Cinnamon Roll Cookies

 Soft, ooey-gooey, amazing cookie.   I like to add cinnamon chips when I can find them in the store, but these are good even without them.

CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES

(makes 3 dozen)

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients:

*6 tablespoons butter, softened

*3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cookie Ingredients:

*1 cup butter, softened

*1 2/3 cup granulated sugar

*2 large eggs, room temperature 

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon baking soda

*1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tarter

*3/4 teaspoon salt

*1 (10  ounce) bag of cinnamon chips (optional) or white chocolate chips

*1/3 cup granulated sugar

*2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients (optional):

*1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese.

*1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*2 tablespoons heavy cream (or whole milk)

Cinnamon Filling Directions:

~In a medium bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

~Scoop out dough and roll into balls (about the size of a marble).

~Place in freezer for 30 minutes or refrigerator for 2 hours.

Cookie Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

~In a large mixing bowl, beat butter for 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

~Add 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar and beat for another 2 minutes. 

~Add in eggs and vanilla and beat until mixed well.

~Sift flour, baking soda, cream of tarter, and salt into mixing bowl.

~Mix until flour is almost mixed in.

~Add cinnamon chips and mix until flour in mixed in completely (do not over mix)

~Fold in the cinnamon balls from the freezer (do not over mix).

~In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.

~Using a cookie scoop,  scoop up dough and roll into balls.

~Roll the balls into the cinnamon sugar mix.

~Place onto prepared cookie sheet, about 2-inches apart..

~Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (sides will start to set, but won't be browned).

~Remove from oven and using a couple spoons, immediately shape the cookie into a nice circle.

~Drop 1/4 teaspoon of cream cheese topping in center of hot cookie.

~Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes.

~Remove and set on a cooling rack until completely done.

Cream Cheese Topping Directions:

~In a small microwaveable bowl,  semi-melt cream cheese (make it very soft)

~Whisk all the ingredients and whisk until smooth.

~Drop by 1/4 teaspoons over warm cookies.