Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies to Savor

Oh my goodness, let me tell you how Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies totally changed the way I think about desserts in my kitchen. It was on one of those lazy weekend mornings, and I wanted to create a treat that felt indulgent but also fit into my balanced, real-life eating style. You know, something that could satisfy a sweet craving without sending me spiraling into a sugar crash or kitchen chaos. That’s when I stumbled onto this idea that really surprised me—what if cookies could have that warm cinnamon roll vibe but with the creamy goodness of cheesecake swirled right in?

I remember standing in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by natural light, flipping through some favorite recipes and feeling overwhelmed by complicated dessert ideas. Then, I happened across a simple Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies recipe that promised to be straightforward and fun. I decided to experiment with it, tweaking the ingredients a bit to keep it nourishing without losing that soft cinnamon rolls cookies feel I adore. I was honestly nervous that adding cheesecake swirl cookies elements would make the dough tricky to handle, but to my delight, the texture was soft and perfectly balanced.

What makes Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies really special to me is how flexible they are for everyday life. They’re not about rigid diets or perfection—just cookies that bring a cozy cinnamon sugar dessert cookies flavor with a luscious cream cheese cookie filling twist. This recipe fits seamlessly whether I’m baking for a family brunch, a casual afternoon with friends, or simply treating myself to a moment of sweetness that doesn’t undo my nourishing goals. No stress, no over-the-top methods, just real food with a soulful twist.

If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a simple, feel-good recipe that’s pretty much like having your cinnamon roll and cheesecake too, keep reading. I’m sharing everything I’ve learned, all my kitchen tips, and personal little adjustments so you can enjoy these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies any day you want something special without the fuss.

By the way, if you like cinnamon treats, you might want to check out my Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Wreath for a festive vibe or these Chai Cinnamon Rolls that bring a cozy spice kick. And speaking of cookies with cream cheese fillings, I’ve got a fun spin on Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies that’s equally delicious.

Ready to dive in? Let’s keep it simple and nourishing, the way we like it.


What You’ll Need:

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies ingredient list is intentionally simple—because good food doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s what I use every time, and I’ll share some easy swaps along the way.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies laid out on a kitchen counter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (No stress if you don’t have all-purpose flour—I often use a mix of half whole wheat and half white flour for more fiber in my Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (You can swap with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (This simple addition brings out all the flavors beautifully in these soft cinnamon rolls cookies)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (For the classic cinnamon cookie recipe part)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (This cream cheese cookie filling is key to those cheesecake swirl cookies moments)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (If you’re out, a quick grind of granulated sugar can work too)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (Adds subtle tang to the cheesecake filling, but you can skip if you don’t have it)

Shopping tip: You can find fresh cream cheese in the dairy section, and cinnamon is often right there in the spice aisle. Brown sugar or coconut sugar usually lives next to regular sugar, so no hunting required.

Budget-friendly note: This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies keeps costs low by relying on pantry staples. No fancy ingredients, just basics that anyone can keep on hand.

Prep shortcut: Soften your butter and cream cheese quickly by cutting them into smaller pieces and letting them sit at room temperature while you gather other ingredients. It saves time when mixing.

Storage tip: Leftover Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but bring them to room temp before enjoying for the softest bite.

Personally, I love adding a little extra cinnamon on top before baking. It gives the cookies a nice touch and hints at that cinnamon sugar dessert cookies feeling I’m chasing.

If you enjoy this, you might love the twist on these soft cinnamon rolls cookies from baJillian Recipes—they’ve got a great version on their Cinnamon Roll Cookies that inspired me too.


Let’s Make It Together!

Here’s where I used to overcomplicate my Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies—turns out simpler is better! Let’s walk through each step side-by-side.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep these cinnamon sugar dessert cookies from sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients together: In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step builds the base for your cinnamon cookie recipe and makes sure your flavors spread evenly.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar: Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Your cinnamon rolls cookies dough starts smelling amazing here!
  4. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat these in one at a time until incorporated. Your batter will be smooth and glossy.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet: Mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough—you want soft cookies, not tough ones.
  6. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. This cream cheese cookie filling should be smooth and dreamy. If it looks a little lumpy, just keep mixing; it’ll come around.
  7. Assembling your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies: Here’s my favorite part. Scoop about a tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling right in the center. Fold the dough around the filling, making sure it’s mostly sealed.
  8. Roll the cookie balls in cinnamon sugar: Mix about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. This gets your cookies that extra cinnamon sugar dessert cookies sparkle.
  9. Place on the baking sheet: Set your cookies a few inches apart as they’ll spread slightly.
  10. Bake for 12-14 minutes: In my kitchen, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies usually takes about 13 minutes. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

While your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies is baking, perfect time to set the table or prep a simple side like a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness.

