Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Sweet, Cinnamon-Infused Delight

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon filling the air as it bakes in your kitchen. It’s a scent that brings back memories of cozy mornings, the kind where you can’t wait to dive into a freshly baked cinnamon roll. But what if you could enjoy that same rich, cinnamon flavor in a convenient, bite-sized form? That’s where Cinnamon Roll Cookies come in—combining the soft, buttery goodness of cookies with the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon roll.

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These cookies offer everything you love about cinnamon rolls: the cinnamon-sugar swirl, the soft texture, and the sweet, creamy frosting, all in a cookie format that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe is a delightful and approachable way to bring the flavors of cinnamon rolls into your home. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create a batch of cookies that’s sure to impress family, friends, or anyone lucky enough to try them.

Let’s break down the steps to making these incredible cinnamon roll cookies, from the dough to the frosting, ensuring that you end up with a batch of delicious cookies every time.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (you can also substitute half of this with brown sugar for a richer flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (add a little more if needed, depending on the dough’s consistency)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Cinnamon sugar, for rolling (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream, as needed
• Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help the cookies have a soft, tender texture when baked.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow this by adding the vanilla extract, which will infuse the dough with a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. This mixture will provide the base for the dough, adding structure, rise, and that signature cinnamon flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cookies to become dense. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add an additional tablespoon or two of flour. However, take care not to add too much flour, as this will affect the softness of the cookies. Once the dough is firm and slightly tacky, it’s ready to be chilled.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is important because it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and ensuring the cookies keep their shape when baked.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the cookies inside.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Parchment paper also ensures even baking, allowing the cookies to brown perfectly on the bottom.
3. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to shape the cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, using your hands or a cookie scoop to form even-sized portions. If you want to add an extra layer of cinnamon flavor, roll each dough ball in cinnamon sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
4. Flatten the Dough: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. To ensure they bake evenly and have a nice, round shape, lightly flatten each ball of dough with your hand or the bottom of a drinking glass. Aim to flatten the dough to about 1/3 to ½ inch thick.
5. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—watch for the bottoms to become golden brown while the tops should remain light. Don’t overbake the cookies, as they will continue to set as they cool. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a smooth, creamy frosting with a light texture.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until it’s fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well mixed.
3. Add the Vanilla and Milk: Once the powdered sugar is fully mixed in, add the vanilla extract and 1-2 teaspoons of milk or cream. The milk helps adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it spreadable and smooth. If you like a thicker frosting, add less milk. Continue beating the frosting until it becomes light and airy.
4. Finish the Frosting: If you want to add a little extra cinnamon flavor to the frosting, you can beat in a pinch of ground cinnamon at this point. This will enhance the overall cinnamon roll flavor of the cookies.

Frosting the Cookies:

1. Pipe the Frosting: Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them. Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off), pipe a swirl of frosting onto each cookie. Start in the center of the cookie and work your way out in a spiral pattern to create the perfect cinnamon roll swirl.
2. Add a Sprinkle of Cinnamon: For a final touch, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar over the frosted cookies. This adds an extra burst of flavor while enhancing the overall appearance.
3. Let the Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving the cookies. This will help the frosting firm up, making the cookies easier to handle and eat.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Substituting Ingredients: If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the extra salt in the recipe. If you’re looking to reduce the sugar, you can use a mix of white and brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you want to make these cookies a little lighter, you can substitute half of the butter with Greek yogurt or applesauce, although this will slightly change the texture.
• Flavor Variations: To make these cookies even more cinnamon-forward, consider adding a teaspoon of freshly grated cinnamon or a handful of cinnamon chips to the dough. The freshly grated cinnamon gives the cookies an aromatic kick, while cinnamon chips add little pockets of sweet cinnamon flavor.
• Making a Glaze: If you prefer a thinner glaze over frosting, you can drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the cookies instead. To make the glaze, simply whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth, and drizzle over the cookies after they’ve cooled.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Storing: To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The soft texture of these cookies makes them best eaten within a few days, but they’ll still be delicious as they get a bit firmer.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. After frosting, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once the frosting has firmed up, stack the cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Final Thoughts:

Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a fun, delightful way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the need for hours of preparation and rising dough. With their soft texture, rich cinnamon flavor, and creamy frosting, these cookies offer a comforting and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family gathering or as a sweet gift for a friend, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—you’re about to experience the joy of cinnamon rolls in cookie form!