Cinnamon Roll Cookies: A Sweet Fusion of Two Classic Treats

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the delightful texture of cookies, then these Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect treat for you. With a soft, buttery cookie base infused with cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are like mini cinnamon rolls in cookie form. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet and cozy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or half granulated sugar and half brown sugar)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Cinnamon sugar, for rolling (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream, as needed
• Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Directions

Step 1: Make the Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. If using half granulated sugar and half brown sugar, combine them both at this stage.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a firm dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add an extra tablespoon or two of flour, but be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Form the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. For extra cinnamon flavor, roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before placing them on the baking sheets.
3. Flatten the Dough: Gently flatten each dough ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass to a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth, then add the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe the frosting onto the cookies in a spiral shape using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip, or by snipping off the corner of a zip-top bag. Sprinkle the tops with ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Store

1. Serve: Enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.
2. Store: Store any leftover cookies in a covered container for up to 3 days. The cookies will remain soft and flavorful, making them a great option for make-ahead treats.

Quick Tips

• Customizing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the frosting to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
• Storing Dough: If you’re not ready to bake all the cookies at once, the dough can be frozen. Simply shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Decorating Ideas: For a festive touch, you can sprinkle colored sugar or holiday sprinkles on top of the frosting.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving
• Servings: 24 cookies

These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and spice, with a soft, buttery texture and a rich, creamy frosting. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange or just as a weekend treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

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