If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, handheld dessert option, this cinnamon roll cookies recipe is perfect for you. These cookies have that soft and chewy texture you crave, combined with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and a luscious icing drizzle that feels just like a classic cinnamon roll in cookie form.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cinnamon roll cookies will be a crowd-pleaser. You’ll enjoy the delightful aroma and the satisfying bite with every cookie you make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Quick baking time so you can enjoy fresh cookies fast.
- Sweet cinnamon sugar swirl adds classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Creamy icing that enhances the taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your cinnamon roll cookies with that irresistible cinnamon sugar swirl and creamy icing.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for icing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for icing)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe – Soft & Chewy Dessert With Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Swirl and Icing – Etsy
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined, but don’t overmix to keep the dough soft.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 1/4 cup granulated sugar to create your cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rough rectangle about 10×8 inches. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough, then gently roll it up jelly-roll style to form a log.
- Slice the log into 24 even cookies about 1/2-inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- While cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth and creamy. Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should look slightly underdone in the center to stay soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky to roll easily.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Adjust the icing consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar for a thicker or thinner glaze.
Storage and Reheating
Store your cinnamon roll cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave individually for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture and bring out the cinnamon flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the right soft and chewy texture. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flour may alter the consistency and taste, but you can experiment with blends designed for baking.
Is it necessary to add the cream cheese icing?
The cream cheese icing adds a delicious tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon swirl, but you can skip it or substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll it into a log, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to refrigerate overnight. Slice and bake the next day for fresh cookies.
How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar swirl from leaking out during baking?
Rolling the dough tightly and evenly helps keep the cinnamon sugar swirl intact. Avoid overfilling with cinnamon sugar to prevent leakage and keep the cookies tidy.
