Name: Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love the cozy, sweet swirl of cinnamon rolls and the creamy tang of cheesecake, then this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is going to feel like a little slice of heaven in your kitchen. These cookies bring all that cinnamon-spiced goodness together with a luscious cream cheese center—perfect for when you want a treat that’s both comforting and a tad unexpected.

I first tried making these on a chilly afternoon when I craved something warm and indulgent, but without all the fuss of rolling out dough. What makes this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe so special is its simplicity combined with its delicious layers of flavor. Bake them for a brunch, an after-school snack, or just whenever you need that sweet pick-me-up; they’re sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe are simple, pantry-friendly staples that come together to create a beautifully balanced cookie. Each one brings something important to the mix—whether it’s that melt-in-your-mouth softness or the signature cinnamon kick.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives the cookies their rich moisture; be sure not to melt it!
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that slightly crisp cookie edge.
Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds chewiness and a subtle molasses hint.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s tender texture.
Vanilla extract: It unlocks deeper flavor notes—don’t skip this!
All-purpose flour: The base of our dough, providing structure.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect soft bite.
Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings cinnamon roll magic into the cookie.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that signature cheesecake swirl inside each cookie.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling.
Milk: Just a bit to loosen the cream cheese filling to the perfect spreadable texture.

Variations

I love making this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe my own by tweaking the flavors or adding little extras. Don’t hesitate to get creative—recipes like this are meant for personalization!

Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon mix for a cozy, autumn-inspired twist.
Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free baking blend works well here, just watch the dough consistency so it’s not too dry.
Icing Drizzle: For extra sweetness, I drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cookies—makes them perfect for holiday gifting.
Orange Zest: Adding a little zest to the cream cheese filling brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness nicely.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

This is where your cookies get their airy texture, so make sure the butter is soft but not melted. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture lightens in color and looks fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step really makes a difference, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and flavor depth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet batter, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so patience is key.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture becomes the sweet surprise inside each cookie, so make sure it’s silky and lump-free.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Take a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Spoon a small dollop of cream cheese filling in the center, then fold the dough around it to seal completely into a ball. This step might seem fiddly, but trust me, the surprise cheesecake center makes it all worthwhile!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Place the formed cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—that way, they firm up perfectly without breaking.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Five round cookies with light beige and light brown swirls are placed in a white cloth inside a basket. Each cookie shows a smooth surface with some cracks and sugar crystals visible on top. The cookies are lined up vertically, partially overlapping each other, and the cloth around them is softly wrinkled. The background shows a clean, white marbled texture with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these cookies with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze—both add a nice touch of sparkle and extra cinnamon sweetness. Sometimes, powdered sugar alone is enough to make them look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the perfect sweet snack combo. If you’re serving at brunch, they go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these cookies in a spiral shape on a pretty platter to echo the cinnamon roll feel. Adding some edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped pecans around the edges can also elevate the presentation instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I store mine in a single layer to avoid squishing the cream cheese centers—trust me, they stay just as soft and flavorful the next day.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well too! After baking and cooling, pop them into a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours—perfect for making treats ahead of time.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked softness, I gently warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. The cream cheese center stays creamy, and you’ll get that cozy just-out-of-the-oven vibe all over again.

FAQs

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the cookies to make spreading easier.
Will these cookies spread too much during baking?

If your butter is too soft or melted, the cookies may spread more. Make sure the butter is just softened and keep the dough chilled if you find that happening. Also, folding the cream cheese filling tightly inside helps maintain the cookie shape.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?

You can, but I recommend sticking with plain cream cheese for the best balance with the cinnamon-spiced dough. Flavored varieties might overpower the cinnamon or make the filling too sweet.
How do I get the best cinnamon flavor in these cookies?

Freshly ground cinnamon works wonders! If you love super cinnamony treats like I do, feel free to up the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons in the dough. Just be mindful not to add too much or it might taste bitter.
Are these cookies suitable for sharing during the holidays?

Definitely! These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe cookies are a crowd-pleaser and look festive too. Wrapping them in a gift box or tin with a ribbon makes for a thoughtful homemade present.

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest—once you make this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, it’s hard to go back to regular cookies. They’ve got this wonderful blend of cinnamon warmth and creamy sweetness that just feels like a big, tasty hug. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do. Give it a try soon, and I bet these cookies will become one of your favorite go-to treats!