Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies are everything you love about a cozy cinnamon roll and a rich slice of cheesecake, wrapped up in a soft, bakery-style cookie you can make right at home. Imagine biting into a cookie with chewy, golden edges, a soft and tender center, and a creamy cheesecake filling that melts slightly as you eat it, all finished with a sweet cinnamon swirl that tastes just like your favorite breakfast treat. I first made these on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something comforting but a little special—something that felt bakery-worthy without the extra fuss. They looked impressive on the tray, but to my surprise, the process was straightforward and genuinely fun. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by stuffed cookies or cheesecake desserts, don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving, with simple steps and familiar ingredients. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, family gatherings, or indulgent weekends when you want to slow down and treat yourself. One batch fills your kitchen with that warm cinnamon aroma and delivers cookies that feel celebratory, comforting, and completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies

Rich, Creamy Cheesecake Center

The hidden star of these cookies is the frozen cream cheese filling, which keeps its shape while baking and creates that luscious center everyone loves. As the cookies bake, the outside turns soft and lightly chewy, while the inside stays cool and creamy. That contrast—warm cookie meets silky cheesecake—is what makes them feel like a true bakery indulgence, without ever leaving your kitchen.

Classic Cinnamon Roll Flavor in Cookie Form

Thanks to the brown sugar and cinnamon swirl, these cookies deliver all the familiar flavors of a classic cinnamon roll—just without yeast, rising, or extra waiting time. You get that sweet, spiced warmth in every bite, wrapped into a soft cookie that’s quick and satisfying to make.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need anything fancy here. These cookies rely on pantry-friendly staples like flour, butter, sugar, cream cheese, and cinnamon. No specialty tools, no complicated techniques—just simple ingredients coming together to create bold, comforting flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From holidays and bake sales to thoughtful edible gifts or easy family desserts, these cookies fit right in. They’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages, equally loved by kids, guests, and anyone who enjoys a cozy, cinnamon-kissed treat.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients and Their Roles

Before you start baking, it really helps to understand why each ingredient matters. One of the reasons I love these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies is that everything on the list is familiar, approachable, and easy to work with—no mystery ingredients here.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

All-purpose flour – This provides the structure of the cookie, giving it enough strength to hold that creamy center without feeling heavy.
Baking soda – Just a touch helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft instead of dense.
Salt – A small but mighty ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm flavors.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and allows you to control the salt level perfectly. Softened butter also creams beautifully with sugar.
Brown sugar – Brings moisture and that irresistible chewy texture, plus subtle caramel notes.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Egg – Acts as the binder, holding everything together while keeping the cookies tender.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors and adds depth to the dough.

Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese – The heart of the cookie, creating a rich, creamy center.
Powdered sugar – Dissolves smoothly for a silky, lump-free filling.
Vanilla extract – Gives the filling that classic cheesecake flavor.

Cinnamon Swirl

Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel richness.
Ground cinnamon – Warm, cozy spice that defines the cinnamon roll flavor.
Melted butter – Helps bind the swirl and keeps it glossy and smooth.

Vanilla Glaze

Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, bakery-style finish.
Milk – Adjusts the glaze to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
Vanilla – Adds that final aromatic touch.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make and freeze the cheesecake filling.
Start by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth. Scoop small portions and place them on a lined tray, then freeze for about 30 minutes. This step is key—the filling needs to be firm so it stays neatly tucked inside the cookies while baking.
Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake consistently.
Cream the butter and sugars.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, giving you soft, bakery-style cookies.
Add the egg and vanilla.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough should look smooth and creamy at this stage.
Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.
Prepare the cinnamon swirl.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a thick, glossy mixture.
Assemble the cookies.
Scoop cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, then gently wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges carefully so no filling shows.
Add the cinnamon swirl topping.
Drizzle or lightly swirl the cinnamon mixture over the tops for that signature cinnamon roll look and flavor.
Bake to soft-center perfection.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft.
Cool and glaze.
Let the cookies cool before drizzling with vanilla glaze. This keeps the glaze pretty and prevents it from melting right off.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies

Suggested Pairings

These cookies are rich, cozy, and full of warm spice, which makes pairing them extra fun. Whether you’re serving them for dessert or enjoying one as a special treat, here are a few perfect companions.

