Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies offer all the cozy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls but in buttery cookie form The dough bakes up soft and tender and a tangy cream cheese frosting finishes things off with just the right richness I love how simple these are to whip up and they never last long at any gathering

The first time I baked a batch my kitchen smelled just like a local bakery My kids lined up at the oven before they had even cooled off

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: gives the cookies their soft crumb Use a good quality butter for best flavor
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps add delicate crispness You can use part brown sugar for a slight molasses note
• Large eggs: provide structure and keep cookies tender
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the dough with warmth Choose pure extract over imitation for cleaner taste
• All-purpose flour: makes up the body of the dough Measure with the spoon and level method and add a bit more if dough is sticky
• Baking powder: gives the cookies lift and soft thickness
• Ground cinnamon: is the star for classic roll flavor Use fresh for boldest taste
• Sea salt: balances the sweetness
• Cinnamon sugar: adds an extra layer of flavor if you roll the dough balls before baking
• Cream cheese: in the frosting adds tangy richness Always soften first for smooth mixing
• Powdered sugar: makes the frosting light and fluffy
• Milk or cream: is used to thin the frosting as needed Just a dash brings everything together
• Ground cinnamon for sprinkling: adds that signature bakery touch at the end

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy This step takes about three minutes on medium speed and is essential for soft cookies Add eggs one at a time beating well after each then mix in the vanilla

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour baking powder cinnamon and salt together in a separate bowl This helps evenly disperse the leavening and spice Add dry ingredients to the wet in two batches mixing just until combined Add more flour only if dough is very sticky Do not overmix

Chill the Dough:

Transfer dough to the refrigerator and chill for thirty minutes Chilling prevents spreading and helps develop flavor

Shape and Prep:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Roll dough into one inch balls and if you want extra cinnamon flavor gently toss them in cinnamon sugar Arrange on baking sheets lined with parchment Leave space between dough balls Flatten gently with your hand or a glass so each is about one-third to one-half inch thick

Bake the Cookies:

Bake for seven to eight minutes Cookies should be set at the edges and just turning golden on the bottom Overbaking will make them dry Transfer to a cooling rack as soon as they are sturdy enough to move

Make the Frosting:

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy Add powdered sugar a little at a time beating until no lumps remain Mix in vanilla and just enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency Beat until the frosting is light and easy to pipe or spread

Frost and Finish:

Once cookies are completely cool pipe or spread frosting in a spiral pattern over each cookie Sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for that classic cinnamon roll finish Store the cookies covered at room temperature or refrigerate if making ahead

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I especially love the boost of flavor from rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar Growing up my family made these for snow days and the spicy scent always reminds me of those cozy afternoons

Storage Tips

Once frosted keep cookies in a covered container in the refrigerator They will stay soft and moist for up to five days If stacking use parchment paper between layers to avoid smudging the frosting For longer storage freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet Once the frosting is firm you can stack them in a container When ready to serve let thaw at room temperature for about an hour

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap half the granulated sugar for brown sugar to make the cookies a bit chewier and give a subtle molasses undertone Gluten free all-purpose flour blends work well in this recipe for those avoiding gluten If you are out of cream cheese in the frosting try using Greek yogurt for a tangy lighter alternative

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange these cookies in a spiral pattern on a tray just like a classic cinnamon roll batch or offer them with a mug of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat They are perfect for brunch dessert platters holiday gifts and cookie swaps My family even likes to crumble them over ice cream for a decadent sundae

Cultural Note

Cinnamon rolls have roots in Northern Europe where sweet bread and spiced buns are bakery staples These cookies borrow the best flavors and textures from the original roll and shrink them into a treat that is easy to share at any occasion Their familiar flavor means they are always a hit at gatherings no matter the season

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep the cookies soft and tender?

Avoid overmixing the dough and take care not to overbake. Remove the cookies from the oven when the bottoms are just golden for a plush texture.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and chilled for 30 minutes, or stored overnight in the refrigerator for even deeper flavor.

→ What’s the best way to frost the cookies?

Use a piping bag with a wide tip or a snipped zip-top bag to swirl the cream cheese frosting over cooled cookies in a spiral shape.

→ Can these cookies be frozen?

Freeze the baked and cooled cookies on a tray, then transfer to a covered container. Allow to reach room temperature before serving.

→ How do I enhance the cinnamon flavor?

Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking, or add a sprinkle of fresh ground cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies.

→ Are there topping alternatives to cream cheese frosting?

You can also use cinnamon buttercream or a light cream cheese glaze for a different finish.