Imagine the magic of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and the simplicity of melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies coming together in one enchanting bite—that’s exactly what you get with these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Swirled with fragrant cinnamon, a hint of brown sugar, and wrapped in buttery dough, these cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who dreams about cinnamon rolls but craves the ease and portability of a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a cozy holiday get-together or just want something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these are the cookies everyone will love and remember.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from building the cookie’s soft crumb to delivering that signature swirl of cinnamon sweetness. Gather your ingredients—this will be the start of something delicious!
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies, ensuring the perfect balance between chewy and tender.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a subtle lift, making them wonderfully soft instead of dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture and indulgent flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that lightly crisp edge.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes moisture for a soft bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that make these cookies taste bakery-fresh.
- Brown sugar (packed): Its deep, caramel flavor creates the gooey cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing every bite with cozy warmth.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavener and salt are distributed evenly, so every cookie bakes up just right. Don’t rush this—starting with a well-mixed base means a perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this should only take a few minutes, but it makes all the difference in texture. The air you whip in here is what keeps the cookies soft and slightly cake-like, just like you want for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and the vanilla extract, making sure everything is fully incorporated. The dough should be glossy and smooth at this point, infused with that wonderful vanilla aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be gentle—you want to keep the dough tender, so don’t overmix. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and come together easily.
Step 5: Divide and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a rectangle. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and creating clean cinnamon spirals later on.
Step 6: Roll Out and Add Cinnamon Sugar
On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over the dough. That swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar is what gives these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies their signature look and flavor!
Step 7: Roll Up and Chill Again
Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, just like you would for a classic cinnamon roll. Repeat this process for the other portion of dough. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until very firm.
Step 8: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the firm dough logs from the fridge and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The kitchen will smell incredible—cinnamon sugar heaven!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A drizzle on top mimics the silky icing on classic cinnamon rolls, making these cookies extra enticing! You can also add a tiny sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for that special touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a mug of hot coffee, chai, or a homemade latte. For a more indulgent pairing, serve next to a dish of vanilla bean ice cream, letting that cinnamon-sugar swirl melt just a little into the ice cream. Or, make them part of a dessert platter with fruit and other cookies for ultimate variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your baking flair by stacking the cookies in a tall glass jar or arranging them in a spiral on a pretty cake stand. For gifting, tie a ribbon around a stack of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, nestle them in a tin, or package a few with a homemade tag—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a sweet “just because” treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to five days, making them a wonderful option for table treats or lunchbox surprises throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, whether you want to freeze the unbaked dough logs or the baked cookies. For dough, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to three months; simply thaw in the fridge until sliceable. For baked cookies, layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container and tuck them away for last-minute cravings.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds or warm a batch in a low oven (about 300°F) for 2–3 minutes. The cinnamon aroma will come wafting back, making every bite feel fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, form the logs, and chill or even freeze them until you’re ready to slice and bake. That way, you’re just minutes away from warm, fresh cookies any time the craving hits.
Do I need to use unsalted butter, or can I substitute salted?
While unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of your cookies, you can use salted butter in a pinch—just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to maintain the right flavor balance.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the swirl?
Definitely! If you love a bit of crunch or chew, add finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of tiny raisins to the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture before rolling up the dough.
How do I get neat, round cookie slices?
Chilling the dough logs thoroughly is key—don’t rush this step! For extra precision, you can reshape the logs after the first half-hour of chilling, then continue chilling until very firm. Use a sharp knife for clean slices.
What’s the best way to drizzle glaze on top?
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth but thick enough to hold a drizzle. Use a fork or piping bag to zigzag the glaze over cooled cookies, letting it set before stacking or serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat, look no further than these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. They’re cozy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear—these cookies just might become your new signature bake!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies with this recipe for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. These sweet treats are perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a delicious cookie with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients to form dough. Chill.
- Rolling and Filling: Roll out dough portions, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, and roll into logs. Chill until firm.
- Baking: Slice dough, place on baking sheet, and bake until golden.
Notes
- For added sweetness, drizzle cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
