Holiday Cinnamon Swirl Cookies – A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat

Cinnamon roll cookies bring all the cozy flavor of warm rolls into bite-sized, chewy treats. With buttery dough, a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl, and golden edges, they’re perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy winter snack. These cookies bake up quickly, fill your kitchen with sweet spice, and taste like Christmas in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with cinnamon roll cookies because they pack holiday flavor into a simple, quick treat. The dough comes together in minutes, and the swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon bakes into a chewy, soft cookie that stays moist for days. Each bite has that classic roll taste without the hassle of yeast or long rise times. These cookies are festive enough to grace a Christmas dessert table yet easy enough for a weekday baking session. They’re also versatile—you can serve them as a sweet breakfast bite with coffee or as a cozy evening dessert. Kids and adults both adore them, making this recipe a family-friendly choice that you’ll reach for every holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

You’ll start with all-purpose flour for structure, combined with baking powder for a gentle lift. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, while ground cinnamon adds warmth throughout the dough. Unsalted butter, softened, creates a rich, tender base. A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives sweetness with a hint of caramel depth. One large egg binds the dough, and a splash of vanilla extract adds a comforting aroma.

For the Filling

The heart of these cookies is a simple but flavorful swirl. A blend of packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon creates that gooey center that mimics classic cinnamon rolls. When baked, this mixture melts into a fragrant spiral that makes the cookies irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing so the cookies stay tender.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. The mixture should look like damp sand and smell warmly spiced.

Assemble and Roll

Spread half of the dough on a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar filling. Starting at the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, using the parchment to help guide the shape. Slice the log into 1-inch rounds with a sharp knife for even cookies.

Bake the Cookies

Place the slices on a lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, checking early to prevent overbrowning. The cookies are ready when the edges are golden and the centers look just set. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

For the neatest swirls, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and slicing. This helps keep the layers defined during baking. A cookie scoop ensures even sizes so they bake consistently. Always keep an eye on bake time—pull them out a minute early if needed since ovens vary. Slight underbaking keeps them soft and chewy, which is key for this recipe. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, dust your parchment lightly with flour before rolling. For a bakery-style finish, drizzle a quick icing of powdered sugar and milk over cooled cookies.

Variations and Add-Ins

If you want a seasonal twist, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice to create a cozy fall version. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and nuttiness to the filling. Chocolate chips folded into the dough bring extra sweetness. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate across cooled cookies for a festive finish. For a playful Christmas touch, sprinkle red and green sugar on top before baking. Each variation makes the cookies feel new while keeping that classic cinnamon roll vibe.

Storing and Reheating

Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To refresh them, microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds—it brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. If you need to make them ahead, the dough logs can be wrapped and chilled overnight, then sliced and baked the next day. You can also freeze baked cookies and thaw them when holiday cravings hit.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Related Recipes to Try

• Pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting
• Churro cheesecake recipe
• Apple pie bites
• Classic gingerbread cookies
• Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies
• Cinnamon muffins easy recipe

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cookies bring the spirit of the season into every buttery, swirled bite. With their chewy texture, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and festive charm, they’re perfect for Christmas dessert tables or simple family moments. This recipe is quick enough for weekday baking yet special enough for holidays. Share them with loved ones, package them as gifts, or keep a batch ready for cozy evenings. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. And if you’re looking for more festive inspiration, you can find seasonal ideas on my Pinterest board.

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