Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll: Amazing 10-Min Treat

August 24, 2025

Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll cookies have become my absolute favorite way to capture that iconic flavor in a simple, delightful treat. I remember the first time I tried to replicate that perfect cinnamon roll texture in cookie form; it was a quest for that magical balance of soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness. This recipe for soft cinnamon rolls recipe cookies is the result of many kitchen experiments, and I’m so excited to share how to make soft chewy cinnamon rolls that taste just like the real deal, but are so much quicker to whip up. Get ready for that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen – let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love Our Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Incredible Taste: Experience the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in every bite.
Quick & Easy Prep: Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy soft chewy cinnamon roll recipe comes together in minutes.
Uniquely Delicious: A brilliant twist on a classic, these cookies offer that beloved cinnamon roll essence with cookie simplicity.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats, making them ideal for any gathering.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: We’ve perfected the balance for truly buttery soft chewy cinnamon rolls that are incredibly tender.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples for a fuss-free baking experience.
Irresistible Aroma: Your kitchen will smell amazing as these bake, promising a delicious reward.

Ingredients for Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. For the cinnamon sugar filling, you’ll need 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, which helps bind the sugars and spices. We’ll also use ⅓ cup packed brown sugar for that signature chewiness and rich flavor, along with 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour to thicken the mixture. Don’t forget 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon for that warm, comforting spice and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

For the cookie dough itself, which gives us that base reminiscent of a soft cinnamon roll dough recipe, you’ll need 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool, to ensure a tender crumb. Then, 1⅓ cups granulated sugar and 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract add sweetness and aroma. We’ll use 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk for richness and binding. Finally, the dry ingredients include 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder for lift, 1 teaspoon cornstarch for tenderness, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

How to Make Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Let’s get these delightful cookies into the oven! First, we’ll create that irresistible cinnamon sugar filling that makes these taste so much like the real thing. In a medium bowl, combine 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together until it forms a crumbly paste. This mixture is key to that gooey cinnamon swirl you love in a classic cinnamon roll.

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until combined and crumbly.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool, and 1⅓ cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cookie base, much like in a good moist cinnamon roll recipe.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir in 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 1 large egg yolk until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Slowly add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough just forms. This dough is the foundation for our chewy cinnamon rolls recipe.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture into the cookie dough until it’s just combined and streaky. Be careful not to overmix; we want those beautiful swirls.
Step 6: Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and ensures a better texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They should still look a little soft in the center – that’s the secret to a tender cookie!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Pro Tips for the Best Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Want to guarantee these cookies are absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference in achieving that ideal texture and flavor:

Chill your dough! This is non-negotiable for getting that wonderful cinnamon swirl without the cookies spreading too much. A good 30 minutes in the fridge really helps.
Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour is a common culprit for dry, cakey cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. For more baking tips, check out our recipe section.
Don’t overbake! These cookies are meant to be soft in the center. Pull them out when the edges are just beginning to turn golden. They’ll continue to set up as they cool.
Use fresh, good-quality cinnamon. It really makes a difference in the overall flavor profile of your chewy cinnamon rolls recipe. You can learn more about the benefits of fresh spices from sources like Spice Advice.

What’s the secret to perfectly soft and chewy cinnamon roll cookies?

The magic really lies in the combination of brown sugar and butter. Brown sugar has molasses, which keeps baked goods moist and chewy. Using slightly cooled butter also helps create that delightful texture, which is exactly what makes cinnamon rolls soft and chewy and now, our cookies too!

Can I make this soft chewy cinnamon roll recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cookie dough and the cinnamon sugar mixture separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Or, scoop the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen. For more make-ahead tips, explore our other recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with chewy cinnamon rolls?

The biggest mistake is overbaking, which leads to dry cookies. Always err on the side of underbaking slightly. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as old baking powder can affect the lift and texture, potentially leaving you wondering why are my cinnamon rolls not chewy. Properly chilling the dough is also key to preventing them from spreading too thin. Understanding the science behind baking, like the role of leavening agents, can be very helpful; you can find more information on King Arthur Baking.

Best Ways to Serve Your Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies are fantastic just as they are, but I love to elevate them with a few simple touches. For a classic pairing, serve them with a cold glass of milk – it’s the perfect contrast to the warm cinnamon spice and sweet cookie. Alternatively, a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat, reminiscent of enjoying sweet cinnamon rolls with frosting. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you could even whip up a simple cream cheese glaze, similar to traditional cinnamon roll frosting, and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of decadence. They’re truly versatile!

Nutrition Facts for Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Per serving (recipe makes approximately 24 cookies):

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your soft cinnamon rolls recipe.

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How to Store and Reheat Your Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Once your amazing soft chewy cinnamon roll cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping them tasting fresh and maintaining that perfect texture. I like to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This is a great way to enjoy them over a few days without them drying out, much like how you’d keep a tender cinnamon roll recipe tasting great. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled cookies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months! For more storage ideas, consider looking at our Indian Butter Chicken recipe for inspiration on preserving flavors.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, you can simply let it thaw on the counter for about an hour, or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. This reheating method is perfect for recapturing that fresh-baked goodness. Remember, the goal is always to preserve that soft, chewy texture, so avoid airtight containers that might trap too much moisture, which can make them gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Are these cookies similar to actual cinnamon rolls?

Yes, they capture the delicious essence of cinnamon rolls in a cookie format! You get that warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and a wonderfully soft, chewy texture that’s incredibly satisfying. They’re a fantastic shortcut to enjoying those classic flavors without the yeast-rising process, making them some of the best soft chewy cinnamon rolls you can whip up quickly. For more quick baking ideas, check out our coconut chicken meatballs.

What makes these cinnamon roll cookies so chewy?

The chewiness comes from a few key ingredients and techniques. The brown sugar, with its molasses content, is a big factor in keeping baked goods moist and chewy. We also use a combination of egg and egg yolk, and the cornstarch in the dough contributes to a tender, slightly gooey texture. It’s these elements that truly define the homemade soft chewy cinnamon rolls experience in cookie form.

Can I add frosting to these cookies?

Absolutely! While they are delicious on their own, a simple drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a basic powdered sugar glaze would be amazing. This would make them even more reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls and add an extra layer of sweetness. It’s a great way to customize your cookie experience.

Why aren’t my cookies as soft and chewy as I expected?

This can happen if you overbake them, or if your flour-to-sugar ratio is off. Always bake them until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Also, ensure you’re using fresh baking powder and measuring your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, to achieve that perfect texture.

Variations of Soft Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic soft chewy cinnamon roll cookie, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to switch up this recipe. For a delightful twist that’s reminiscent of glazed soft chewy cinnamon rolls, whip up a simple powdered sugar glaze with a splash of milk and a hint of vanilla, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies. If you’re looking for a lighter texture, you can experiment with slightly less flour or ensure your baking powder is very fresh to lean towards a more fluffy chewy cinnamon roll profile. You could also add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty crunch, or even a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla for a different aromatic note. For those seeking gluten-free options, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work beautifully as a substitute for the regular flour. You might find inspiration for gluten-free baking in our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, which can often be adapted.