When they come out, cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Don’t worry if your cream cheese cookie filling peeks out a bit—that just means more cheesecake swirl cookies goodness!

One kitchen-tested shortcut? If you’re in a rush, mixing the dough by hand works fine here—no fancy gadgets required.

By the way, if you want a seasonal variation with a pumpkin twist, the Crumbl Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies from Bake With Zoha are a lovely treat to try.


How I Love to Serve This!

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies becomes a complete treat when I add a cup of vanilla or chai tea alongside. The warmth complements the cinnamon sugar dessert cookies flavor perfectly.

Freshly baked Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies served on a plate with tea

For simple sides, I like fresh fruit or even a dollop of Greek yogurt to add a cooling bite. It balances the richness of the cream cheese cookie filling without stealing the show.

These cookies are perfect for fall weekend breakfasts, casual brunches with friends, or even as a little pick-me-up during the week.

Presentation tip? Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of light glaze. It makes them look homemade-chic without any extra stress.

If you have leftovers, slicing them in half and warming slightly for a quick snack is magic. They taste almost like warm soft cinnamon rolls cookies, and the cream cheese cookie filling gets wonderfully melty.

Once, I brought these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies to a family gathering, and honestly, there was almost a fight over the last one. Everyone loved the balance of that cinnamon spice with a subtle tang from the cheesecake swirl cookies.

If you want to see a fun take on similar flavors, check out the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies I sometimes make when craving a lighter cream cheese cookie filling twist.


Common Questions Answered

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! These cookies actually taste better the next day once the flavors settle. You can mix the dough, form the balls with cream cheese cookie filling, and freeze them on a tray. Then bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to baking time.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies?
No worries at all. If you’re short on certain spices or don’t have cream cheese, try substituting with Greek yogurt to keep that creamy vibe. The cinnamon cookie recipe is flexible; you can adjust the cinnamon amount or swap brown sugar with maple syrup (reduce the wet ingredients slightly if so).

How can I adjust the flavor of this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies to my taste?
Great question! I love adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warmer spice feel. For extra tang, a splash more lemon juice in the cream cheese filling works wonders.

Will these be very sweet?
They’re just right—not too sugary but definitely satisfy a cinnamon sugar dessert cookies craving. You can dial sweetness down a bit by reducing brown sugar or powdered sugar in the filling.

Can I make this vegan?
I haven’t tried this specific recipe vegan yet, but you could experiment using plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. Let me know if you give it a go!

How soft are the cookies?
These are soft cinnamon rolls cookies with a slight chew. The cream cheese cookie filling keeps them moist and tender.

Can I find similar recipes elsewhere?
For sure! The Cinnamon Roll Cookies over at baJillian Recipes and the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies from Bake With Zoha are two great versions you might enjoy trying.

If you want to talk cinnamon love, the Facebook group “Who loves cinnamon rolls?” has tons of friendly chatter and ideas.


Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies recipe has earned a special place in my kitchen routine because it marries comfort with nourishment beautifully. It’s a simple way to enjoy dessert that feels cozy without guilt or fuss.

My Favorite Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies Tips:

  • Always soften your cream cheese and butter first—it makes mixing a dream.
  • Don’t skip rolling the cookies in cinnamon sugar before baking for that extra pop of flavor.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to keep the dough soft and smooth.

I’ve tried a few variations, like adding chopped pecans or drizzling with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Sometimes I swap in coconut sugar or a little espresso powder for a subtle twist. But I always return to the classic cinnamon sugar dessert cookies version, especially for inviting friends over or weekend baking.

I hope your kitchen journey with these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies is as enjoyable as mine has been. Remember, there’s no pressure—just delicious, nourishing cookies to brighten your day.

Can’t wait to hear how you make them your own!

Friendly reminder: If you want more ideas for cinnamon treats, check out my Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Wreath or the cozy Chai Cinnamon Rolls you’ll love. And don’t forget the sweet simplicity of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Happy baking, friend!

  Print

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies

Indulge in soft, freshly baked cinnamon roll cheesecake cookies that combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with warm cinnamon spice for a delightful treat.

  • Author: Zaya Dawson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  8. Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough, then flatten each slightly and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, pressing lightly.
  9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For an extra special touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

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