Cinnamon Roll Cookies: The Ultimate Swirled Sweet Treat

A soft, cream cheese-infused treat that delivers warm spiced sweetness in every bite.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A soft, cream cheese-infused treat that delivers warm spiced sweetness in every bite.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

If you love classic cinnamon rolls but want something more snackable and quick to share, cinnamon roll cookies offer the perfect sweet compromise. These cookies feature the same warm, comforting flavors tucked into a soft, swirl-patterned sliceable treat, making them ideal for parties, holiday trays, or just a cozy afternoon. The heart of the recipe is a soft cream cheese sugar cookie dough, layered with buttery cinnamon filling, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Each bite is soft, chewy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to cream cheese and butter, the dough stays moist and tender.
Signature Swirls: Each cookie displays a beautiful spiral of cinnamon-sugar filling.
Easy to Slice and Serve: Dough is chilled, rolled, and cut for perfectly uniform cookies.
Sweet Drizzle: A simple vanilla glaze adds extra flavor and bakery-style charm.
No Yeast Needed: Faster and easier than traditional cinnamon rolls—ready in under two hours!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix on low until fully incorporated, scraping bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low just until combined and no streaks of flour remain.
Transfer dough to parchment paper. Press into a 5-inch square, cover with another sheet of parchment, and roll out gently into a 14-by-10-inch rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
Refrigerate dough (still between parchment) until firm, 15-20 minutes.

2. Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Add melted butter; mix until a paste forms and ingredients are evenly moistened.

3. Assemble and Roll the Cookies

Remove dough from refrigerator. Peel off top layer of parchment paper.
Dollop cinnamon filling all over the dough, then gently spread into an even layer with a spatula, reaching as close to the edges as possible.
Starting from the long side, use the parchment to carefully roll dough into a tight log, peeling parchment away as you roll.
Wrap dough log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for clean slices).

4. Slice and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice chilled dough log into 1/2-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Rewrap remainder of dough and keep refrigerated until ready to slice and bake.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Center should remain soft.
Let cookies cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chilling helps maintain the neat swirl and prevents spreading.
Don’t Overbake: Remove from oven when edges look set but centers are still pale for maximum softness.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: Chilled logs slice cleanest with a sharp, thin-bladed knife.
Spread the Filling Evenly: For best swirl, make sure the cinnamon filling is evenly distributed and reaches the edges.
Freeze Ahead: Dough logs can be wrapped and frozen up to 3 months for on-demand cookies.

Vanilla Glaze

Finish your cinnamon roll cookies with a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze. Simply whisk powdered sugar with milk and a bit of vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies in swirls or zigzags. Let glaze set before storage or serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy cookies as a midday snack with tea or coffee.
Arrange on holiday cookie trays for a festive look.
Gift in decorative tins for birthdays or celebrations.
Pair with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
Add to brunch spreads as a sweet surprise.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 3 months; thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
Baked (and glazed) cookies can also be frozen, but best enjoyed fresh for soft texture.

Ingredient Variations

Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute plain glaze with cream cheese icing for added richness.
Maple Flavor: Add maple extract to the glaze for a breakfast-inspired twist.
Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts over the filling before rolling for crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle: Replace vanilla glaze with melted chocolate for a mocha-inspired finish.
Spice it Up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to the filling for seasonal variations.

Nutritional Snapshot (per cookie, approx. values)

Calories	Fat (g)	Sugar (g)	Carbohydrate (g)	Protein (g)
110	6	9	15	1

Comparing: Cinnamon Roll Cookies vs. Classic Cinnamon Rolls

	Cinnamon Roll Cookies	Classic Cinnamon Rolls
Dough Type	Soft cream cheese sugar cookie dough	Yeasted dough
Prep Time	Chill for 15-20 min, bake in 10-12 min	Requires several hours for rising and baking
Texture	Soft, chewy, tender	Fluffy, bread-like
Serving Style	Slice and serve as cookies	Singular rolls, typically served warm with icing
Best For	Snacking, gifting, holiday trays	Breakfast, brunch, special occasions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, the rolled dough log can be wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in the refrigerator overnight or frozen for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from chilled or slightly thawed.

Q: Do I need to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese provides softness and a rich flavor, but you can substitute with softened butter if needed; the texture may be slightly less tender.

Q: How do I ensure my cookies maintain their swirl?

Chilling the dough after rolling it into a log is crucial for neat, well-defined swirls. Always use a very sharp knife for slicing.

Q: Can I use other types of filling?

Yes! Try adding finely chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a thin layer of fruit preserves for a twist.

Q: What if my filling spills out when rolling?

Work slowly, use gentle and even pressure, and always roll with the help of parchment paper to keep the dough tight and the filling contained.

Expert Tips from Home Bakers

Chill your rolling pin and mixing bowl for even easier dough handling.
Use parchment paper to easily roll and transfer dough without sticking.
Double the recipe and freeze one log for quick treats later.
Glaze cookies just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll cookies offer all the indulgent flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a soft, sliceable cookie that’s perfect for sharing. With simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and plenty of room for custom twists, they’re a go-to recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday platter, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies deliver comforting cinnamon goodness in every swirl. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb