Introduction

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time to bake an entire batch of dough, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect solution. They combine the delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl of a classic cinnamon roll with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. These cookies are easy to make, packed with flavor, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just like the one you find on your favorite cinnamon rolls.

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity and the way it mimics the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a convenient, bite-sized treat. From the first bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon, and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday treat, an afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require no yeast or rising time—just mix, bake, and frost for a delicious indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Flavors in Cookie Form: These cookies bring the same warm cinnamon-sugar flavors as traditional cinnamon rolls but without the need for yeast or rising.
Quick and Easy: No need to wait for dough to rise—these cookies come together quickly and bake in just 12-15 minutes.
Soft and Chewy: The cookies are tender and chewy with a swirl of cinnamon filling in every bite.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, these cookies take the classic cinnamon roll experience to a whole new level.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cookie Dough:

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, cold
1 cup (135 g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) whole milk

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough or sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Maple Icing: Instead of the cream cheese frosting, drizzle the cookies with a maple glaze for a fun twist on the classic flavor combination.
Chocolate Lovers: For a richer treat, add a few mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies after frosting.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling

In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft but firm enough to handle.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Roll Filling

Spread the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently roll the dough into a log, pinching the edges to seal the roll.

Step 5: Slice and Chill

Slice the dough into approximately 12 equal pieces. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between each cookie. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a small bowl, beat the cold cream cheese with the powdered sugar and whole milk until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the cookies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each one. For an extra touch, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the frosted cookies. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined to ensure the cookies remain soft and tender.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg yolks are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
Adjust the Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it thickens up.

How to Serve

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the dough and filling to avoid making the cookies too salty.

2. Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?

Yes, you can leave it out, but cream of tartar helps to stabilize the dough and gives the cookies a slightly better texture.

3. Can I use egg whites instead of egg yolks?

Egg yolks contribute to the softness and richness of the dough. Using only egg whites may result in slightly drier cookies, but it can still work if necessary.

4. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough or on top of the frosting can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.

5. Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese frosting really adds the finishing touch that makes these cookies taste like a true cinnamon roll.

6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, roll it up, and chill it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking.

7. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if stored in the fridge.

8. Can I make the cinnamon sugar topping in advance?

Yes, you can mix the cinnamon sugar topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

9. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! You could use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even a maple glaze for a different twist.

10. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the rolled-up dough before slicing and baking. Just slice and bake the cookies directly from the freezer—add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

The Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and creamy frosting, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a delicious snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy every cinnamon roll craving! Enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-packed bite!