If you’re a fan of classic cinnamon rolls and soft, chewy cookies, then these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the dream hybrid you didn’t know you needed. With buttery dough rolled around a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with tangy cream cheese frosting, these cookies bring the best of both worlds together. Perfect for the holidays, weekend baking, or any time you’re craving warm spices, these treats are indulgent, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious.
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What Makes These Cinnamon Roll Cookies So Special?
These cinnamon roll cookies aren’t your average sugar cookies. They are ultra-soft, thick, and swirled with a decadent cinnamon-brown sugar filling, making every bite feel like a mini cinnamon roll. The dough is made with a mix of all-purpose and cake flour for a soft, tender texture. Best of all, the cream cheese frosting adds that classic cinnamon roll finish—sweet, creamy, and just a bit tangy.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, these cookies are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress.
Star Ingredients That Create Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and chewiness
• Cake Flour: Adds tenderness for that melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Cornstarch: Helps create a soft, thick cookie crumb
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Leavening agents that lift and soften the dough
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors
• Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a light, fluffy dough
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s structure
• Eggs & Egg Yolks: Bind ingredients and add richness
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
• Brown Sugar (light or dark): Caramel flavor that deepens the filling
• Softened Butter: Ensures spreadability and moisture
• Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and aroma
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness
• Unsalted Butter: Makes the frosting smooth and creamy
• Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting
• Vanilla Extract & Salt: For flavor and balance
Smart Swaps for Any Pantry
Need to tweak the recipe? Try these substitutions:
• Cake Flour Substitute: Use more all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch if you don’t have cake flour
• Brown Sugar Swap: Mix white sugar with a little molasses for a quick alternative
• Cream Cheese Alternative: Mascarpone cheese offers a similar texture with a milder flavor
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free treat
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace both flours with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix
These ingredient swaps can help tailor the cinnamon roll cookie recipe to dietary needs or pantry constraints without compromising flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies From Scratch
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 400°F. Prepare the cinnamon sugar filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cold cubed butter until slightly softened, then add the granulated sugar and cream until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, adding about ¼ cup at a time to avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, press the dough into a rectangle (use a 9×13-inch dish for reference). Flatten it with your hands—no rolling pin needed.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Slice: Gently roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Slice into 10–12 thick cookies (about 4.5 oz each). Roll each into a ball and pinch the seams to enclose the filling.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool for 10–15 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and mix until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once cookies are fully cooled, frost generously and sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired.
Tips to Nail These Cookies Every Time
• Cold Butter Is Key: It helps maintain the cookie’s structure and prevents spreading
• Seal the Edges: Pinch dough edges after shaping to keep the filling from leaking
• Size Matters: For smaller cookies, reduce baking time and start checking at 8 minutes
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing the dough too much can lead to dense cookies
• Cool Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool completely so the frosting doesn’t melt
Keeping these tips in mind will help you master cinnamon roll cookies every time you bake them.
Delicious Pairings and Flavor Variations
• Pair With: A hot mug of coffee, spiced chai, or a cold glass of milk
• Add-Ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling for crunch
• Frosting Variations: Try maple or brown butter cream cheese frosting
• Spiced Version: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for deeper fall flavor
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller portions for bite-sized treats—just adjust the bake time accordingly
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months
These creative spins allow you to personalize the cinnamon roll cookies and enjoy them in multiple ways.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Season
Cinnamon roll cookies blend comfort and elegance, making them a perfect year-round dessert. They shine during fall and winter holidays with their warm spices, yet their soft texture and creamy frosting make them just as appealing in spring or summer gatherings.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday party, or casual brunch, cinnamon roll cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser with their nostalgic flavors and bakery-worthy look.
Wrapping It Up: Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies Every Time
Cinnamon roll cookies combine the nostalgia of your favorite breakfast treat with the chewy satisfaction of a homemade cookie. They’re rich, soft, buttery, and spiced to perfection. With their gorgeous cinnamon swirls and generous slathering of cream cheese frosting, these cookies not only taste incredible but also look impressive on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees comfort, sweetness, and a whole lot of compliments.
FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Cookies
How do I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?
To prevent the cinnamon sugar filling from oozing out, make sure to firmly pinch the dough around the edges after forming each cookie ball. Chilling the shaped cookies for 10–15 minutes before baking can also help them maintain their shape and keep the filling sealed inside.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and cinnamon roll log a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply slice, shape into balls, and bake as directed. You can also freeze unbaked cookies for up to 2 months—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What if I don’t have cake flour?
If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a quick substitute: for every 1 cup of cake flour needed, measure 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This keeps the cookies soft and tender.
More Relevant Recipes
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Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 cookies 1x
Description
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delightful fusion of soft, chewy cookies and classic cinnamon rolls. Swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and chewiness
- 1 1/2 cups Cake Flour: Adds tenderness for a soft texture
- 2 tsp Cornstarch: Helps create a soft cookie crumb
- 1 tsp Baking Soda: Leavening agent for lift
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Works with baking soda for rise
- 1 tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed: Adds richness and structure
- 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough
- 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients
- 2 Large Egg Yolks: Add richness and moisture
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor
- 1 cup Packed Brown Sugar (light or dark): Rich caramel flavor in the filling
- 6 tbsp Softened Butter: Helps spread the filling evenly
- 2 tbsp Cinnamon: The star spice in the swirl
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: Tangy base for the frosting
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened: Adds creaminess to the frosting
- 2 1/2 cups Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances frosting flavor
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances sweetness in frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Make the cinnamon sugar filling by mixing brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, beat cold, cubed butter until softened slightly. Add granulated sugar and cream until fluffy (1-2 minutes).
- Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, about 1/4 cup at a time.
- On a floured surface, press the dough into a large rectangle using your hands (approx. 9×13 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Slice into 10–12 pieces and shape each into a ball, sealing the edges to prevent filling from leaking.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Seal the edges of each cookie ball to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Chill the shaped dough before baking to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate or freeze.
- Let cookies come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie with frosting
- Calories: 672 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 619 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 139 mg
