Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe

There’s something truly magical about combining two beloved desserts into one, and these cinnamon roll cookies are a testament to that enchantment. This recipe isn’t just about making a cookie; it’s about capturing the essence of a warm, gooey homemade cinnamon roll in a more convenient, cookie-friendly format. The genius lies in the balance of textures and flavors that mimic the classic pastry perfectly.

Firstly, the cookie base itself is designed for success. It’s incredibly soft and wonderfully chewy, a characteristic often hard to achieve in a cookie that also offers slightly crisp edges. This perfect texture profile ensures every bite is satisfying. Secondly, the flavor profile is unmistakably cinnamon roll. We incorporate a generous amount of warm, fragrant cinnamon directly into the cookie dough, creating a spiced base that sings with comforting notes. But what truly elevates these from just “cinnamon cookies” to “cinnamon roll cookies” is the decadent, signature cream cheese frosting. It’s a rich, tangy, and sweet topping that provides the perfect counterpoint to the spiced cookie, just like the glaze on a traditional cinnamon roll.

Furthermore, this recipe is designed to be accessible for bakers of all skill levels. While the end result feels gourmet, the steps are straightforward and manageable. You get all the incredible flavor and satisfying texture of a labor-intensive cinnamon roll without the extensive proofing and rolling required for yeasted doughs. It’s a faster, simpler, yet equally rewarding way to enjoy those classic flavors. These cookies are ideal for holiday cookie platters, potlucks, or simply as a comforting treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Crafting the perfect batch of cinnamon roll cookies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Below, we’ll delve into the essentials you’ll need to create these irresistible treats. For precise measurements and the full recipe card, please refer to the printable version located at the very end of this post.

FLOUR – While most cookie recipes typically call for all-purpose flour, which works beautifully here, don’t hesitate to use bread flour if you happen to have it on hand. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can contribute to an even chewier texture in your cookies, enhancing that delightful “cinnamon roll” feel. Either option will yield delicious results, so use what’s readily available in your pantry.

SUGAR – To achieve the ideal balance of sweetness and moisture that defines these cookies, this recipe utilizes both granulated white sugar and light brown sugar. Granulated sugar provides structure and a crispness to the edges, while brown sugar adds depth of flavor with its molasses notes and contributes significantly to the soft, chewy texture of the cookie centers. The combination ensures a perfectly rounded sweetness that isn’t cloying.

BUTTER – Unsalted butter is crucial for both the cookie dough and the frosting. For the cookie dough, it provides richness and helps create that tender crumb. For the frosting, it forms the creamy base. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for both components. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars in the cookie dough, incorporating air for a lighter texture, and it ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.

EGGS – A single large egg binds the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness to the cookie dough. Like butter, having your egg at room temperature is beneficial as it emulsifies more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a more uniform dough and better overall cookie texture.

BAKING POWDER & SALT – Baking powder acts as our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly and achieve their soft, cake-like center. Salt, on the other hand, is a flavor enhancer. It balances the sweetness of the sugars and brightens all the other flavors, making the cinnamon and vanilla truly shine.

CINNAMON – Ground cinnamon is the star spice here, infused throughout the cookie dough to deliver that signature warm, aromatic flavor. Don’t skimp on good quality cinnamon, as it makes a noticeable difference in the final taste profile of your cinnamon roll cookies. A little extra for garnish adds a beautiful visual touch and an extra burst of aroma.

VANILLA EXTRACT – Pure vanilla extract complements the cinnamon beautifully, adding a layer of sweet, fragrant complexity to both the cookie dough and the cream cheese frosting. It’s a subtle but essential ingredient that rounds out the flavor profile.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING – This simple yet decadent frosting is the crowning glory of these cookies. It’s made from softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of pure vanilla extract. The most crucial tip for this component is to ensure both your butter and cream cheese are at **room temperature**. Attempting to mix cold ingredients will inevitably lead to a lumpy, difficult-to-spread frosting. Allow ample time for these ingredients to soften naturally or use the quick-warming tip mentioned in our FAQ section below.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Creating these delightful cinnamon roll cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions, complete with helpful tips and visual cues, to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. While the process is simple, paying attention to the details will yield the best results. If you prefer to jump directly to the concise, printable recipe card with all exact measurements, simply click here.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, meticulously whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, which is crucial for uniform cookies. Set this bowl aside for later.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated white sugar and light brown sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. Next, beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
   

   

3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
   

   

4. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a critical step; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, deepens the flavors, and makes the dough easier to handle. You can chill the dough for up to 2-3 days if you’re preparing ahead.
   

   

5. Prepare for Baking: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
6. Shape the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge. Roll the dough into uniform balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Arrange the flattened cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s at least 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
   

   

7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 9-12 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the bottom edges are just slightly golden brown, and the centers still look soft. Do not overbake, as this will lead to a dry cookie. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set up and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
8. Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the indulgent cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is beautifully creamy and smooth, with no lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated, then beat in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
9. Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are entirely cool (this is important to prevent the frosting from melting), transfer the cream cheese frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or simply use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a decorative spiral shape, mimicking the swirl of a cinnamon roll. Finish by lightly sprinkling a touch of ground cinnamon over the frosted cookies for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
   

   

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

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These soft, chewy, and gloriously frosted cinnamon roll cookies are more than just a seasonal treat. While they undeniably shine on a Thanksgiving dessert table, make a festive addition to Christmas cookie exchanges, or become a centerpiece for holiday parties, their comforting flavors are truly delightful year-round. Imagine them as a cozy companion to your morning coffee, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a satisfying dessert after any meal. Their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal make them a perfect choice for any occasion, proving that the classic taste of cinnamon rolls can be enjoyed in a convenient, handheld form anytime inspiration strikes.

Once you try these homemade cinnamon roll cookies, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. They offer all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic cinnamon roll, but in a fraction of the time and with the fun, shareable format of a cookie. Don’t be surprised if they quickly become a family favorite and a staple in your baking repertoire!

More Delicious Cookie Recipes

• Oatmeal Cookies
• Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
• Snickerdoodles
• Banana Cookies
• Confetti Cake Mix Cookies
• Grandma’s Sugar Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• S’mores Cookies
• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

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