Name: Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting; 1-2 tablespoons milk for frosting; Extra cinnamon for topping

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies

Introduction
These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy tang of cheesecake with the cozy spice of a cinnamon roll in a soft, tender cookie. Each bite yields a slightly crisp edge, a pillowy center, and a sweet vanilla glaze that echoes a bakery-style icing. The aroma while baking is warm and comforting, with cinnamon and browned butter notes coming through from the dough and the cream cheese base. These cookies are perfect for weekend brunches, holiday cookie swaps, or a comforting afternoon with coffee. If you enjoy variations on classic pastries, you may also like a simple twist on related treats like classic cinnamon roll cookies for more sweet roll inspired baking ideas.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened — provides richness and tender texture in the cookie base.
1 cup cream cheese, softened — adds tangy creaminess and keeps cookies soft.
1 cup granulated sugar — for sweetness and structure.
1 cup brown sugar — adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract — rounds out flavors with warm, sweet aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour — the structure for the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder — gives a gentle lift and lightness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon — core spice for the cinnamon roll character.
1/2 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar for frosting — creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
1-2 tablespoons milk for frosting — thins the powdered sugar to a drizzling consistency.
Extra cinnamon for topping — optional finishing touch for aroma and presentation.

If you want a more classic buttery cookie to compare textures, check a basic recipe such as basic butter cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
Cream the fats and sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape the bowl so everything is evenly mixed.
Whisk dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt so the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
Combine wet and dry. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Portion the dough. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly so they bake into soft rounds.
Bake. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Baking times vary by oven, so check at 10 minutes and adjust as needed.
Cool. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Cooling slightly before frosting helps the glaze set without melting away.
Make the frosting. For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until desired consistency, then drizzle over cooled cookies. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if you want a thinner glaze.
Finish and serve. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired and enjoy. For more decorating inspiration and texture comparisons, you can look at how other cookies hold glaze in recipes like chocolate crinkle cookies.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: About 36 cookies
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie

For a related spin using brown sugar in pastry-style cookies, you may enjoy this idea: brown sugar pop tart cookies.

Tips, Storage & Variations
Tips

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese so they cream smoothly and create an even texture.
Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
If you prefer a stronger cinnamon presence, stir an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon into the dough.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week, keeping the glaze in mind as it may soften slightly.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to baking time.
You can also freeze baked cookies layered with parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations using existing ingredients only

Extra Cinnamon Punch: Add an additional 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into the dough and dust more cinnamon on top before baking for a bolder spice.
Lighter Glaze: Use only 1 tablespoon milk for a thick glaze, or 2 tablespoons for a thinner glaze that soaks into the cookie more.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce the powdered sugar glaze to a light drizzle by using less powdered sugar and the same 1 to 2 tablespoons milk.

For a cheesecake cookie variation with added indulgence ideas, see a related cheesecake cookie concept here: salted caramel cheesecake cookies.

FAQ

How do I know when the cookies are done?
Check for lightly golden edges and set centers. They will continue to firm while cooling.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese yields the best texture and flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, the recipe does not require chilling. If your dough is very soft, chill 10 to 15 minutes for easier scooping.
Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Yes, add less milk for a thicker glaze and more milk for a thinner drizzle.
Will these cookies spread too much?
If your butter was too soft or room temperature is very warm, chill the dough slightly before baking to reduce spreading.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy baking these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies and sharing them with friends and family. For another take on this specific cookie name, you can compare a similar home baker version at Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies – Simple Joy. If you want to see an alternate community recipe, check out Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies – Identical Recipes. Happy baking, and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-scented moments these cookies bring.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies

Print Recipe

These cookies combine the creamy tang of cheesecake with the cozy spice of a cinnamon roll, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
1–2 tablespoons milk for frosting
Extra cinnamon for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Portion tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls, then flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until desired consistency.
Finish by drizzling frosting over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired.