Cinnamon Roll Frosted Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic

Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, but in the form of a cookie. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Cinnamon Roll Frosted Cookies—a delightful fusion of two beloved treats.

These cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of a sugar cookie with the rich, cinnamon-infused flavor of a classic cinnamon roll. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a comforting dessert, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite.

What Are Cinnamon Roll Frosted Cookies?

These cookies take everything you love about cinnamon rolls—the warm spices, gooey filling, and creamy frosting—and pack them into a soft, bite-sized treat. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies require no yeast, rising time, or rolling. Instead, they bake up quickly and deliver the same cozy flavors in a convenient form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

• In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
• In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a thick paste forms.

3. Shape the Cookies:

• Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
• Gently roll the dough into a log, similar to a cinnamon roll.
• Slice into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on the baking sheet.

4. Bake to Perfection:

• Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
• Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Frosting & Finish:

• In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until creamy.
• Once cookies are fully cooled, spread or drizzle frosting over the tops.
• Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Frosted Cookies

• Chill the Dough: This helps maintain the cookies’ shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain soft in the center for the best texture.
• Drizzle or Spread Frosting: For a bakery-style touch, drizzle the frosting with a spoon or pipe it with a ziplock bag.
• Add a Caramel Drizzle: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.

Tasty Variations to Try

1. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Cookies

• Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze made with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk.

2. Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.

3. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Cookies

• Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for a fall-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies taste amazing on their own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• With a Hot Drink: Pair with a cup of coffee, chai latte, or hot cocoa.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Layer a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
• Gift Box Treat: Pack them in a decorative tin for a homemade holiday gift.

Healthier Options

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut down the sugar by ¼ cup in the dough and use a lighter frosting.
• Try Greek Yogurt Frosting: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I Freeze These Cookies?

Absolutely! Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do I Have to Chill the Dough?

Chilling is recommended but not required. However, cold dough is easier to work with and results in thicker cookies.

Can I Make This Dough Gluten-Free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

If you love the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but want something quick and easy to make

these Cinnamon Roll Frosted Cookies are perfect for you. They bring together the best of both worlds—chewy cookies and warm, spiced sweetness with a creamy frosting. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try them today and enjoy a cozy treat that tastes like home!