Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Imagine the comforting warmth of a classic cinnamon roll perfectly encapsulated within a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Cinnamon Roll Cookies. They brilliantly fuse the rich, buttery texture of a beloved cookie with the signature swirl and spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll. Each bite reveals a delightful snickerdoodle cookie base, generously studded with luscious dollops of cinnamon filling. Rolled in a sparkling cinnamon sugar coating and crowned with a decadent cream cheese icing, these cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience.

When developing this recipe, the goal was clear: to create something truly special, far beyond a simple cinnamon-spiced snickerdoodle. The magic lies in the tender, spiced filling nestled within the cookie, mirroring the heart of a true cinnamon roll. And, of course, no cinnamon roll experience is complete without its iconic topping. The tangy, sweet cream cheese icing is not just an afterthought; it’s the final flourish that transforms these cookies into miniature cinnamon roll masterpieces. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that promises delectable results, made even easier with our detailed tips, tricks, and step-by-step process photos.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to satisfy your deepest cravings for comfort and sweetness. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire:

• A Unique Flavor Fusion: Why choose between a cookie and a cinnamon roll when you can have both? This recipe expertly combines the best qualities of each – the chewiness of a perfect cookie with the spiced, gooey center of a cinnamon roll.
• Irresistible Cinnamon Filling: Unlike a simple snickerdoodle, these cookies boast a rich, buttery cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth, creating an authentic cinnamon roll experience in every bite. The visible swirl of cinnamon filling when you break open a cookie is a delightful surprise!
• Signature Cream Cheese Icing: The smooth, tangy cream cheese icing isn’t optional; it’s essential. It perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookie and filling, elevating the entire dessert to gourmet status.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual brunch, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. They’re hearty enough for a winter evening and delightful enough for a summer picnic.
• Simple to Follow Instructions: We’ve broken down every step with clear, concise instructions and helpful photos to ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable, even if you’re a novice baker.

Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon roll cookies at home is entirely possible with a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully golden, perfectly soft, and bursting with flavor every single time.

• Master Your Flour Measurement (Tip 1): Flour measurement is crucial for the texture and spread of your cookies. Avoid scooping your measuring cup directly into the flour bag, as this compacts the flour, leading to an excess amount. Instead, use a spoon to lightly fluff the flour, then spoon it into your measuring cup until it overflows, and finally, level it off with the back of a knife. This method ensures you have the correct amount, preventing your cookies from becoming dry or not spreading properly during baking.
• The Secret to No-Spread Filling: Freeze Your Dollops (Tip 2): This step is a game-changer! Preparing the cinnamon filling dollops in advance and freezing them for at least 40 minutes (or even overnight) is vital. Frozen dollops will resist melting too quickly in the oven, preventing the cookie dough from spreading excessively. This technique ensures that your cookies maintain their shape and that the cinnamon filling remains a distinct, luscious pocket within the cookie, just like a true cinnamon roll.
• Perfectly Enveloping the Filling (Tip 3): When it’s time to fill your cookie dough balls, take a generous scoop of dough (using a large cookie scoop works best for consistency). While the dough is still in the scoop or gently in your hand, use your thumb to create a deep indentation, about three-quarters of the way down into the center. Carefully place a frozen cinnamon filling dollop into this hollow. Then, gently but firmly, bring the edges of the cookie dough up and over the dollop, sealing it completely. Ensure there are no cracks or exposed filling, as this could cause leakage during baking.
• Drizzling Cream Cheese Icing Like a Pro (Tip 4): For a professional and mess-free finish, transfer your cream cheese icing into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off works just as well. Place your cooled cookies on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup catches any drips, keeping your workspace clean. Drizzle the icing back and forth over the cookies for an elegant presentation and even coverage. Allow the icing to set slightly before serving for the best experience.

Storing and Freezing Cinnamon Roll Cookies

To enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies for longer, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if the cookies are heavily iced, you might consider refrigerating them to preserve the cream cheese icing, which can extend their freshness for up to a week. For the best texture, always bring refrigerated cookies back to room temperature before serving.

