Dessert

Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon water; 1/4 cup granulated white sugar; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

ByLila Prescott July 4, 2025July 4, 2025

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Get ready to fall in love with Cinnamon Bun Cookies—a sweet treat that captures everything you adore about classic cinnamon buns, but in the form of a tender, buttery cookie. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a swoosh of vanilla glaze, these cookies are as beautiful as they are addictive. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, Cinnamon Bun Cookies are an absolutely delightful way to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen.

Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cinnamon Bun Cookies are all about using simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Each thoughtful addition lends its own special touch, from the warmth of cinnamon to the richness of cream. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Unsalted butter: The foundation for flavorful, tender cookies; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and brings a cozy, bakery-fresh aroma.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweet and amplify every other flavor.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure so your cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
Egg white: Helps the cinnamon-sugar filling stick and gives the swirl its classic look.
Water: Whisked with egg white to make a perfect wash for the filling.
Granulated white sugar: Essential for that cinnamony swirl and the signature snap.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of any cinnamon bun flavor—don’t skimp here!
Heavy whipping cream: Lends incredible richness to the glaze, keeping it smooth and luscious.

How to Make Cinnamon Bun Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by beating the room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together until creamy. This base promises fluffiness in every bite! Gently blend in the flour until the dough just comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap snuggly in plastic, and pop it in the fridge to chill for about an hour—this step makes the dough way easier to roll out.

Step 2: Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough is chilled, lay it on a lightly floured parchment and roll it into a 9×12-inch rectangle. In a small bowl, blend the egg white with water until foamy and brush it onto the dough’s surface. Whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then shower that cinnamon-sugar goodness evenly over the top. Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a snug log. Wrap and freeze until firm—this ensures beautiful spirals later on!

Step 3: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your cookie sheets ready with parchment. Unwrap the chilled log and slice it into ½-inch rounds with a sharp knife. If a few swirls flatten—don’t fret—just nudge them back into shape! Arrange on the sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until barely golden on the edges. Let them cool on a rack; your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Make the Icing

Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl to ensure your glaze is silky smooth. Whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until you have a pourable, tempting icing. Drizzle it over the cooled Cinnamon Bun Cookies, or serve it as a dip on the side—because more icing is always a good idea!

How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon over the glaze for a striking look, add a few chopped toasted pecans if you’re feeling fancy, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for that snow-kissed finish. Even a light zesting of orange can add a gorgeous pop of aroma.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these cookies with a piping hot mug of coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk. For an afternoon treat, pair Cinnamon Bun Cookies with a cozy bowl of fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—comfort food at its best.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Cinnamon Bun Cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for unbeatable homemade gifts, or arrange them in a swirl-pattern on a platter for dessert spreads. For a brunch gathering, nestle them alongside fresh cut flowers and a cinnamon stick for extra charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Bun Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, so you can sneak one with your morning coffee or as a midnight treat.

Freezing

These cookies freeze brilliantly! You can freeze the baked cookies (unglazed or glazed) in a single layer, then stack with parchment in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. You can also freeze the unbaked, filled cookie log—just thaw it enough to slice before baking.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, fresh-baked feel, pop a cookie (or two!) in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. Adding icing after reheating will give you that amazing, gooey cinnamon bun experience.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour to make Cinnamon Bun Cookies?

Absolutely! A good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work perfectly. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get those luscious swirls and cinnamon-spiced flavor.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough makes a big difference—it makes rolling and slicing so much easier, and helps the cookies hold their delightful spiral shape as they bake.

Can I make Cinnamon Bun Cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the dough log in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to bake. This makes spontaneous cookie cravings a very real (and delicious) possibility.

What’s the best way to drizzle the icing?

For neat drizzles, use a spoon or put the glaze into a small zip-top bag and snip off a corner for piping. If you love rustic charm, simply use a spoon and let the frosting flow—you can’t go wrong!

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Feel free to double (or even triple) the ingredients if you’re baking for a crowd. The more Cinnamon Bun Cookies you share, the more friends you’ll make!

Final Thoughts

Give these Cinnamon Bun Cookies a try and let their warm swirls and sweet vanilla glaze put a smile on your face. They truly bring together the best parts of a cinnamon roll—only in a craveworthy cookie form you’ll want to bake again and again. Happy baking!