Alright, flavor adventurers! Let’s talk about my latest obsession: Cinnamon Roll Cookies. This isn’t your grandma’s cookie recipe – unless your grandma rocks a leather jacket and a serious spice rack. These are the kind of Cinnamon Roll Cookies that make you want to ditch the diet and dance around the kitchen.
I’ve been tweaking and testing this Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe for weeks. I wanted to capture the warm, gooey soul of a cinnamon roll in a perfectly poppable cookie. You know, that kind of satisfying treat that screams Cuba Queen’s “no boring meals” philosophy! Get ready to fall head-over-heels because I’m about to share the secret to creating bakery-worthy Cinnamon Roll Cookies right in your own kitchen. These easy cinnamon cookies are about to become your new go-to!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Don’t even think about skipping the sifting. Light and airy is the name of the game here!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives our Cinnamon Roll Cookies that perfect lift and chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gotta balance out the baking powder for a texture that’s chef’s kiss.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The secret to epic Cinnamon Roll Cookies is using real butter, not margarine. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness we all crave.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth to these cinnamon sugar cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature is best for easy mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract only, flavor adventurers! The imitation stuff just doesn’t cut it.
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s really soft so it’s easy to spread.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: More brown sugar goodness!
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show! I like to use Saigon cinnamon for its extra kick.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Full fat is a MUST for a tangy, decadent frosting.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Again, real butter is key.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 2-4 tablespoons milk: To reach your desired consistency.
You can find the best cinnamon for this cinnamon roll cookie recipe at your local spice shop. Splurge on it – trust me! As for the cream cheese, I’m a Philly girl through and through. Don’t even try to get me to use anything else! This Cinnamon Roll Cookies ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed. Don’t stress – your Cinnamon Roll Cookies are going to be incredible.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Pro tip for Cinnamon Roll Cookies perfection: scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Here’s where most people mess up their Cinnamon Roll Cookies – but not you! Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough cookies. Your Cinnamon Roll Cookies should look/smell/feel like a soft, slightly sticky dough at this point.
- Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll one half of the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. This is where your Cinnamon Roll Cookies transforms into pure magic.
- Starting from one of the long ends, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice the cookies.
- Repeat steps 5-7 with the remaining dough. Trust me, the chill time is non-negotiable!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. While your Cinnamon Roll Cookies is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
- Slice the chilled dough logs into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. In my kitchen, this Cinnamon Roll Cookies takes exactly 10-12 minutes to bake.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t go overboard with the milk, or your frosting will be too runny.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. These easy cinnamon cookies are almost ready!
- Drizzle with extra melted butter (optional, but highly recommended). Now, step back and admire your masterpiece – then dive in!
If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try peppermint bark cinnamon rolls.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is everything! Arrange your Cinnamon Roll Cookies on a pretty platter and dust with a little extra cinnamon. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cinnamon Roll Cookies at brunch.
Pair these Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a strong cup of Cuban coffee for the ultimate flavor experience. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. These cinnamon swirl cookies absolutely slay at dinner parties!
These cookies are perfect for any occasion: potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a random Tuesday when you need a little something special. This Cinnamon Roll Cookies reminds me of another flavor explosion: cinnamon roll zucchini bread.
For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting. Or, for a seasonal variation, add a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the dough during the fall. Leftover cookies? Crumble them over ice cream or use them as a base for mini cheesecakes!
FAQs:
Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Cookies spicier?
- Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon swirl for a subtle kick. I’ve tested this, and it’s a total game-changer for those who like a little heat.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for my Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
- No problem! You can make your own by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will give you the same rich, caramel-like flavor.
Can I use a different type of flour?
- I recommend sticking with all-purpose flour for this recipe. Other types of flour may affect the texture of the cookies. However, I am all about testing boundaries! Let me know what you discover and send me your results!
How do I know when my Cinnamon Roll Cookies are perfectly done?
- The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should be set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze these Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
- Yes, you can! Freeze the un-frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
- Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is easier to handle. Remember, chilling the dough also helps reduce stickiness.
Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
What’s the best way to store these Cinnamon Roll Cookies?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For more bold flavor adventures, check out cinnamon roll protein crepes! Also for reference and further exploration, check out these delicious Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies and Cinnamon Roll Cookies – A baJillian Recipes.
CONCLUSION:

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic indulgence, and the joy of sharing delicious food with the people you love. I have no doubts that with these instructions you’ll be creating incredibly tasty cinnamon swirl cookies!
My Cinnamon Roll Cookies Power Tips:
- Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s crucial for easy slicing and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Use real butter for the best flavor. Margarine just doesn’t compare!
- Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
I’ve created so many variations of these cookies, from adding a hint of orange zest to the dough to drizzling them with a salted caramel sauce. I’ve even tried dipping them in chocolate – talk about a flavor explosion! The version that always gets the biggest reaction is the one with a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting. The sweet and salty combination is simply irresistible.
I’m confident that you can make these Cinnamon Roll Cookies your signature dish. Embrace the process, have fun, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Go forth and create some Cinnamon Roll Cookies memories! Snap a picture of your creations and share them with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy baking, flavor adventurers! These Cinnamon Roll Cookies will be sure to be a hit with family and friends! They’re so simple and easy to make, they’ll become a new family favorite!
Also, for another perspective, check out these Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze – Cooking With …
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Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in cookie form! These soft and chewy cookies are swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly and use a spoon to make a small indent. Spoon a small amount of the cinnamon swirl mixture into the indent of each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Stir in milk and vanilla extract until desired consistency is reached.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.
- Enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the cinnamon swirl. You can also add chopped nuts to the topping.

