If you’re anything like me, cinnamon buns are a little slice of heaven — all that warm cinnamon, gooey dough, and a touch of sweetness that just feels like a hug. Now, imagine capturing all those comforting flavors but in a cookie you can grab anytime. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies bring together the cozy, spicy goodness of cinnamon rolls with a tender, buttery cookie texture that just melts in your mouth.
One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to whip up and the way those cream cheese centers add that signature creaminess without any fuss. Whether it’s a casual treat for afternoon coffee or a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, these cookies always get me rave reviews. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them over and over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique: These cookies combine a rich cinnamon swirl with a creamy cheese center for a flavor you won’t find in a typical cookie.
- Simple to Make: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
- Perfect Texture: The tender cookie dough paired with the soft, slightly tangy cream cheese surprise creates the ultimate bite every time.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a potluck hit, or part of your holiday baking rotation, these cookies always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get that authentic cinnamon bun flavor in cookie form, the ingredients are pretty classic but with a twist—like the added milk powder and cream cheese that give these cookies that rich, tender texture. Choosing good-quality cinnamon and real vanilla is a game-changer here.
- Unsalted butter: Makes for a creamy base and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: For that essential sweetness and subtle crunch.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, perfect for cinnamon buns.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and helps with tenderness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- Milk powder: A secret addition that enhances the texture and flavor, making cookies tender.
- Kosher salt: Balances all the sweetness beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise for lightness.
- Baking soda: Helps with slight spreading and texture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills these cookies with that signature cinnamon bun warmth.
- Cream cheese: This is the magic ingredient for the luscious, melty center that mimics the cream cheese icing on cinnamon buns.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe to suit different tastes or occasions. You can easily tweak the cinnamon intensity or swap out the filling for something fun. Feel free to make it your own—it’s your bake, after all!
- Extra Cinnamon Punch: I sometimes add a pinch more cinnamon or toss in a little ground nutmeg to spice things up, which my family goes crazy for.
- Vegan Twist: I swapped out the butter for coconut oil and used vegan cream cheese once, and while the texture shifted slightly, the flavor was still delightful.
- Chocolate Lovers: Adding mini chocolate chips into the dough or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top creates a decadent spin that’s always a hit at parties.
- Less Sweet Option: You can reduce the sugars a bit if you want something subtler—just keep the cream cheese because it balances the whole flavor profile.
How to Make Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, in a large mixing bowl (I use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment), cream the unsalted butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars on medium-high speed. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy—don’t rush this because it gives your dough that lovely texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to incorporate everything evenly, then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat again until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
Next, sift together your flour, milk powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add these to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated—about a minute or so. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies could turn out a bit tough. The dough should feel soft and a little luscious, perfect for the next step.
Step 3: Divide and Swirl Your Dough
This is the fun part! Split your dough into two halves. Knead ground cinnamon into one half thoroughly—this gives you that classic cinnamon filling swirl. To assemble, scoop half of the cinnamon dough and half of the plain dough into your cookie scoop or measuring cup, pinch and twist them together so they swirl around each other. I love this hands-on step because you get to watch the cinnamon creating beautiful patterns inside the cookie.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Center and Shape Cookies
Flip the dough ball over so the seam is underneath, then gently press your thumbs into the center to create a little well. Place about one tablespoon of cream cheese inside, then carefully wrap the dough edges back over to seal the cream cheese completely. This seals in that glorious melty center that makes these cookies unforgettable. It takes a bit of patience to seal the dough without tearing, but it’s so worth it!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Perfectly Soft
Place your cookies seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Then, flatten the tops gently with the palm of your hand so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden edges but still soft centers—this ensures the cookies will be tender and chewy, not hard. Once baked, let them cool slightly right on the pan because I promise, they’re heavenly warm but still delicate.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are soft but not melting to help the dough come together smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender, avoiding toughness.
- Seal Cream Cheese Well: To avoid oozing during baking, pinch and seal the cream cheese center carefully and test by gently squeezing the ball before baking.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies as soon as the edges turn golden to maintain softness inside; overbaking leads to dry cookies.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For me, these cookies don’t really need much to shine, but I sometimes dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla) over the top for extra sweetness and pretty presentation. It mimics the classic cinnamon bun drizzle and adds that extra “wow” for guests.
Side Dishes
I like pairing these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea latte—they complement each other so well. For brunch, they’re fabulous alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait. They even work well as a sweet finish to a casual breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
When I bring these to holiday parties, I arrange them on a pretty platter lined with a cinnamon stick and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for a cozy festive vibe. You can also serve them stacked in a clear jar as a delightful edible gift that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and believe me, they don’t last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I recommend refrigerating them so the cream cheese filling stays fresh. They keep nicely for about a week this way.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookies both before and after baking. To freeze dough, shape the cookie balls with cream cheese inside, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too and thaw quickly at room temp.
Reheating
I love reheating these cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warming them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, melty texture and fresh-baked aroma, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the cream cheese in this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe?
Yes! While cream cheese is essential for that soft, tangy center characteristic of cinnamon buns, you can substitute it with mascarpone for a milder flavor or a vegan cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
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How do I prevent the cream cheese from leaking out during baking?
The key to avoiding leaks is sealing the cream cheese inside the dough very tightly. Make sure to pinch and wrap the dough completely over the cream cheese and smooth the seam underneath so it doesn’t open during baking. If you feel the dough tears, pinch it more or add a tiny bit more dough to patch it.
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Can I make this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum to substitute the flour evenly. The texture might be a little different, but the flavor will still be spot on if you follow the same steps carefully.
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How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies are best eaten within 3 days at room temperature or up to one week if refrigerated. Beyond that, the cream cheese filling can start to lose its freshness, though freezing can extend shelf life.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe turns simple ingredients into something so comforting and indulgent. It’s that perfect balance of cinnamon warmth and creamy richness that brings back all my best cozy memories. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to become a favorite, you really need to give these cookies a try. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become the go-to treat you’ll want to share with everyone.
Print
Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and swirled Cinnamon Bun Cookies featuring a luscious cream cheese filling. These cookies combine the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon dough swirled with plain dough and a creamy center, making a perfect treat that tastes just like a cinnamon bun in cookie form.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (20 g) milk powder
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Filling
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat & Cream Butter and Sugars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined, about 2 more minutes.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, milk powder, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is just combined, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide and Flavor Dough: Split the dough into two equal halves. Knead the ground cinnamon thoroughly into one half of the dough until evenly distributed, creating the cinnamon dough.
- Form Swirled Dough Balls with Cream Cheese Filling: Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop or a 1/4-cup measuring cup, fill halfway with the cinnamon dough, then fill the remaining half with plain dough. Pinch and twist the two dough halves together by hand to form a marbled swirl effect. Flip the dough ball upside down and with your thumbs, create a well large enough to place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese inside. Carefully wrap the dough edges around the cream cheese to fully seal it inside the dough ball.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the dough balls seam side down on two parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough ball slightly using the palm of your hand.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until the edges turn a golden brown color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, ensuring a soft texture.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before enjoying. These cookies are delicious warm. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to one week.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and easy dough handling.
- If you don’t have milk powder, you can omit it, but it adds to the cookie’s richness and tenderness.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days, but can be frozen for longer storage.
- Make sure to seal the cream cheese well inside the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
