If you love the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls and the soft texture of sugar cookies, these cinnamon roll cookies are the perfect mashup. They’re tender, buttery, packed with warm cinnamon spice, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirl—just like your favorite bakery treat.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all year round.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- ✔️ Soft, thick, and bakery-style texture
- ✔️ Loaded with warm cinnamon flavor
- ✔️ Topped with creamy, tangy frosting
- ✔️ Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- ✔️ Perfect for Christmas… or anytime!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or half brown sugar for extra depth)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Cinnamon sugar (optional, for rolling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz 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 topping
👩🍳 How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add a little extra flour.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes—this helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
4. Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Optionally roll in cinnamon sugar. Place on lined baking sheets and flatten slightly.
5. Bake
Bake for 7–8 minutes, until edges are just lightly golden. Do not overbake for soft cookies.
6. Cool Completely
Transfer to a cooling rack and let cookies cool fully before frosting.
🧁 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy
- Add vanilla and milk to reach desired consistency
- Beat until light and spreadable
🎨 Frost & Finish
Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cookies in a swirl pattern.
Sprinkle with cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for that classic cinnamon roll look.
💡 Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use softened (not melted) butter for best texture
- Chill dough to avoid flat cookies
- Don’t overmix once flour is added
- Slightly underbake for ultra-soft centers
- Always frost completely cooled cookies
🔄 Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls before baking
- Glaze Instead: Use a thinner cream cheese glaze
- Cinnamon Chips: Add to dough for extra flavor
- Holiday Twist: Try eggnog or spiced frosting
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months.
How do I store them?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
Why chill the dough?
It prevents spreading and gives a thicker, softer cookie.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely—prepare dough in advance and refrigerate overnight.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature
- Pair with coffee ☕ or hot chocolate
- Add to holiday dessert trays
- Gift in cookie boxes