These soft, thick, and wonderfully chewy Cinnamon Bun Cookies are a delightful treat, generously loaded with aromatic cinnamon chips and elegantly crowned with a creamy, dreamy layer of cream cheese frosting. They offer a unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle, boasting crispy edges and a tender interior in every single bite. If you cherish the comforting warmth of snickerdoodles and the indulgent richness of cinnamon buns, then these frosted cinnamon sugar delights are guaranteed to become your new favorite for all your fall and holiday baking traditions.
Imagine a cookie so perfectly sized, it’s a full quarter-cup scoop of dough, ensuring a satisfying and substantial snack experience. Each bite transports you to a cozy autumn morning or a festive holiday gathering. Who could resist such a captivating combination? It’s safe to say that once you try these, a serious cinnamon bun cookie obsession will be firmly in place!
The Allure of Cinnamon: A Flavor for Every Season
Cinnamon, with its distinctive sweet and spicy aroma, holds a special place in the hearts of bakers and food lovers worldwide. It’s the quintessential spice that evokes feelings of comfort, warmth, and nostalgia, making it an indispensable ingredient during the cooler months and festive holidays. The moment these cinnamon bun cookies start baking, your home will be filled with an intoxicating fragrance – that gorgeous, aromatic cinnamon bun smell drifting through the air, promising pure deliciousness. It’s an experience that’s truly intoxicating and undeniably delightful.
There’s something magical about cinnamon’s ability to transform ordinary baked goods into extraordinary culinary experiences. Its versatile flavor profile pairs beautifully with sweet and savory dishes alike, but in these cookies, it truly shines, creating a depth of flavor that is both inviting and deeply satisfying. This isn’t just a spice; it’s an invitation to savor the moment, one scrumptious cookie at a time.

Your Journey to Cinnamon Cookie Bliss: Two Delicious Paths
We understand that life can be busy, but the desire for exceptional homemade treats never fades. That’s why we’re offering you two fantastic ways to create these irresistible cream cheese frosted cinnamon bun cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker who loves the art of making everything from scratch, or you prefer a convenient shortcut without compromising on flavor, we’ve got you covered. Both methods yield truly amazing results, so you can choose the path that best suits your time and preference. The most important thing is that delicious, cinnamon-filled cookies are heading your way!
Method 1: Crafting Homemade Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chip Cookies from Scratch
There’s immense joy and satisfaction in baking from scratch. It allows you to control every ingredient, fine-tune the flavors to your liking, and truly immerse yourself in the delightful process of creating something wonderful with your own hands. Our homemade Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chip Cookies recipe is designed to be super easy, yet delivers an authentic, rich flavor that store-bought mixes simply can’t replicate. It’s a comforting classic with a fantastic cinnamon twist.
These snickerdoodles begin with a buttery, sugary dough, carefully blended to achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture. The addition of cinnamon chips throughout the dough infuses every morsel with bursts of warm spice. To achieve those signature crispy edges and a lovely visual appeal, each cookie dough ball is generously rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking. This step is crucial, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, flavorful interior.
Baking from scratch also means you get to enjoy the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen, building anticipation for the warm, freshly baked cookies. It’s an experience for all the senses, from the feel of the dough to the intoxicating scent and, finally, the unforgettable taste. This method is perfect for those who love to spend a little extra time in the kitchen, creating memorable treats that taste just like home.

Method 2: Elevating Pillsbury Cinnamon Bun Cookie Mix for Convenience
For those days when time is of the essence but you still crave that homemade taste and feel, a high-quality cookie mix can be a lifesaver. The Pillsbury Cinnamon Bun Flavored Cookie Mix offers a fantastic shortcut to creating these delicious cookies with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you just need a quick fix for your cinnamon cravings. The beauty of a mix lies in its simplicity – most of the dry ingredients are already pre-measured and combined, leaving you with just a few fresh additions to complete the dough.
While the mix is excellent on its own, we highly recommend adding some extra white chocolate chips for a truly fun and irresistible flavor twist. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate perfectly complements the warm spice of cinnamon, adding another layer of indulgence to your cookies. Simply follow the directions on the Pillsbury package, then fold in about a cup of white chocolate chips before baking. The mix already includes delightful cinnamon candy bits, ensuring that signature cinnamon bun flavor is present in every bite.
You’ll typically need to add ingredients like water, oil, and eggs, but the process is quick and straightforward. Keep in mind that seasonal mixes like the Pillsbury Cinnamon Bun flavor might not always be available, which is precisely why we’ve provided the homemade option as a reliable alternative. Whether you choose homemade or a mix, the goal is the same: wonderfully soft, thick, and chewy cinnamon cookies, ready to be frosted.

