Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
If you adore the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and the cozy sweetness of a classic treat, then you are going to fall head over heels for these Cinnamon Roll Cookies. They capture all the gooey, buttery goodness of a cinnamon roll but in a perfectly portable cookie form that’s easy to enjoy any time. Imagine biting into a soft cookie that holds a delicate swirl of cinnamon sugar filling, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are an absolute game changer, effortlessly combining the best of two beloved baked goods into one delightful dessert that’s perfect to share or savor solo with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to build the perfect balance of soft cookie texture and rich, spiced filling. Each plays a vital role in creating the layered flavors and tender crumb you expect from Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives structure without making the cookies tough.
- Cake Flour: Adds a light, delicate crumb that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Corn starch: Helps to soften the texture, making the cookies almost melt-in-your-mouth.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: They work together to give the cookies just the right amount of rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flakiness; cold butter helps create the perfect dough consistency.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help the dough cream up smoothly.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for that deep, molasses-like flavor in the cinnamon filling.
- Eggs and Egg Yolks: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors in both dough and frosting.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that creates the signature swirl inside the cookie.
- Cream Cheese: The base for the luscious frosting that adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- Confectioners Sugar: Puréed into the frosting for a smooth, creamy texture.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, mix the brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon together until a smooth, fragrant cinnamon sugar filling forms. This mixture is the heart of the cookies, delivering the classic cinnamon roll flavor in a compact swirl.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, corn starch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry elements well ensures an even rise and keeps the final cookie tender and light.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cold, cubed butter on medium speed for about a minute until it softens. Then add the granulated sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy – this step is critical for getting the right texture in the cookie dough.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and the mixture is glossy. This adds moisture and richness, which makes the dough luxurious and helps it bind together perfectly.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually
Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in small increments, about a quarter cup at a time. This gentle folding helps keep the dough light by avoiding overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, press the cookie dough into a long rectangle approximately the size of a 9×13 inch pan. No rolling pin needed – just use your hands to gently flatten it out. This easy technique keeps the dough tender and ready for the next step.
Step 7: Spread the Cinnamon Filling
Evenly spoon the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, smoothing it out into a uniform layer. This ensures every bite delivers that signature swirl and makes the cookies pop with flavor.
Step 8: Roll Into the Classic Shape
Carefully roll the dough up along the long edge, just like a cinnamon roll, making sure not to tear the dough. If your surface was floured lightly, the dough should roll up beautifully without sticking.
Step 9: Cut and Seal the Cookies
Slice the dough log into about 10 to 12 equal pieces, each weighing roughly 4.5 ounces. Then, roll each piece gently into balls, sealing the filling inside so it doesn’t leak while baking. This step creates those delightful pockets of cinnamon sugar throughout the cookie.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges develop a light golden hue. Once baked, let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes on the sheet to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth using a hand mixer. Add confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix again until creamy and luscious. Adjust sweetness with more sugar if you like your frosting extra sweet.
Step 12: Frost and Finish
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top. These Cinnamon Roll Cookies can then be stored refrigerated and enjoyed over the next several days for freshness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies shine bright with just a simple dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting, which adds a subtle spicy aroma and a pretty finishing flair. You can also try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich latte to complement the cinnamon and cream cheese notes. They also make an excellent breakfast treat alongside yogurt or fresh fruit if you want to turn these cookies into a fun brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few Cinnamon Roll Cookies on a pretty plate to create a tempting tower, ideal for parties and gatherings. For a twist, sandwich a dollop of frosting between two cookies to create mini cinnamon roll cookie sandwiches—perfect for sharing or gifting wrapped in parchment paper tied with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage, keeping the cookies moist and delicious for up to five days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after baking and cooling. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. The cookies will keep well for up to three months, making it easy to prepare a batch in advance for whenever a cinnamon roll craving strikes.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated cookies, let them come to room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their soft texture and intensifies the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t have cake flour, but the cookies might turn out slightly less tender and a bit denser. To mimic cake flour, try replacing 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour per cup with cornstarch before measuring.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling?
For this recipe, chilling is not required thanks to the cold butter used at the start. The dough is easier to work with right away and rolls up nicely without becoming too sticky or difficult.
Can I make a dairy-free version of the frosting?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. Just be sure to use a powdered sugar you trust to be dairy-free, and the frosting will still be creamy and delicious.
What is the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?
Rolling the cookies tightly and sealing the edges well when you form the individual cookie balls helps keep the cinnamon sugar filling inside. Also, avoid overfilling and make sure the dough isn’t too thin where you make the roll.
Can I add nuts or raisins to Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Yes, feel free to fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for a crunchy texture, or sprinkle some raisins inside the roll for bursts of chewy sweetness. Just don’t overdo it, as too many additions can make rolling difficult.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Roll Cookies. They bring all the nostalgic comfort of cinnamon rolls into a delightfully fun cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with friends, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at just how quickly these tasty treats become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies that combine the soft, buttery texture of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a cookie. Featuring a cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for breakfast treats or sweet snacks.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Cake Flour
- 2 tsp. Corn Starch
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1 tsp. Salt
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup Cold, Unsalted Butter, cubed (16 Tbsp.)
- 1 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 large Egg Yolks
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1 cup Packed Brown Sugar (light or dark)
- 6 Tbsp. Softened Butter
- 2 Tbsp. Cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups Confectioners Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Filling: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Place the cold, cubed butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream butter for about 1 minute, then add granulated sugar and continue creaming until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, approximately 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: On a lightly floured surface, press the cookie dough into a long rectangle roughly the size of a 9×13 inch pan. No rolling pin is needed—use your hands to flatten evenly.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon sugar filling over the dough rectangle in a thin layer.
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, ensuring not to tear the dough. The light dusting of flour will help prevent sticking.
- Slice Cookies: Cut the rolled dough into approximately 10-12 slices, each weighing about 4.5 oz, forming individual cookie rounds.
- Form and Bake Cookies: Roll each slice into a ball, sealing the edges to keep the cinnamon filling inside. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until creamy. Add additional powdered sugar if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for garnish. Store cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the dough to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it briefly before shaping.
- Seal the cookie edges well to prevent the cinnamon filling from oozing out during baking.
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove when edges are just turning golden.
- Adjust the powdered sugar quantity in the frosting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 65g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cookies, cinnamon cookies, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon sugar cookies, soft cookies
