Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe because it brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of a fresh cinnamon bun into a perfectly portable, handheld cookie form. You get that soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon and a surprise cream cheese center that just melts in your mouth—it’s like a little morning treat or cozy snack any time of day.

When I first tried these, I was blown away by how they manage to feel indulgent without being overly sweet, making them perfect for sharing or a personal pick-me-up. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough that even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find success and end up with something deliciously satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe work beautifully together to deliver a moist, flavorful cookie. The milk powder is a secret hero that gives a slight richness to the dough, while the blend of baking powder and soda ensures just the right lift and texture.

• Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming—important for that fluffy cookie base.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge.
• Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and that subtle molasses flavor tucked into every bite.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors in the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the structure; make sure to measure properly for consistent results.
• Milk powder: Adds creaminess and richness to the dough—definitely don’t skip it if you can help it.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps cookies rise gently for a tender crumb.
• Baking soda: Works with the brown sugar for spread and slight chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these cookies sing.
• Cream cheese: The creamy center that makes these cookies truly special—make sure it’s softened to mix easily.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe is! Whether you want a dairy-free option or a little extra crunch, there’s room to play. Experimenting with these tweaks has kept this cookie a go-to in my kitchen.

• Dairy-Free Version: I swapped butter and cream cheese for coconut oil and vegan cream cheese once—and it still turned out beautifully soft and flavorful.
• Nutty Addition: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts inside the dough before baking adds a lovely crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• Glaze Finish: I sometimes drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cookies to make them extra special for brunch.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom mixed with the cinnamon gives the cookies a cozy, warming extra kick.

How to Make Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed. You’ll want to let it whip for about 2 to 3 minutes until it looks light and fluffy—scrape down the sides to keep everything even. This step is crucial because it builds the foundation for the cookie’s soft texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugars are beautifully creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The egg brings richness and moisture, and the vanilla rounds out all those sweet flavors.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

On low speed, add the flour, milk powder, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda to your wet mixture. Mix everything together gently for about a minute—don’t overdo it here! You just want the dry ingredients incorporated so the dough can stay tender and soft once baked.

Step 4: Divide and Add Cinnamon Swirl

Divide the dough in half. Add the ground cinnamon to one half and knead it in with your hands until the dough is evenly swirled with that lovely cinnamon color and aroma. This step transforms your dough into two delicious flavor profiles, plain and cinnamon-spiced, ready to be paired.

Step 5: Assemble the Swirled Dough with Cream Cheese Center

Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop cinnamon dough halfway, then fill the rest with plain dough into the scoop. Pinch and twist the two doughs together with your fingers to form a cool swirl effect. Flip this dough ball over and use your thumbs to create a well in the center. Place about 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese inside, then wrap the edges around it, sealing completely. This swirl-and-fill technique is the heart of the Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Place your dough rounds seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Flatten them gently with the palm of your hand so they bake evenly and form that delicious cookie shape. Bake in your preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. They’ll be soft in the middle—that’s exactly what you want!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes because they’re delightfully gooey and warm at this point—perfect for an immediate treat! Or, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week; they keep well and taste amazing even after a few days.

How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little powdered sugar dust or drizzle a thin glaze of vanilla icing over the cooled cookies—just enough to add a delicate sweetness and pretty finish. Sometimes, a tiny dab of cream cheese frosting in the center is a delightful touch for company.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cup of strong morning coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand with little cinnamon sticks and star anise for decoration. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying them with twine makes a charming homemade gift that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cinnamon bun cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and soft for up to a week, and the cream cheese center stays creamy without drying out—much better than leaving them out!

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works great when you want to prep in advance. I wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cookies into a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive that just-baked softness, or microwave for 15 seconds if I’m in a hurry—both ways bring back their heavenly texture and creamy center.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Bun Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites to bake and share because it feels like giving a warm hug in cookie form. If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t want the hassle or time they require, this is your perfect shortcut. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again—and so will anyone lucky enough to taste them!

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