The Crown Jewel: Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting
What truly elevates these cookies from delicious to divine is the luscious cream cheese frosting. Its tangy, sweet, and incredibly creamy texture is the perfect counterpoint to the warm spice of the cinnamon cookies, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. This frosting mimics the glaze found on traditional cinnamon buns, providing that authentic bakery experience in cookie form.
Making this frosting is surprisingly easy. It typically involves beating together softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, sifted powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Sifting the powdered sugar is a small but important step, as it helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky-smooth frosting texture. The key to perfect cream cheese frosting is to start with properly softened ingredients; this allows them to combine beautifully without overmixing, which can result in a runny frosting.
Once your cookies have cooled, you can get creative with the frosting. For a beautifully decorative finish, transfer the frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a star or round tip. Start piping in the middle of each cookie and swirl outwards, mimicking the iconic look of a cinnamon bun. If you prefer a simpler approach, a knife or small spatula works just as well to spread a generous layer of frosting. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies is always a welcome addition. And if you’re looking for an even quicker option, store-bought cream cheese frosting or even a classic vanilla frosting can be used – whatever makes your life easier while still delivering that desired deliciousness!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Fall & Holiday Baking Essentials
These cream cheese frosted cinnamon bun cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor, especially cherished during the fall and winter seasons. Their comforting taste and inviting aroma make them incredibly popular for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any cozy gathering in between. Picture these beautiful cookies gracing your holiday dessert platter, or tucked into gift boxes for friends and family. They make perfect companions to a steaming mug of coffee on a crisp morning or a cup of hot cocoa during a chilly evening.
Beyond their delightful taste, the very act of baking and sharing these cookies creates warm memories. The inviting scent of cinnamon wafting from your kitchen is an instant mood booster, signaling comfort and joy. It’s truly no wonder these cookies vanish so quickly after coming out of the oven – they are pure absolute heaven, disappearing even before the next day, sometimes within just a few hours! Everyone loves a good cinnamon treat.
Speaking of cinnamon, did you know this incredible spice is not only delicious but also boasts potential health benefits? Ancient cultures have long valued cinnamon for its medicinal properties, and modern science continues to explore its potential, from its antioxidant capacity to its anti-inflammatory effects. So, when you indulge in these cookies, you’re not just treating your taste buds; you’re embracing a spice with a rich history and a promising future.

So, don’t just imagine tasting them – bake them up! Here are the recipes to get you started.
Cinnamon Obsession? You’ll Love These!
- Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
- Soft Snickerdoodles
- Country Cinnamon Swirl Buttermilk Loaf
- 4 Amazing Apple Coffee Cakes
- Snickerdoodle Mini Donut Muffins
- “Bisquick” Chocolate Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Banana Coffee Cake
- Sinful ‘Cinnabon’ Cinnamon Roll Cake
- 25 Snickerdoodle-Palooza Party Desserts
Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chip Cookies
Kim Lange
These soft, thick, and chewy classic cookies are deliciously loaded with cinnamon chips and rolled in cinnamon sugar to give them crispy edges in every bite! If you love snickerdoodles, I guarantee you’ll love these cinnamon sugar delights for your fall and holiday baking! Each of these cookies is a full quarter-cup scoop of cookie dough, so it’s the perfect cookie size for satisfying snacking!
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Ingredients
Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chip Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup cinnamon chips plus more for tops of cookies
- Cinnamon sugar for rolling
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar add more if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Chip Cookies
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until fluffy for a couple of minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Do not over-mix; the dough should be wet but crumbly looking.
Scoop dough balls out with a ¼ cup cookie scoop.
Roll balls in sugar and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet while you preheat the oven.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake cookies 2 inches apart for 15 minutes. Do not overbake to keep them soft and chewy.
Let cool for 5 minutes and then transfer to a baking rack.
For smaller cookies, use 1.5 or 2 tablespoon cookie scoops and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Sift the powdered sugar and add the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla to the bowl. Using a mixer, beat thoroughly until fluffy and completely smooth.
To decorate, transfer frosting into a pastry bag with a star or round tip. Start in the middle of the cookie, piping the frosting, and continue in a circular motion until you reach the outside.
Dust with cinnamon if desired.
Here’s what the Pillsbury Cookie Mix looks like, ready to inspire your baking!
Cream Cheese Frosted Cinnamon Bun Cookies (Pillsbury Mix Version)
Kim Lange
Imagine soft batch cinnamon sugar cookies, deliciously enhanced with cinnamon chips and white chocolate chips, then frosted with a delectable cream cheese frosting. O.M.G. To die for!
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Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box Pillsbury™ Cinnamon Bun Flavored Cookie Mix + ingredients (as directed on box)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 brick cream cheese 8 oz, softened
- 8 tablespoons butter 1 stick, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make cookies as directed on the box.
Tip: Slightly flatten cookies to get a flatter cookie. Do not overbake to ensure a soft batch cookie.
While cookies are baking, prepare the frosting.
Frosting
Sift the powdered sugar and add the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla to the bowl. Using a mixer, beat thoroughly until fluffy and completely smooth.
To decorate, transfer frosting into a pastry bag with a star or round tip. Start in the middle of the cookie, piping the frosting, and continue in a circular motion until you reach the outside.
Dust with cinnamon.
