Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Best Ever Recipe

When cinnamon rolls meet cookies, magic happens — and these Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies are proof. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie that captures the warm spice and creamy frosting of a classic cinnamon roll, all without the need for yeast, rising time, or rolling dough. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy weekend treat, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these gluten-free cinnamon roll cookies deliver the perfect blend of ease and nostalgic flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies are more than just a treat — they’re the ultimate shortcut to everything you love about cinnamon rolls, in a fraction of the time. These cookies are:

• Quick and Easy: No yeast, no rise time, and minimal prep.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Made with 1:1 gluten-free flour without compromising on texture.
• Perfectly Soft-Baked: Slightly chewy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside.
• Flavor-Packed: Rich with cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla for that authentic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Frosted Like a Pro: A thick, creamy frosting adds the final decadent touch.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this soft-baked cinnamon roll cookie recipe is foolproof and fabulous.

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with the structure.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor and contributes to a soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cinnamon roll flavor profile.
• Eggs: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for the perfect crumb without gluten.
• Baking Powder: Creates a light, fluffy texture by adding lift.
• Ground Cinnamon: The hero spice that brings that cinnamon roll essence.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for the thick, tangy frosting — just like traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Milk or Water: Thins the frosting to spreadable perfection.

Smart Swaps and Substitutions

• Vegan Butter: Swap for dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly version.
• Coconut Sugar: Can replace both granulated and brown sugar; note it will darken the cookie color.
• Flax Eggs: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water per egg if you’re avoiding eggs.
• Regular Flour: Works in place of gluten-free flour, though texture may slightly vary.
• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: Use for a lactose-free frosting alternative.

How to Make Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix just until a soft dough forms — don’t overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
5. Preheat and Prep: Heat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into 12 evenly sized balls (about 2 inches each). Gently press down with the palm of your hand to flatten.
7. Bake: Bake for 8–9 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
8. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on a rack before frosting.
9. Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until thick. Add 1–2 teaspoons of milk or water if needed to loosen.
10. Frost and Serve: Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Dust with cinnamon if desired.

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Chill for Structure: Don’t skip chilling the dough — it prevents overspreading.
• Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be soft when removed from the oven; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Thick Frosting: Aim for a frosting that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
• Use Room Temp Ingredients: This helps create an even, cohesive dough and smoother frosting.
• Spatula Test: Dough should be firm enough to scoop but not sticky — adjust flour slightly if needed.

Delicious Pairings and Fun Variations

• Serve with Hot Coffee or Chai: The warming spices in chai pair beautifully with cinnamon.
• Add a Dash of Nutmeg: For deeper spice flavor.
• Spicy Cinnamon Cookies: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat.
• Maple Glaze Version: Swap frosting with a simple maple glaze for a fall-inspired twist.
• Frosting Inside: Sandwich frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
• Holiday Version: Top with crushed pecans or a drizzle of caramel for festive flair.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Unfrosted Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Frosted Cookies: Best stored in the fridge for 3 days to maintain texture and flavor.
• Freeze the Dough: Roll dough into balls, freeze on a tray, and transfer to a bag for baking on-demand.
• Separate Frosting: Store frosting in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week — frost only when ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Seasonal Baking Made Easy

These Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies are ideal for fall baking, cozy holiday trays, or any time you’re craving a nostalgic, spiced dessert with a soft and chewy twist. Blending all the indulgence of cinnamon rolls with the ease of cookies, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers and cinnamon lovers alike.

With warm cinnamon spice, a cloud-like frosting, and a soft-baked center, these cookies are destined to become your new go-to dessert — easy, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.

Wrapping It All Up

Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the ultimate fusion of comfort and convenience. They bring together the sweet, spiced warmth of a cinnamon roll and the ease of a no-fuss cookie in one irresistible bite. With simple ingredients, no rising time, and just 20 minutes from start to finish, this is a treat that anyone can master — no baking expertise required. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

And let’s not forget — their gluten-free, easily customizable nature makes them ideal for a variety of dietary needs. So next time you’re craving cinnamon-spiced comfort without the commitment, whip up a batch of Soft Baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies and taste the magic for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls: These easy cinnamon rolls use puff pastry for a flaky, buttery texture that mimics traditional cinnamon rolls but with less effort. Perfect for pairing with soft baked cinnamon roll cookies in a cozy brunch spread.
• Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies with White Chocolate: Bursting with warm cinnamon and maple flavor, these chewy cookies echo the spice of cinnamon roll cookies with a creamy white chocolate twist.
• Cinnamon Christmas Bread: This festive loaf is swirled with rich cinnamon sugar layers, making it a perfect holiday companion to soft baked cinnamon roll cookies. Serve both together for the ultimate cinnamon lover’s dessert table.

Print