If you love the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls but find the traditional baking process a bit time-consuming, you are going to adore this Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats capture all the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, rolled up into perfectly bite-sized cookies. With a flaky pie crust base, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a luscious glaze, they come together quickly and effortlessly, making them the ideal sweet fix any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in the final cookie. From the buttery richness of the pie crust to the spicy-sweet cinnamon blend, every component complements each other perfectly.
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust: This forms the flaky and tender base that makes the texture so irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed over the crust to add moisture and help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep sweetness and moisture for that perfect caramelized flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Your key spice that delivers the classic warm, spicy note.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used for the glaze to add a smooth, sweet finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with its rich and fragrant profile.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a smooth baking experience without sticking. Unroll the pie crust on a lightly floured surface to prevent any sticking. This step sets the stage for your flaky, buttery cookies.
Step 2: Brush on the Butter
Brush the entire surface of the pie crust evenly with the melted unsalted butter. This not only adds a rich flavor but also helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere perfectly to the crust, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Mix and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Sprinkle this delicious cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pie crust, covering every inch for a well-balanced flavor in each cookie.
Step 4: Roll and Slice Your Cookies
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the crust into a tight log. The tighter the roll, the more defined your cinnamon swirl will be. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The oven’s heat will crisp up the edges while maintaining a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Step 6: Whisk Together the Glaze
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This simple glaze adds a silky sweetness that elevates your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe to the next level.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Allow the cookies to cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. This ensures the glaze sets just right without melting away, giving you that perfect glossy finish.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly. A small dusting of extra cinnamon powder can also make them look irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a frothy latte, or your favorite spiced chai tea. For a decadent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of apple cider to amplify those cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cinnamon roll cookies on a decorative plate with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. You can also stack them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a charming homemade gift or party favor that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that rarely happens!), keep your Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and glaze freshly for best results.
Reheating
Warm your cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a preheated oven at 300°F to refresh their flaky texture and melty glaze. They’ll taste just like they did fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a lovely personal touch and can make the cookies even flakier, but the refrigerated kind is a fantastic shortcut that works perfectly for this recipe.
What can I substitute for brown sugar if I don’t have any?
You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or even white granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses mixed in to mimic the taste and moisture of brown sugar.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these cookies are vegetarian-friendly since they don’t contain any animal meat products. Just be sure the pie crust you choose fits your dietary preferences.
Can I add nuts or other fillings to the cookies?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips before rolling the crust adds fantastic texture and flavor.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer when you want that cozy, homemade cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss. They’re simple, speedy to whip up, and taste absolutely heavenly warm and glazed to perfection. Trust me, once you make these, they’re going to become a favorite go-to treat that you find yourself sharing with friends and family time and time again—so go ahead and bake up a batch today!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a quick and delightful treat made from a simple refrigerated pie crust rolled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for a fuss-free dessert that tastes just like classic cinnamon rolls without the lengthy dough preparation.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the softened pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface evenly with the melted butter to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and add richness.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered pie crust for a sweet and spicy flavor base.
- Roll the crust: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the crust into a log shape to create the characteristic swirl shape of cinnamon roll cookies.
- Slice the rolls: Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and crisp around the edges.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cookies bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cookies before serving to add sweetness and a luscious finish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon sugar before rolling the crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