These cookies also freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze the un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then apply the freshly made cream cheese icing. You can also freeze the filled cookie dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, and then ice once cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Got questions about making these delightful cookies? Here are some answers to common queries to help you bake with confidence!

Can I make the cinnamon filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the cinnamon filling in advance is highly recommended. You can make the dollops and freeze them for up to a week. This not only saves time on baking day but also ensures the filling is perfectly firm, which is crucial for preventing spread.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Several factors can cause cookies to spread excessively. The most common culprits are inaccurate flour measurement (too little flour or compacted flour), butter that is too warm, or using a cinnamon filling that isn’t sufficiently frozen. Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, measure flour using the spoon-and-level method, and always freeze your cinnamon dollops for at least 40 minutes.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Cinnamon roll cookies are typically done when their edges are lightly golden brown and the centers look set but still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet and then on the wire rack. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes.

Can I use different spices in the filling or dough?

While cinnamon is the star, you can certainly experiment! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon filling can add another layer of warm spice. For the cookie dough, you might also try a tiny dash of allspice for a more complex flavor profile. However, stick to small amounts to keep cinnamon as the predominant flavor.

If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast and loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my cinnamon roll cheesecake and snickerdoodle cake!

5 out of 5 stars from 1 review

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

By Stephanie Rutherford

These cinnamon roll cookies combine a buttery cookie with a cinnamon roll. It has a snickerdoodle cookie base stuffed with cinnamon filling dollops. When you open the cookie you can see that cinnamon filling. It is also rolled in cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese icing.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 13 mins

Chilling Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 13 mins

Servings: 18 large cookies

Ingredients

Cinnamon Filling

• 6 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 1 TBSP All-purpose flour
• 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cookie Dough

• 2 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cream of tartar
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 Large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 1/2 TBSP Ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

• 2 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Milk

Instructions

Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the unsalted butter until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture on high speed for about 1 minute until all ingredients are well combined and fluffy.
2. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a 1/2 Tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out small dollops of the cinnamon filling and place them evenly spaced on the prepared wax paper. Aim to make 18 dollops for your cookies. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for at least 40 minutes, or until the dollops are completely solid.

Cookie Dough

1. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps. Set this bowl aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for light and tender cookies.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Add the pure vanilla extract and one large egg at a time, mixing until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Allow the prepared cookie dough to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature; this short rest helps the gluten relax and the flour to fully hydrate, which can prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. In a small separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup white granulated sugar with 1/2 TBSP ground cinnamon to create your cinnamon sugar coating.
5. Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 2-3 Tablespoons of dough), portion out the cookie dough. While the dough is still in the scoop or gently in your hand, use your thumb to create a deep indentation in the center. Carefully place one of the frozen cinnamon filling dollops into this hole. Gently close the cookie dough around the filling, ensuring it is completely sealed and smooth. Roll each filled cookie dough ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place 6 cookie dough balls per prepared cookie sheet, ensuring adequate space between them for spreading.
6. Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear set. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch.
7. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes. This allows them to finish baking slightly and firm up before handling. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial for the cookies to be entirely cool before you apply the cream cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a small bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until the mixture is light, smooth, and creamy. This typically takes 1-2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until just combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and add the pure vanilla extract and milk, beating until the icing is smooth, creamy, and has a pipeable consistency. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until desired consistency is reached.
2. Transfer the cream cheese icing to a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped). Drizzle or pipe the luscious icing generously over each completely cooled cinnamon roll cookie.

Notes

Flour: Always ensure flour is spooned and leveled or use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Compacted flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.

High Altitude Baking: If you are baking at a high altitude, add an extra 2 Tablespoons of flour to the cookie dough to help with structure and prevent excessive spreading.

Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal results, remember to pull out all dairy ingredients (butter, cream cheese, eggs) at least 2 hours before you plan to start baking. Room temperature ingredients cream together more smoothly, creating a more uniform and tender cookie dough and icing.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 322kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 188mg, Potassium: 82mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 515IU, Vitamin C: 0.02mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg

We hope you adore these Cinnamon Roll Cookies as much as we do! If you loved this recipe, please consider leaving a star review below to let us know. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Instagram and tag me @stephaniesweettreats. For more inspiring baking ideas and sweet treats, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!