These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but craves the ease of a cookie. Each cookie is made with browned butter, giving it a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon sugar filling inside. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a special treat to share with friends and family.
Why You'll Love This:
- Rich and Flavorful: The browned butter adds a deep, toasty flavor that elevates these cookies beyond your average sweet treat. Combined with the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar filling, each bite is a burst of comforting flavors.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch, adding a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cookies. It’s creamy, smooth, and just the right amount of indulgent.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are large, soft, and generously filled, making them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Easy to Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to whip up a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes.
Perfect Occasion:
These Cinnamon Roll Cookies are ideal for:
- Holiday Baking: Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion where you want to serve something special.
- Gift Giving: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift that’s sure to delight.
- Weekend Baking: Spend a cozy afternoon baking these cookies and enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Dessert Tables: Add these cookies to your dessert spread at parties or gatherings for a unique and delicious treat.
Decoration Tips:
- Drizzle More Icing: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional cream cheese frosting over the cookies after they’ve been frosted.
- Sprinkle with Cinnamon: Dust the tops of the frosted cookies with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
- Add a Touch of Sparkle: Sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar or edible glitter over the frosting for a festive look.
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Roll Cookie Dough:
- 125g unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 100g granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 3 tbsp)
- 50g brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 240g plain or all-purpose flour (1 cup + 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 60g unsalted butter (1/4 cup), softened
- 60g dark brown sugar (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp, packed)
- 15g plain or all-purpose flour (1 tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 50g unsalted butter, room temperature (3 tbsp + 2 tsp)
- 50g cream cheese, room temperature (3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 95g icing sugar or powdered sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brown Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 125g of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as the butter melts, foams, and eventually turns a deep golden brown with a nutty aroma. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the browned butter, along with the toasted milk solids, into a large mixing bowl. Place the bowl in the fridge or freezer for 10-15 minutes to cool the butter slightly.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- Once the butter is cool, add 100g granulated sugar and 50g brown sugar to the bowl. Mix until the sugars are fully combined with the butter.
- Stir in 1 large egg, 1 tbsp heavy cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 240g all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- In a medium bowl, cream together 60g softened butter and 60g dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 15g flour, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a thick, spreadable paste forms.
- Place the filling in the fridge to chill while the cookie dough continues to rest.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the cookie dough is chilled, divide it into equal portions, about 95g each, and roll each portion into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a disc, add a tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar filling in the center, and fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges to prevent leakage.
- Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Chill the filled cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before adding the frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together 50g room temperature butter and 50g cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 95g powdered sugar, beating well after each addition until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp lemon juice (if using).
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each one.
- For best results, allow the frosting to set by chilling the cookies in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy these decadent Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for any occasion!
