Love the flavor of a classic cinnamon roll but want something easier to share? These Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the best of both worlds. With a soft sugar cookie dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and beautiful spiral layers, they deliver all the familiar flavors of a cinnamon roll in a simple slice-and-bake cookie.
Perfect for holiday cookie trays, weekend baking, or an afternoon coffee break, these cookies are filled with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite. They bake up soft with lightly golden edges and a buttery cinnamon center that makes them hard to resist.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Classic Cinnamon Roll Flavor: All the flavors of a cinnamon roll in cookie form.
- Beautiful Swirl Design: The cinnamon filling creates eye-catching slices.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Recipe: The dough can be prepared and chilled in advance.
- Soft and Buttery Texture: Tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with everyday baking staples.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for holiday platters, bake sales, and gift boxes.
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: Creates a rich flavor and soft cookie texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the cinnamon filling.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the dough a smooth texture and subtle richness.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star ingredient that creates the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- Baking Powder: Helps create a light texture without making the cookies cakey.
Chef’s Pro Tip: For the cleanest cinnamon swirls, chill the rolled dough log until it’s completely firm before slicing. A cold dough log holds its shape better, creating neat, bakery-style spirals in every cookie.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the flavors of a cinnamon roll with the texture of a soft sugar cookie. The dough is rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, sliced into swirls, and baked until lightly golden. They're great for holiday cookie trays, afternoon coffee breaks, or whenever you're craving a cinnamon-flavored treat.
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Calories: 185kcal
Servings: 24 Cookies
Equipment
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp Knife
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add the brown sugar and mix until well combined.
- Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add the cream cheese mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Gather the dough together and shape it into a smooth ball.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Chill the log for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Slice the chilled log into even rounds about ½ inch thick.
- Arrange the cookie slices on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the cookies once cooled and enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcal
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
Chef’s Secrets to Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Chill the Dough Well: A firm dough log creates cleaner swirls when sliced.
- Roll Tightly: This helps keep the cinnamon spiral intact during baking.
- Use Softened Ingredients: They blend more easily and create a smoother dough.
- Avoid Too Much Flour: Excess flour can make the cookies dry.
- Slice with a Sharp Knife: Clean cuts help preserve the swirl pattern.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain soft in the center.
Delicious Ways to Switch It Up
- Vanilla Glazed Cookies: Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple vanilla glaze.
- Maple Cinnamon Cookies: Add a touch of maple extract to the dough.
- Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the filling.
- Apple Cinnamon Swirls: Add finely diced dried apples to the filling.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace some cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.
- Brown Butter Cookies: Use browned butter for deeper flavor.
More Reader-Favorite Recipes
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- Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Recipe
- Lemon blueberry cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
| Method | Timeline | Best Practice |
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 Days | Store in an airtight container after cooling completely. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 Week | Keep sealed to maintain freshness. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 Months | Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container. |
| Dough Log | Up to 2 Days | Refrigerate before slicing and baking. |
| Best Tip | Anytime | Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did my cookies lose their swirl shape?
The dough may not have been chilled long enough before slicing. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, wrap the dough log tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. - Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar glaze pairs perfectly with these cookies. - What type of cinnamon works best?
Regular ground cinnamon works well, but Saigon cinnamon provides a stronger flavor. - How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
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i’m Austin
A photographer who loves to cook. During the day, I take pictures, but at night, I dive into the world of flavors and recipes.
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