Drinks

Hot coffee – The slight bitterness balances the sweet, creamy center beautifully.
Chai latte – Warm spices echo the cinnamon flavor in the cookies.
Vanilla latte – Soft, sweet notes complement the cheesecake filling.
Cold milk – A classic choice that never disappoints.

Desserts

Vanilla ice cream – Turns a single cookie into a full dessert.
Whipped cream – Light and airy against the rich cookie.
Caramel drizzle – Adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Occasion Pairings

Holiday dessert tables
Cozy brunch spreads
Afternoon treats with friends

These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies truly shine wherever comfort and celebration meet.

Variations and Substitutions

Nut-Free Option

Great news—these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies are naturally nut-free, making them a wonderful option for sharing. There’s no need to swap ingredients or make special adjustments, which keeps things simple and stress-free. I love bringing these to school events, bake sales, or family gatherings where food allergies might be a concern. You still get all the cozy cinnamon flavor and creamy cheesecake goodness, without worrying about nut cross-contamination. It’s one of those rare treats that feels indulgent while still being inclusive.

Extra Cinnamon Roll Flavor

If you’re a true cinnamon roll lover, it’s easy to dial up that flavor. Try adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon directly into the cookie dough for warmth in every bite. Another favorite twist is using a cream cheese cinnamon glaze instead of plain vanilla—just add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze mixture. These small changes make the cookies even more aromatic and cozy, perfect for chilly days or holiday baking sessions.

Gluten-Free Option

You can absolutely make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for structure. The dough may feel slightly softer, so chilling it for 20–30 minutes before assembling helps keep the cookies thick and sturdy. The final result is still soft, creamy, and full of cinnamon flavor—no one will guess they’re gluten-free.

Mini or Bakery-Style Cookies

For mini cookies, use a smaller scoop and reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes. Want bakery-style treats? Go bigger with your scoop and add 1–2 extra minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on the edges.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature Storage

These cookies can be kept at room temperature for short periods. Store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, which is when the texture is at its very best—soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to move them to the fridge sooner to protect the cheesecake filling.

Refrigeration Tips

Because of the cream cheese center, refrigeration is ideal for longer storage. Place the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This softens the cookie slightly and brings out the full cinnamon flavor.

Freezing Instructions and Make-Ahead Tips

You can freeze these cookies baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For unbaked cookies, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw baked cookies overnight in the fridge or on the counter, and warm briefly if desired.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Freeze the cheesecake filling fully before assembling—this makes wrapping the dough much easier.
Don’t overfill the cookies. A little cheesecake goes a long way and helps prevent leaks.
Seal the dough edges well so the filling stays tucked inside while baking.
Chill the dough if it feels sticky, especially in warm kitchens.
Avoid overbaking. The centers should look soft when you pull them out.
Let cookies cool before glazing so the glaze sets beautifully instead of melting away.
Use high-quality cinnamon for the warmest, most fragrant flavor.

These little tips make a big difference and help ensure bakery-style results every time.

Related Recipes

Soft & Chewy Pineapple Cookies — for readers who love easy, chewy cookie desserts.
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie — another crowd-pleasing cookie-inspired treat with a gooey center, perfect for dessert boards.
Strawberry White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies — a different flavor twist on soft cookies, for variety.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies — seasonal cookie option that pairs well contextually around holidays.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Using unsalted butter gives you more control, but salted butter works in a pinch without affecting texture.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Because they contain a cream cheese filling, refrigeration is recommended after the first day. This keeps them fresh, safe, and tasting their best.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance or freeze the assembled cookies to bake later. They’re great for planning ahead.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens if the dough or filling wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure the cheesecake centers are frozen and chill the dough if needed.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own. The glaze simply adds an extra bakery-style touch and sweetness.

How do I know when cheesecake-stuffed cookies are done?

Look for set edges and soft centers. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for browning all over.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies truly bring together the best of everything we love in a dessert: a soft, chewy cookie, a rich and creamy cheesecake center, and that warm cinnamon roll flavor that feels like pure comfort. They look impressive, taste indulgent, and yet are surprisingly simple to make—proof that bakery-style treats don’t have to be complicated.

If you’re new to stuffed cookies, this recipe is a great place to start. The steps are forgiving, the ingredients are familiar, and the results are consistently rewarding. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gathering, or just a cozy weekend at home, these cookies always feel like a celebration.

If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or pin it for later so you can come back to it again and again. And of course, don’t forget to share with friends—because treats this good deserve to be passed around. 🍪✨