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Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Experience the perfect blend of flavors with soft cinnamon roll cookies topped with heavenly cream cheese frosting. These delectable treats begin with a soft and chewy sugar cookie base, providing a delicate sweetness to complement the rich cinnamon roll filling. Each cookie is then lovingly adorned with a swirl of creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, adding a luxurious touch to every bite. Indulge in the comforting warmth of cinnamon combined with the smoothness of cream cheese, making these cookies an irresistible delight for any occasion. Just like a cinnamon roll, but in cookie form!

Cinnamon Roll Cookies with cream cheese icing on a cooling rack.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

  • These cookies are a perfect combination of everyone’s favorite treats: homemade cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies.
  • The soft and chewy texture of the cookie pairs perfectly with the gooey cinnamon filling and creamy frosting.
  • They are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast.
  • These cookies are easy to make and require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
  • The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and rich element that takes these cookies to the next level.
  • They make a great gift for friends and family for the holidays, or for sharing at potlucks and parties.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Ingredients to make cinnamon roll sugar cookies.

Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for these cookies, as it provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies to rise and create a soft texture.

Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavors in the cookie dough.

Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the cookies. 

Sugar: White granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a tender texture.

Egg & Vanilla Extract: These ingredients provide flavor and structure to the cookie dough.

Ingredients for cinnamon roll topping for cinnamon roll sugar cookies.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling Ingredients

Butter: Softened butter is combined with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a gooey filling for the cookies.

Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and richness to the filling, enhancing the cinnamon flavor.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the filling, giving it that classic cinnamon roll taste.

Ingredients for cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Butter & Cream Cheese: Softened butter and cream cheese are combined to create a creamy and tangy frosting.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar provides sweetness and helps to thicken the frosting.

Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract adds warmth and flavor to the frosting.

Milk or Heavy Cream: A small amount of milk or heavy cream can be added to adjust the consistency of the frosting to your liking.

How To Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies

[Step 1] Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl and set aside. 

Dry ingredients for cinnamon roll cookies.
Step 1

[Step 2] Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.

Wet ingredients for cinnamon roll cookies.
Step 2

[Step 3] Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until cookie dough forms.

Cinnamon roll cookie dough in a cookie scoop.
Step 3

[Step 4] Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to measure the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the cookie dough balls onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart and use the back of a measuring cup to flatten the ball slightly.

Vanilla sugar cookies on a baking sheet.
Step 5

[Step 6] Bake cookies at 375°F for 8-10 minutes then remove from the oven and allow to stay on the pan for about 5 minutes before transfering to a wire rack.

Baked vanilla sugar cookies.
Step 6

[Step 7] Cinnamon Roll Filling: Mix all ingredients together until fully incorporated in a small bowl, then spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cooled baked cookies.

Sugar cookies with cinnamon roll filling spread on top.
Step 7

[Step 8] Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment for 1-2 minutes in a medium bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and beat for 1 minute. Mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating in between. Add the vanilla extract and whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add to a piping bag with a large round tip or add to a ziplock bag and cut off one corner. Pipe the frosting on the center of each cookie in a swirl.

Cream cheese frosting in a piping bag with cinnamon roll cookies.
Step 8

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies 

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Baking Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Cookie

  • Be sure to use softened butter for both the cookie dough and frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Don’t overmix the cookie dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
  • To achieve perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough and roll it into balls with your hands.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will prevent them from breaking.
  • For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting or top with chopped nuts.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies with cream cheese icing on a cooling rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

While margarine can be used as a substitute, the taste and texture may be slightly different.

Can I make these cookies without the filling and frosting?

Yes, you can skip the filling and just add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cookie dough before baking. You can also omit the frosting or use store-bought cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts on Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies

The best cinnamon roll cookies are a delicious and unique twist on traditional sugar cookies. They make for a perfect holiday treat or anytime dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time. Impress your friends and family with this tasty recipe!  So why wait? Get baking today! 

Cinnamon Roll Cookies with cream cheese icing on a cooling rack.

More Cookie Recipes:

Cinnamon Roll Cookies with cream cheese icing on a cooling rack.

Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: 30 Cookies
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Experience the perfect blend of flavors with soft cinnamon roll cookies topped with heavenly cream cheese frosting. These delectable treats begin with a soft and chewy sugar cookie base, providing a delicate sweetness to complement the rich cinnamon roll filling. Each cookie is then lovingly adorned with a swirl of creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, adding a luxurious touch to every bite. Indulge in the comforting warmth of cinnamon combined with the smoothness of cream cheese, making these cookies an irresistible delight for any occasion. Just like a cinnamon roll, but in cookie form!

Ingredients

Vanilla Sugar Cookies

  • 2 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Cup Butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 Cups White Sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

Cinnamon Roll Filling

  • 3/4 Cup Butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
  • 1-2 Teaspoons Cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
  • 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream

Instructions

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl and set aside. 
  2. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cookie dough. The dough will be a little crumbly.
  4. Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to measure the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands.
  5. Place the cookie dough balls onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart and use the back of a measuring cup to flatten the ball slightly.
  6. Bake cookies at 350°F for 11-13 minutes then remove from the oven and allow to stay on the pan for about 5 minutes before transfering to a wire rack.
  7. Cinnamon Roll Filling: Mix all ingredients together until fully incorporated in a small bowl, then spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cooled baked cookies.
  8. Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment for 1-2 minutes in a medium bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and beat for 1 minute. Mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating in between. Add the vanilla extract and whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add to a piping bag with a large round tip or add to a ziplock bag and cut off one corner. Pipe the frosting on the center of each cookie in a swirl.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 288Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 213mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 0gSugar: 26gProtein: 2g

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