Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the magical swirl of a gooey cinnamon roll with the buttery crunch of a sugar cookie, welcome to your new favorite treat: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. These beauties deliver all the best parts of cinnamony morning buns—rich, fragrant filling and that signature glaze—wrapped up in the convenience of a soft, tender cookie. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or cozy afternoon snacks, every bite is a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies lies in simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each part of this recipe, from dough to glaze, relies on pantry staples, so you may already have everything you need.
- All-purpose flour: Gives our cookies the perfect structure—light yet sturdy enough to hold that gorgeous swirl.
- Baking powder: Just the right lift for a plush, cake-like cookie texture.
- Salt: Essential for balancing out the sweetness and bringing all the flavors together.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth crumb in both dough and filling.
- Granulated sugar: Keeps the cookie base sweet and classic, letting the cinnamon filling shine.
- Large egg: Binds everything beautifully and adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both cookie and glaze with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Brown sugar: Adds that trademark caramel note to the cinnamon filling, mimicking real cinnamon rolls.
- Ground cinnamon: The spice that makes these cookies truly irresistible, delivering warmth and depth.
- Powdered sugar: The secret to a silky-smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk: Helps the glaze reach a perfect drizzle-worthy consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This little bit of prep ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to tender cookies with just the right amount of rise and flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and pale. This step adds air to your dough, helping the cookies to bake up soft and luxurious. Don’t rush—it usually takes 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These add both moisture and lovely flavor to your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, setting the stage for the dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This gentle mixing helps maintain tenderness while keeping the swirl crisp and defined later on.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each into a rectangle. Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. The scent alone is worth pausing to enjoy!
Step 6: Roll Up and Chill
Beginning at the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours—this step helps the cookies hold their perfect spiral shape and develop rich flavor, just like traditional cinnamon rolls.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Once the dough is firm, use a sharp knife to slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange on lined baking sheets and bake in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a rack before glazing.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and just pourable. Drizzle over your cooled cookies for that final sweet finish. Once the glaze sets, your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are ready to devour (and share, if you’re feeling generous)!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A simple glaze is classic, but a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or finely chopped pecans on top will make your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies bakery-worthy. For a special twist, try a drizzle of cream cheese glaze—the tang is divine!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, spicy chai, or a glass of cold milk for an unbeatable treat. They also make a joyful addition to a holiday dessert spread, nestled among brownies, bars, and fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment for gift giving, or arrange them on a tiered stand for brunch. For parties, skewer mini Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies on sticks and serve them as sweet “cookie pops”—guaranteed to be a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The swirls stay moist, and the glaze stays fresh, making them great for snacking all week long.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies in single layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Or, freeze logs of unbaked dough and slice off cookies to bake fresh—perfect for prepping ahead of holidays or gatherings.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop a baked Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The aroma of cinnamon and the soft texture come alive, just like a real cinnamon roll!
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough logs are perfect for making in advance—just store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer. When you’re ready, simply slice and bake.
What’s the best way to get a clean swirl in every cookie?
Chilling the dough logs thoroughly before slicing is the key. A sharp, serrated knife makes it easy to cut even, neat rounds without smudging the beautiful layers of filling.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to sprinkle in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delicious twist that adds crunch and flavor.
How do I make a cream cheese glaze for the top?
Swap out half the powdered sugar glaze for softened cream cheese, a splash of milk, and a bit of vanilla. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies for a tangy, bakery-style finish.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to chill the rolled dough logs thoroughly, and keep the sliced cookies cold until they go into the oven, especially on warm days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the aroma and taste of fresh-baked Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Whether you share them with friends or save the batch for yourself, I guarantee these cookies will quickly become a family favorite. Give them a try, and let the swirly cinnamon goodness bring extra joy to your kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes (plus 2 hours chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a soft, chewy sugar cookie form. With a sweet cinnamon swirl and a vanilla glaze, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar. Add egg and vanilla, beat until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients, mix until dough forms.
- Rolling: Divide dough in half, shape into rectangle. Roll out each portion between parchment paper. Brush melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll into log, chill for 2 hours.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough, place on baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.
Notes
- To make ahead, freeze rolled dough logs for up to 2 months and slice as needed.
- You can also add chopped pecans or use a cream cheese glaze for a twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
