CINNAMON BUN COOKIES

Cinnamon Bun Cookies bring all the warm, gooey flavors of a cinnamon roll into a delightful cookie form. These soft, buttery cookies are swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, these cookies combine the best of both worlds: the cozy essence of cinnamon buns and the convenience of cookies. They’re a crowd-pleaser for holidays, brunches, or anytime you’re craving a little sweetness!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (or more, for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
4. Roll and Fill: On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one long side. Repeat with the second portion of dough. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/2-inch-thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
6. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and drizzle-worthy.
7. Decorate: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.

These Cinnamon Bun Cookies are the ultimate cozy treat, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cookie, perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!