important to chill the dough, and you’ll notice that our recipe includes several chilling steps. Additionally, we suggest lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to help prevent sticking and further spreading.

  • What’s the best way to store the cookies?

    To keep the cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. You can also place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

  • Can you freeze the dough?

    You can place the dough in an airtight container or wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use the dough, let it thaw to room temperature, then slice it and proceed with baking. Glaze when the cookies are cool. If you prefer your cookies warm, you can warm them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. Once heated, you can drizzle on the glaze, but keep in mind that the glaze may run off depending on how hot the cookie is.

  • What should I serve with Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

    Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm mug of your favorite chocolate beverage. We have a variety of delicious hot chocolate and cocoa recipes to explore. Try our Chocolate de Agua (Mexican Hot Chocolate), which uses water instead of milk for a lighter option. You might also enjoy our Whipped Hot Chocolate, where you can add a pinch of pumpkin spice or chili powder for an extra kick. And consider trying our Healthy Hot Cacao made with cacao powder. Of course, a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea pairs perfectly, too.

EatingWell.com, December 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

194 Calories
9g Fat
26g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Serving Size 1 cookie
Calories 194
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 14g
Added Sugars 14g 28%
Protein 3g 5%
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Vitamin A 80µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 0mg 3%
Folate 16µg
Vitamin K 1µg
Sodium 84mg 4%
Calcium 38mg 3%
Iron 1mg 4%
Magnesium 17mg 4%
Potassium 62mg 1%
Zinc 0mg 3%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.