If you love the sweet-spiced comfort of cinnamon rolls but sometimes crave a bite-sized treat, the Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe is here to satisfy your cravings with less fuss and maximum flavor. These soft, swirled cookies capture all those warm cinnamon and buttery notes that make traditional cinnamon rolls such a delight, topped off with creamy, dreamy frosting that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether for a festive occasion or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe offers a fun twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to become one of your cherished go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in making the Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe shine. From the creamy butter that creates tender dough to the fragrant cinnamon filling, every element combines to bring out a perfect harmony of texture and flavor.
- 3/4 cup butter (room temperature): Provides richness and helps keep the cookies tender and soft.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb texture.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for perfect chewiness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream: Contributes to dough softness and richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation to build tender, sturdy cookie dough.
- 1/4 cup butter (melted): Used in the filling to create a luscious cinnamon swirl.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep molasses notes to the cinnamon filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice for that signature cinnamon roll aroma and taste.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): The base for velvety, tangy frosting.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (softened): Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the frosting with subtle vanilla warmth.
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Makes the frosting luscious and easy to pipe.
- Additional cinnamon for sprinkling: Optional finishing touch to enhance aroma and color.
How to Make Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. This step is essential to incorporate air that gives your cookies a light and fluffy base. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, heavy cream, baking powder, and salt until everything is well combined. Finally, fold in the flour just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix. This creates a tender but sturdy dough that’s ready for shaping.
Step 2: Shape the Dough into a Rectangle
Sprinkle a piece of wax or parchment paper with flour, then gently press the dough out with your hands (it’s easiest with slightly wet hands) into a rough 15 by 10 inch rectangle. It doesn’t have to be perfect—part of the cookie’s charm is its rustic, homemade look.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Cinnamon Filling
Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread this luscious filling evenly over the dough rectangle, making sure every edge gets some of that buttery, cinnamon goodness. Then, carefully roll up the dough from one edge to the other, like a jelly roll. Transfer the roll to a cookie sheet and pop it into the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up. This chilling step helps the cookies keep their shape when baked.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature ensures your cookies will bake evenly and develop just the right golden edges without drying out.
Step 5: Slice and Prepare Cookies for Baking
Remove the chilled dough from the freezer and cut it into 10 equal rounds. Take each slice and gently round it out if needed, keeping them thick so they stay soft and pillowy inside. Arrange the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room as they will spread.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, until their edges turn a delicate golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool on the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling on the rack helps keep their texture just right—not too soft or crumbly.
Step 7: Top with Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the frosting is silky smooth. Spoon it into a zip-top bag and snip off a corner to pipe swirls over the cooled cookies. For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top, and watch your Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe come to life!
How to Serve Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg over the frosting adds warmth and color, making the cookies look irresistible. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea, enhancing those cinnamon notes. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced, indulgent spread that brightens any morning.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. For parties, place them in decorative paper liners or stack them tiered with a small floral accent. They also make delightful edible gifts tucked into a festive tin or wrapped in cellophane tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their softness and fresh flavors. If you prefer, refrigerate to keep the frosting fresh, but let the cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie rounds by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake and frost according to the recipe instructions for freshly made taste any time.
Reheating
To revive the cookies’ soft texture, warm them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft or cause the frosting to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter; just reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half. The texture might be slightly less rich, but the cookies will still taste delicious.
How thick should I roll the dough before slicing?
Press the dough out to roughly 15 by 10 inches thick, about 1/4 inch thick, before rolling into the jelly roll shape. This ensures a good cinnamon swirl balance and a soft center.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip lightly before piping onto the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for regular flour.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Frosted Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm embrace, blending cinnamon-sugar swirls with rich, creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring a cozy, homemade charm and sweet joy to any moment. Give this recipe a go, and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to savor.
