Name: Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons milk

Soft, chewy, and swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies are everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll packed into a bite-sized treat. With golden edges, gooey centers, and a sweet glaze on top, these cookies are the kind that disappear fast from cookie trays and holiday tins.

If you’ve ever craved the flavor of a homemade cinnamon roll without the waiting and kneading, this recipe will be your new favorite. It captures the same cozy comfort and sweet spice but skips the yeast and long rise times. Perfect for an afternoon coffee pairing, a cozy fall treat, or a dessert everyone will ask you about.

This recipe combines the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a slice-and-bake cookie. The cinnamon-sugar spiral is visually stunning, making these cookies perfect for gifting or sharing. They’re soft in the center, just slightly crisp on the outside, and drizzled with a simple glaze for that extra sweet touch.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies don’t require proofing time, making them ideal when you want something indulgent but don’t have hours to spare. Plus, you can prep the dough ahead of time, chill, and bake when ready.

What Kind of Dough Works Best for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

A soft sugar cookie dough works best for this recipe. It should be tender but sturdy enough to roll out, fill, and slice without falling apart. We’re essentially making a rolled cookie that mimics cinnamon roll layers, so the dough needs to hold its shape while staying soft and flavorful after baking. A bit of cream cheese in the dough adds richness and helps keep them tender.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

To get the perfect soft and spiced swirl, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few key extras that make all the difference.

Unsalted Butter – Gives the cookies their rich flavor and soft texture.

Cream Cheese – Adds a subtle tang and keeps the dough soft and pillowy.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb.

Egg Yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor and warmth.

All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, providing structure.

Salt – Balances the sweetness.

Brown Sugar – Used in the filling for that caramel-like cinnamon swirl.

Ground Cinnamon – The heart of the swirl and the soul of the cookie.

Powdered Sugar + Milk – For the final glaze that gives these cookies that icing-on-the-cinnamon-roll feel.

How To Make the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined. Slowly add the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, pressing it gently to adhere.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up, making slicing easier. Slice into rounds about ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Bake

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before glazing.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let set before serving or storing.

How to Serve and Store Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies are delicious both warm and at room temperature. If you serve them slightly warm, the glaze softens into a lovely melty topping, reminiscent of fresh cinnamon rolls right out of the oven. At room temperature, they make the perfect treat for lunchboxes, holiday cookie swaps, or a cozy night in.

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on how thick you slice them.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) for up to a month. Just thaw and glaze when you’re ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

A strong brew balances the sweetness and brings out the spice of the cinnamon.

Chai Latte

With its warm spices, chai is a natural pairing that echoes the cookie’s flavor profile.

Cold Milk

You can never go wrong with a classic. Especially great for kids.

Spiced Hot Chocolate

Adds even more coziness with a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream turns these cookies into a decadent dessert.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

Serve a couple cookies drizzled with caramel for a bakery-style presentation.

Fruit Platter

A side of sliced apples or pears brings a fresh contrast.

Creamy Latte or Flat White

If you’re having these cookies for brunch or a mid-morning snack, a creamy latte is just the right companion.

If you love these Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies, you’ll want to check out these other creative spins on traditional favorites:

• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies with gooey marshmallow centers.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for an extra sugary crunch.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe for something zesty and refreshing.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies if you’re craving nutty and buttery.
• Classic French Butter Cookies with a soft and crumbly finish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a little extra cinnamon? Try a maple glaze instead? I’d love to hear your twist!

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Conclusion

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies are everything you want in a dessert: warm, sweet, comforting, and beautifully spiced. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and the kind of treat that’s welcome at every table from brunch to holidays. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe brings all the comfort of cinnamon rolls into a simple, joyful cookie.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookie Recipe