Name: Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for filling); 1/3 cup brown sugar (for filling); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling); 2 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Imagine biting into a cookie that tastes exactly like your favorite morning cinnamon roll, but with a buttery, soft crunch that only a cookie can deliver. Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies bring together the magic of warm spices and sweet cream cheese frosting in a bite-sized treat perfect for cozy mornings, holiday spreads, or a comforting dessert after dinner.

These cookies combine cinnamon-sugar swirls with a tender sugar cookie base, delivering the nostalgic flavor of classic rolls without the yeast or waiting time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply satisfying a weekday craving, these cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved breakfast staple.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

This recipe is the perfect mix of convenience and comfort. You get all the rich flavor of a traditional cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time. There’s no rising, no yeast, and no complicated rolling techniques. Just buttery dough, a cinnamon-brown sugar swirl, and an easy cream cheese drizzle to top it all off. Plus, they’re just as good the next day—if they last that long.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

A good cinnamon roll cookie starts with a sugar cookie dough that’s soft but holds its shape. Homemade dough gives the best flavor, especially when made with real butter and a touch of vanilla. You want it pliable enough to roll out and swirl, yet firm enough to slice without falling apart. If you’re short on time, a pre-made refrigerated sugar cookie dough can be a helpful shortcut, but making it from scratch is what gives these cookies their rich, buttery base.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Most ingredients are already pantry staples, and each one plays an important role in achieving that signature taste and texture.

Butter: Provides the rich base for both the dough and filling, giving a soft, chewy texture.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with structure.

Brown Sugar: Adds depth and warmth in the cinnamon swirl, bringing out that caramel-like flavor.

Egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture and richness.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a cozy, familiar aroma.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the dough its structure and allows for easy rolling.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff slightly and stay tender.

Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cookies their warm, comforting flavor.

Cream Cheese: Used in the icing, it adds tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese drizzle and gives it that smooth, glossy finish.

Milk or Cream: Just a splash to thin the icing to a drizzleable consistency.

How To Make the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread a thin layer of softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Gently roll the dough into a log and chill again so it firms up for slicing.

Step 3: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into even rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Icing

While the cookies cool, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk or cream. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cinnamon roll cookies are best served fresh with the icing just set. They’re fantastic as part of a brunch spread or as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. The recipe makes about 24 cookies, making them perfect for sharing.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them and bring to room temp before enjoying. You can also freeze the un-iced cookies and add the drizzle after thawing for a make-ahead option.

What to Serve With Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies?

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

The warmth of cinnamon pairs perfectly with the apple notes.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert plate, pair these cookies with a scoop on the side.

Maple Latte

Sweet and slightly earthy, a maple latte highlights the cozy flavors in the cookies.

Candied Pecans

Adds a crunchy texture contrast and enhances the nutty sweetness.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries add brightness and color to a dessert board.

Whipped Cream Cheese Dip

Make it extra indulgent by dipping these cookies into a sweetened cream cheese blend.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle a little extra over the top for a sticky, gooey bite.

If you love these Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies, check out these other unique takes on classic cookies:

• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

• Peggi’s Gigantic Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies if you love bold peanut butter flavor with crunch.

• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles when you crave something bright and citrusy.

• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with soft centers and a fudgy bite.

• Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp for a cookie-adjacent dessert that brings fall comfort year-round.

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 go heavy on the cinnamon or add nuts for a little crunch? Did you sneak one warm out of the oven like I always do?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask away if you have questions—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies are everything you love about cinnamon rolls wrapped into a portable, snackable cookie. With rich brown sugar swirls, a buttery base, and that dreamy cream cheese drizzle, they’re sure to steal the show at your next gathering or cozy evening in. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your cookie rotation.