If the worlds of soft sugar cookies and gooey cinnamon rolls ever collided, the delightful result would be these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Imagine all the sweet, spiced magic of a cinnamon roll tucked inside a chewy, buttery cookie—with gorgeous swirls in every bite! This recipe is a match made in dessert heaven for anyone who can’t decide between classic cookies and cozy, fresh-baked pastries. It’s warm, gently spiced, easy to share, and beyond hard to resist—perfect for a cozy evening in or a show-stopping addition to your cookie tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is that they rely on pantry staples, yet each ingredient brings its own personality to the party. From the rich, creamy butter to that unmistakable swirl of cinnamon, every element helps create irresistible layers of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect soft-but-sturdy base for rolling and slicing these cookies.
- Baking soda: Lends lightness and a gentle rise, so your cookies don’t turn out dense.
- Cream of tartar: Gives the dough a tender consistency and a subtle tang, just like in classic sugar cookies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the cinnamon notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures that melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that signature, sparkly finish.
- Powdered sugar: Adds softness and a melt-away crumb you’ll love.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and gives the cookies chewiness.
- Milk: Makes the dough smooth and easy to roll out.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with cozy, aromatic sweetness.
- Light brown sugar (for filling): Brings deep caramel flavor to the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (for filling): The star spice—warm, fragrant, and absolutely essential.
- Unsalted butter (melted, for filling): Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere and creates a gooey, cinnamon roll-style ribbon inside.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
Start off by whisking flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix ensures the dough is even-textured and has just the right amount of lift—think soft, pillowy cookies that still hold their swirled shape.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugar. You’re looking for a fluffy, creamy mixture; this step is what leads to perfectly tender Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now’s the moment for the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat them into your butter-sugar mixture until silky smooth. The vanilla will infuse the dough with warmth and the milk makes it ever-so-easy to roll out later.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gently mix the dry ingredients into your wet ingredients, just until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as it all comes together.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a neat rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick, on parchment paper. This step makes assembling the cinnamon swirl a breeze and helps ensure all your cookies have that signature look.
Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Mix up the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Brush each rectangle with melted butter, then generously sprinkle on your cinnamon-sugar mixture. This is the step that brings the “cinnamon roll” to your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies!
Step 7: Roll, Wrap, and Chill
Starting with the long edge, tightly roll up each dough rectangle into a log, making sure the swirl is snug. Wrap these logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This prevents the swirl from spreading and makes slicing so much easier.
Step 8: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Slice the chilled dough into 1/2-inch rounds – each little cookie will reveal a gorgeous swirl. Arrange them a few inches apart and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn light gold. Let them cool on the baking sheet before moving to a rack, so they set up perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Once cooled, drizzle your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with a quick glaze of powdered sugar and milk to really drive home that classic cinnamon roll feel. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar makes them even more tempting.
Side Dishes
These cookies are irresistible with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or a cozy mug of chai. For an after-dinner treat, plate them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or offer alongside a fruit platter for extra color and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy cookie platter, arrange the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in a swirling pattern themselves. Stack them in a tall glass jar for gifting, or place a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable party favors or holiday treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay delightfully soft, and the cinnamon flavor continues to bloom over time.
Freezing
Wrap sliced, unbaked dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to two months. If you’ve already baked the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, freeze them in a well-sealed container—with parchment between layers—to enjoy on demand whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, just pop one (or a few!) in the microwave for 6–10 seconds. The centers will turn just a bit gooey, mimicking a fresh cinnamon roll straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze for even longer. When ready to bake, just slice and go—no thawing needed if baking from the fridge, though frozen dough may need an extra minute or two in the oven.
What’s the best way to get a perfect swirl?
Roll the dough tightly and evenly, starting from the longer side of the rectangle. Chilling the dough log before slicing is essential for keeping those cinnamon sugar swirls neat and beautiful.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Finely chopped pecans or walnuts, or a handful of raisins, can be sprinkled in with the cinnamon sugar layer for extra texture and flavor. Just be careful not to overload—too many add-ins can make rolling more difficult.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture, and be aware the cookies may be a bit more delicate but just as tasty.
How can I make the glaze extra special?
Add a drop of vanilla or maple extract to your powdered sugar and milk glaze, or even a pinch of cinnamon. For a thicker drizzle, use less milk; for a light, glossy sheen, add just a splash more.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like baking a batch of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies and watching friends and family light up at the first bite. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing the love, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite. Enjoy every swirly, cinnamon-spiced crumb!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies with these soft and sweet treats. These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a cozy, cinnamon-spiced dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Roll and Fill: Divide dough, roll out into rectangles, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, roll up into logs, and chill.
- Bake: Slice chilled dough, place on baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool before drizzling with glaze and serving.
Notes
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a cinnamon roll effect.
- Dough can be prepared ahead and frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
