If you love the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls, you’ll adore these Cinnamon Roll Cookies! Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, these cookies deliver the essence of a traditional cinnamon roll, but with the ease and portability of a cookie. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies will quickly become your new go-to treat for any occasion.
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Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are an irresistible twist on the classic cinnamon roll. The combination of rich, chewy cookie dough with a cinnamon-sugar filling makes for a flavorful experience that’s perfect for dessert or a special treat. Not only do they taste incredible, but they’re also quick to make, so you don’t have to wait for dough to rise! Whether for a holiday or a simple snack, these cookies will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Before you dive into making these delicious cookies, here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
• Cake Flour: Adds softness and tenderness to the cookie.
• Cornstarch: Helps to make the cookies extra chewy.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Provides leavening for a light and airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough.
• Eggs and Egg Yolks: The extra egg yolk gives the cookies a chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the dough.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling with a rich, molasses flavor.
• Butter: Helps bind the cinnamon and sugar together for a smooth, spreadable filling.
• Cinnamon: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• Cream Cheese: Provides tanginess and creaminess for the frosting.
• Butter: Creates a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make substitutions, here are some ideas:
• All-Purpose Flour Substitution: If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour in its place.
• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cinnamon roll cookies.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Swap cream cheese and butter for a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and use powdered sugar for the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Making Cinnamon Roll Cookies is easier than you think. Follow these steps to achieve soft, chewy cookies with that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of cake flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream 1 cup of cold unsalted butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, flatten the cookie dough into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into a tight log, starting at the long edge. Cut the dough into 10-12 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball, making sure the cinnamon sugar filling stays sealed inside.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Make the Frosting: While the cookies bake, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter together. Add 2 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. If desired, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top of the frosting.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• Seal the Dough Properly: Make sure the cinnamon sugar filling is fully sealed inside the dough to prevent it from oozing out during baking.
• Don’t Skip the Extra Egg Yolk: Adding extra egg yolks helps ensure the cookies are chewy and tender.
• Check Doneness Early: If your cookies are smaller than the recommended size, start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
• Chill the Dough: If you’re worried about the cookies spreading too much, chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Cinnamon Roll Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas for pairing and variations:
• Side Dishes: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or a cinnamon-flavored latte for the ultimate indulgence.
• Make-ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Holiday & Seasonal Variations
These cookies are perfect for any season! You can adjust the frosting colors for different holidays (green and red for Christmas or pastel for Easter) to make them extra festive. Add in a bit of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a holiday twist.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring the best of two beloved treats together—cinnamon rolls and cookies—into one irresistible dessert. With their soft, chewy texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They are easy to make, perfect for any season, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a family treat, holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies will never disappoint. So, grab your ingredients and bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cookies in advance?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This will give you fresh, warm cookies in no time!
How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar filling from oozing out?
To prevent the filling from spilling out, make sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well. You can also lightly pinch the dough around the filling to ensure it’s securely inside before rolling it into a ball. If the filling does escape during baking, the cookies might lose their shape, so it’s essential to keep everything sealed!
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked Cinnamon Roll Cookies for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to freeze them without the frosting. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature, and then add the frosting before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: These fluffy pancakes are inspired by the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. They feature a sweet cinnamon swirl in the pancake batter and are topped with a decadent glaze, making them an indulgent breakfast treat or dessert.
- No-Bake Banana Split Cake: A dessert that combines the flavors of a classic banana split into an easy-to-make, no-bake cake. It features layers of banana, whipped cream, and a sweet graham cracker crust, offering a refreshing alternative to the Cinnamon Roll Cookies for dessert lovers.
- Peach Crumble Bars: These peach crumble bars are the perfect summer dessert, combining a buttery oat crumble with sweet peaches for a treat that pairs well with a cup of coffee. The warm, comforting flavors make them a great choice for anyone who enjoys cinnamon-infused desserts.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are a delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. They are perfectly spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar and topped with an irresistible cream cheese frosting. Soft, chewy, and comforting, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Cake Flour
- 2 tsp. Cornstarch
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (cubed)
- 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 large Egg Yolks
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup packed Brown Sugar (light or dark)
- 6 tbsp. Softened Butter
- 2 tbsp. Cinnamon
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Make the cinnamon sugar filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream the cold unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, press the cookie dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly across the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log, starting at the long edge. Cut the dough into 10-12 equal portions, then roll each portion into a ball.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- While the cookies bake, make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. If desired, sprinkle additional cinnamon over the frosting.
Notes
- Be sure to seal the cinnamon sugar filling inside the dough to prevent it from oozing out during baking.
- If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, using a total of 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the frosting.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a smaller batch, you can reduce the dough size and bake for slightly less time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie with frosting
- Calories: 672 kcal
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 619mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 139mg
