Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Easy Breakfast Treat

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven, right? Now, imagine capturing those comforting, nostalgic flavors in a soft, chewy cookie. These Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful fusion of two breakfast favorites: cinnamon rolls and cookies. Perfectly spiced, with a hint of tangy cream cheese, they’re an irresistible treat that works just as well for dessert as they do for a sweet mid-morning snack.

What makes this recipe so special is how it combines the rich, buttery flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of cookies. Plus, they’re easier to make than traditional cinnamon rolls—no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re a cinnamon roll enthusiast or just looking for a fun twist on classic cookies, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies

Cinnamon rolls have always been a staple in my family’s breakfast rotation, especially during the holidays. There’s something magical about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying those sweet, gooey rolls. But let’s be honest—making them from scratch can be a bit of a marathon. One morning, as I was craving that cinnamon goodness but didn’t have the time (or patience) for dough prep, the idea of combining those flavors into cookies popped into my head.

These cookies are inspired by that “aha” moment. They’re not only quicker to whip up but also have a unique texture that’s soft, tender, and perfectly balanced with the cream cheese filling. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe, adding little touches like a drizzle of cinnamon glaze that mimics the frosting on a cinnamon roll. And let’s talk about their versatility! They’re perfect for cozy fall mornings, holiday cookie swaps, or as a sweet surprise for brunch gatherings.

Though they’re inspired by breakfast, these cookies feel right at home any time of day. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of cinnamon roll heaven—without all the effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s a breakdown:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies a rich, buttery base. If you’re in a pinch, salted butter works too—just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: The key to the tangy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the cookies. Light or dark brown sugar will work here.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use fresh, aromatic ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a little lift.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together. For egg-free cookies, a flax egg works well.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully. Pure vanilla extract is worth it, but imitation vanilla works too.
• Powdered Sugar: For the cinnamon glaze drizzle that takes these cookies over the top.

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for a unique twist.

Equipment Needed

Good news—these cookies don’t require fancy equipment! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: One for the dough and another for the glaze.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works great for creaming the butter and cream cheese.
• Whisk: For the cinnamon glaze.
• Cookie Sheet: Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
• Spatula: For folding in the dry ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: To let the cookies cool completely before glazing.

If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can cream the butter and sugar by hand—it just takes a bit more elbow grease! And for the glaze, any spoon will do if you don’t have a whisk handy.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup (115g) of softened butter and 4 oz (115g) of cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add ½ cup (100g) of brown sugar and ¼ cup (50g) of granulated sugar, and mix until fluffy.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups (220g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1½ tsp of ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Form the cookies: Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
7. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (60g) of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 2-3 tbsp of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
8. Enjoy: Let the glaze set for 10 minutes, then dig in!

Pro Tip: If your glaze is too thick, add a few drops of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies turn out perfect:

• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
• Chill the dough: If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before scooping—it’ll be easier to work with.
• Watch the baking time: These cookies are meant to be soft, so don’t overbake them. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
• Use fresh cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon will give your cookies a more robust flavor. Check the expiration date on your spice jar!
• Glaze evenly: For a Pinterest-worthy drizzle, use a spoon or piping bag to control the flow.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to make these cookies your own? Here are some fun variations:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and a flax egg.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies.
• Seasonal Touch: Add a splash of maple extract for fall-inspired cookies or a hint of orange zest for a holiday vibe.

I once tried adding a dash of espresso powder to the glaze, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies taste best when served slightly warm with a drizzle of glaze. Here are some serving and storage tips:

• Serving: Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat. Arrange them on a platter for brunch gatherings or holiday parties.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes.

Pro Tip: The flavors deepen after a day, so don’t hesitate to make them ahead of time!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate per cookie:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g

While these cookies are a treat, they do offer a few benefits. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties, and cream cheese provides a small amount of protein and calcium. Plus, they’re an excellent way to satisfy your sweet cravings without resorting to overly processed snacks!

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic breakfast pastry in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. The combination of cinnamon spice, tangy cream cheese, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible.

Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste—you might just discover a new favorite variation. Happy baking!

If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment below or share it with your friends on Pinterest. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake the cookies and glaze them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, unglazed cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and add the glaze before serving.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I use a different spice blend?

Definitely! Try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and tender, with a slightly chewy texture—just like the center of a cinnamon roll!

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