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Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

I've been perfecting these cinnamon roll cookies that capture everything wonderful about fresh-baked cinnamon rolls but in a convenient cookie form! The magic lies in this perfectly soft, buttery dough that wraps around a generous filling of cinnamon-sugar, creating these beautiful swirls in every cookie. The cream cheese frosting adds that classic cinnamon roll finish, but what really makes these special is keeping the dough properly chilled throughout - it's the secret to getting those perfect spirals that make everyone say wow when they bite into them. The aroma while they're baking will make your whole kitchen smell like a cozy bakery!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:03:59 GMT
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A close-up image of frosted cinnamon rolls sitting on a parchment-lined plate. | tastygusto.com

These cinnamon roll sugar cookies taste like heaven with every bite. My family goes crazy whenever I make them. The dough is perfectly chewy with delicious swirls of warm cinnamon sugar running through each cookie. The cream cheese glaze on top takes them over the edge. They disappear fast in my house especially during afternoon coffee time.

My Snow Day Baking Adventure

Last week when the snow started falling I got this intense craving for something sweet and cozy. I had been thinking about cinnamon rolls the night before but wanted something easier. That's when inspiration struck. The snow kept falling outside while my kitchen filled with the most amazing smell of cinnamon and sugar. These cookies were exactly what my snow day needed.

What You Need to Make These Cookies

  • Dough: Your dough needs to rest in the fridge at least an hour but I leave mine overnight. Trust me on this one. Cold dough is your friend here since warm sticky dough will tear when you try rolling it. Keep everything cold until you're ready to slice. That way you'll get those gorgeous swirls.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Mix up your cinnamon and sugar in equal parts. Don't skimp here. You want that sweet spicy filling in every single bite. Go generous with the sprinkle when you spread it.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze: Grab your cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until you get this silky glaze that drips perfectly over your warm cookies. The consistency should flow smoothly but not be too thin.

Making Your Cookie Dough

Chill Your Dough
You absolutely need cold dough for these cookies. An hour works but leaving it overnight in the fridge is even better. Warm dough will stick to everything and make a huge mess. Nobody wants that.
Getting That Perfect Roll
Once your dough is nice and cold shape it into a log. Pop it in the freezer for a quick chill before slicing. This helps keep those swirls looking pretty.
Keep Things Cool
Your cookie dough should feel cold when it hits the oven. Room temperature dough spreads too much and loses shape. Work quickly and keep unused dough in the fridge between batches.
Give Them a Little Press
Before they go in the oven press each cookie gently. This keeps the swirls tight and prevents them from unrolling. Try a test cookie or two first so you get a feel for it.

Getting Them Just Right

My first batch of these cookies taught me so much. Start small and practice before making them for special occasions. Each oven bakes differently and you might need to adjust things slightly. Give yourself time to learn what works in your kitchen.

The Perfect Cookie to Share

Every time I make these cookies people ask for the recipe. The swirls look so fancy and that cream cheese glaze makes them irresistible. They're perfect for coffee with friends or holiday cookie exchanges. My neighbor even asked me to make them for her daughter's bridal shower.

What Makes These Cookies Special

I love how these cookies combine everything wonderful about cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies. The edges are slightly crispy but the middle stays soft and gooey. That cream cheese glaze soaks into all the little crevices making each bite better than the last. They fill your whole house with the coziest smell while baking.

Simple Steps to Success

Once you get comfortable with the basic steps these cookies come together easily. Keep your dough cold work in small batches and follow the recipe closely. Soon you'll be making them like a pro. My daughter learned to make them last month and now she bakes them better than I do.

A close-up of a cinnamon roll with icing on a baking sheet, surrounded by other cinnamon rolls in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a cinnamon roll with icing on a baking sheet, surrounded by other cinnamon rolls in the background. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why must the dough stay cold?
The dough needs to stay cold to prevent sticking and maintain shape. As it warms, it becomes sticky and difficult to handle, risking the spiral shape being lost.
→ Why press the cookies before baking?
Pressing the cookies ensures tight spirals and seals the ends, preventing them from unraveling during baking. This step is crucial for maintaining the classic spiral look.
→ How can I get the glaze to harden?
The standard glaze won't harden completely due to the butter content. For a harder glaze, omit the butter from the cream cheese frosting recipe.
→ Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, the dough actually benefits from chilling overnight. This helps develop flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.
→ Why check cookies at 6 minutes?
Checking at 6 minutes allows you to catch and fix any unraveling issues by quickly pressing the seams back together, ensuring perfect spiral shapes.

Soft Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Tender rolled cookies filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese frosting. Like tiny cinnamon rolls in cookie form.

Prep Time
120 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
132 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
02 2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening.
03 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature.
04 1 egg, room temperature.
05 1/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature.
06 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
08 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
10 1/8 teaspoon salt.
11 1/2 cup brown sugar.
12 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon.
13 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
14 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature.
15 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature.
16 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
17 2-3 teaspoons milk.
18 Splash vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Cream together sugar, butter and shortening. Mix in egg, buttermilk and vanilla. Combine with sifted dry ingredients to form soft dough. Refrigerate 1+ hours.

Step 02

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 03

Roll cold dough into 12x9 rectangle on floured surface. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll into log and freeze 30 minutes.

Step 04

Slice 1-inch thick, press to tighten spirals. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, checking at 6 minutes for unraveling.

Step 05

Make cream cheese glaze and brush on warm cookies. Let set before storing between parchment paper.

Notes

  1. Dough must stay cold while working.
  2. Press cookies tight before baking.
  3. Glaze won't completely harden.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Serrated knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~