There is something utterly magical about baking that fills the kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas, and the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a shining star in that realm. These cookies perfectly capture the cozy, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls in a delightfully portable, soft, and chewy cookie form. Imagine biting into a tender cookie that surprises you with a gooey cinnamon sugar swirl and finishes with a luscious cream cheese frosting topping. It’s a nostalgic twist that’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites! If you love cinnamon and crave a cookie that balances spice, sweetness, and richness, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a top view of various baking ingredients in clear glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top row, there are two larger bowls filled with white flour on the left and slightly coarser flour on the right. Below, several smaller bowls contain white sugar, brown sugar, cubed pale yellow butter, two eggs with deep yellow yolks in one bowl, and three eggs with bright yellow yolks and clear whites in another bowl. Additional small bowls hold cinnamon powder, vanilla extract with a golden hue, and different white powders like baking soda, salt, and baking powder. The ingredients are spread out evenly, creating a clean and organized look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor, texture, and that signature cinnamon swirl. Each ingredient plays a key role from the buttery dough to the soft cream cheese frosting that tops each bite.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie structure, giving a tender crumb.
Cake Flour: Adds softness and a delicate texture for those melt-in-your-mouth moments.
Corn Starch: Helps keep the cookies pleasantly soft by reducing gluten development.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise and lightness in every cookie.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Cubed to cream easily, it infuses richness and tender flakiness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and works with butter to create the dough’s perfect texture.
Brown Sugar: Packed into the cinnamon filling for deep caramel notes.
Eggs and Egg Yolks: Bind ingredients with richness, ensuring moist cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Cinnamon: The star spice, swirling through the filling for unmistakable aroma and taste.
Softened Butter (for filling and frosting): Blends perfectly to give a creamy, lush texture.
Cream Cheese: Softened to create that tangy, smooth frosting topping you won’t want to skip.
Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Begin by mixing the brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. This filling is the heart of the cookie, delivering that signature sweet and spicy swirl that makes the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, corn starch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These carefully measured dry ingredients create the perfect base to hold the filling and give the cookies their tender yet sturdy texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Granulated Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cold, cubed butter for about one minute until smooth. Then, add the granulated sugar and continue creaming for another 1 to 2 minutes, creating a fluffy base that traps air for lighter cookies.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until the batter becomes well combined and smooth, enriching the dough’s flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually

Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing gently to avoid toughening the dough. This slow addition ensures an even, soft dough without overworking.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, press the dough into a long rectangle roughly the size of a 9×13 inch dish. No rolling pin needed — just your hands to gently flatten it out. This straightforward shaping sets you up perfectly to add the flavor-packed filling.

Step 7: Spread the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Spoon the prepared cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. The generous layer guarantees every bite will feature that melting, sticky cinnamon center that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough

Carefully roll the dough starting from the long edge, creating a spiral reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls. Be gentle but firm to prevent tearing. Then, slice the roll into 10 to 12 equal pieces to ensure uniform baking.

Step 9: Form Cookies and Bake

Roll each slice into a ball, sealing the filling inside so it won’t leak during baking. Bake the cookies at 400°F for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix softened cream cheese and softened butter using a hand mixer until perfectly smooth. Gradually add confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the frosting flows like velvet. Adjust sweetness as you like for the perfect finish.

Step 11: Frost and Finish

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting on the completely cooled cookies. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon over the frosting. Now you have the ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe that looks as amazing as it tastes!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies on a white marbled surface, each topped with a smooth, thick layer of white frosting. The cookie in the front has a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, crumbly, light beige interior. The frosting on each cookie is sprinkled with a light dusting of brown spice, adding texture and color contrast. The cookies are golden brown and look thick and soft with a slightly cracked surface beneath the frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of glaze can elevate these cookies, but honestly, the cream cheese frosting already brings that gorgeous finishing touch. Fresh nutmeg or a pinch of powdered sugar also works beautifully to give a festive look.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness. They also make a wonderful brunch treat alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies stacked on a pretty platter or arrange them in little baskets with parchment paper for gifting or brunch spreads. You can even place them in small cellophane bags tied with twine for a delightful homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting will stay fresh, and the cookies will maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked, unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie into the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Add frosting after reheating to keep it creamy and beautiful.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour only?

Yes, you can swap cake flour for all-purpose flour, but the cookies might be slightly less tender. Mixing both flours gives the ideal soft yet sturdy texture that this recipe aims for.

Why is cold butter used in the dough?

Cold butter helps create a tender, flaky dough by keeping small pockets of fat intact during mixing, which prevents overdevelopment of gluten and keeps the cookies soft.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substituting gluten-free flour blends might work, but results may vary. Using a blend designed for baking with adjustment in starches usually makes for the best cookie texture.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require chilling because the dough is rolled and baked right away, preserving a delicate texture and allowing the filling to stay gooey inside.

How do I prevent the cinnamon filling from leaking?

Be sure to seal the cookies well by rolling them tightly and pinching the edges when forming balls. This helps lock in the filling so it keeps its delicious swirl inside while baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fresh twist on a classic cinnamon roll, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is a must-try that delivers comfort and delight in every bite. It’s a perfect treat for gatherings, gifts, or cozy nights at home. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe when cinnamon cravings strike. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the enchanting smell of homemade happiness!