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Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat

These cinnamon roll cookies are the delightful treat you didn’t know you needed in your life! Soft, chewy, and bursting with the classic cinnamon flavor, these cookies encapsulate all the magic of a fresh cinnamon roll, but in a portable form. And let’s not overlook that sweet and creamy glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch!

Perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to lazy brunches—these cookies are sure to impress. They also make a great treat any time you want something sweet to lift your spirits!

A stack of cinnamon roll cookies with glaze, side view

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Classic Spiced Flavor: These cookies deliver all the warm, sweet flavors you adore in a cinnamon roll, in a buttery cookie form.
Soft Texture: Expect a slightly crisp edge paired with a tender and moist center that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for the Holidays: Their bakery-worthy presentation makes them the star of any festive gathering!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer for warm, fresh cookies whenever you desire!

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: A rich and moist base for our cookies.
Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
Eggs: Helps bind all the ingredients together.
Salt & Pure Vanilla Extract: Balances the sweetness with aromatic flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cookie’s structure.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a little lift, ensuring a light texture.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Gives these cookies their signature spiced flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze: A delightful mix of powdered sugar, milk, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Soft and chewy homemade cinnamon roll cookies with glaze on a plate.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Create these irresistible cookies in just a few simple steps and bring the love of a bakery right into your kitchen. The beautiful swirl pattern not only makes them visually appealing, but they also pack an incredible flavor that’s sure to become a staple!

Beat: Start by beating the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until they’re fluffy. Gradually blend in the egg, egg yolks, and pure vanilla extract, mixing one at a time for a smooth incorporation.
Whisk: In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft, workable dough forms.
Divide: Carefully split the dough in half. Roll each of those portions between sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick (roughly 10×8 inches).
Mix: Combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and additional cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over each rectangle of dough.
Roll: Using the parchment paper for support, roll each rectangle tightly into a log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm them up.
Preheat: Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice: Remove the logs from the fridge and slice them into 1/2-inch rounds. Space them out on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake: Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle this heavenly glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set. Enjoy your delectable creation!

An overhead view of cinnamon roll cookies with glaze on parchment paper.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Describing these cinnamon roll cookies as simply “good” would definitely be an understatement; they’re truly out of this world! Here are some expert tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter, eggs, and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This makes blending them much easier and helps achieve a smooth dough.
Smooth the Cracks: If the dough cracks while rolling, gently press it back together using your fingers.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating dry ingredients, mix on low speed or use a wooden spoon to prevent a dense texture.
Shape the Edges: After baking, place a large glass over each cookie and lightly press in a circular motion to reshape it into a perfect circle.
Adjust the Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, gradually add more milk; if it’s too thin, add extra powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Experiment with Variations: Feel free to get creative! Add in chopped nuts or citrus zest, or double-dip in cinnamon sugar for an extra flavor boost.

Cinnamon roll cookies with sweet cream cheese glaze on a decorative plate, top view.

How to Store

Storing these cookies is a great way to enjoy them over time. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

To Store: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay good at room temperature for about a week or can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.

To Freeze Cookie Dough: Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, slice the cookies beforehand and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This dough can be frozen for 1 to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.

To Freeze Baked Cookies: For the best results, freeze unglazed cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. These can last for 2 to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature and add a fresh glaze right before serving!