Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth craving something both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the cozy, warm spices of a classic cinnamon roll with the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies, this treat brings all the best parts of breakfast and dessert in one bite-sized package. It’s the perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness, a gentle glaze, and tender cookies that melt in your mouth, guaranteed to brighten up any bakery lineup at home or make your next gathering extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples but come together to create a marvelous flavor and texture harmony. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender texture.
• Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture to keep cookies soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation for our cookie dough, giving it body and chew.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Part of the cinnamon swirl filling to keep it moist and luscious.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Infuses the swirl with a caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that delivers that iconic warm, spicy aroma and taste.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze to finish the cookies on a perfect note.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for your cookies to bake evenly and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This whipping process incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture that’s key to their delightful bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and those signature rich flavors that cookie lovers adore.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until everything is thoroughly combined but not overworked, preserving that soft texture.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and lay them on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each. This helps the cookies bake evenly without merging together.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This luscious swirl will mimic that dreamy cinnamon roll taste inside your sugar cookies.

Step 7: Fill the Cookies

Using the back of a spoon or your thumb, create an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. Fill each cavity generously with the cinnamon swirl mixture—this little pocket of cinnamon magic is what makes these cookies truly special.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are set and have a light golden edge. This ensures a soft cookie with just enough structure to hold its shape.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and lets the cookies firm up slightly while still staying tender inside.

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe Finishing Touch: The Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the cinnamon swirl filling.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To take these cookies to the next level visually, sprinkle a bit of extra ground cinnamon or a pinch of finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze before it sets. Freshly grated orange zest adds a surprising, refreshing twist that brightens the warm cinnamon flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon roll sugar cookies with a cup of hot coffee, rich chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate to highlight the warm spices. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes an indulgent on-the-side addition.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden platter with cinnamon sticks and fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary for a cozy, inviting look perfect for holiday gatherings or casual afternoon treats. You can even sandwich two cookies with a cinnamon cream cheese filling for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for making ahead of parties or treats anytime.

Freezing

If you want a stash of these delightful cookies ready to enjoy later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To revive the soft, fluffy texture of these cookies, gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The glaze might soften slightly, making every bite even more heavenly.

FAQs

Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mixing the cinnamon swirl filling ahead is a great way to save time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before filling the cookies.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses or honey to replicate that deep caramel flavor.

Can I use a different flour?

All-purpose flour is best for this recipe because it balances tenderness and structure. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours might alter the texture, but you can experiment by substituting half for a nuttier, denser cookie.

How do I prevent the cinnamon filling from leaking too much?

Make sure your indentation in the dough balls is deep enough to hold the cinnamon filling securely. Don’t overfill, and space cookies well on the baking sheet so they have room to expand without the filling spilling over.

Is the glaze necessary?

While it’s not absolutely necessary, the glaze adds a lovely sweet finish that mimics the signature icing on cinnamon rolls. You can omit it or substitute with cream cheese frosting for an even richer touch.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast dough or limited to breakfast time. These cookies are an absolute joy to bake and share, whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering. I encourage you to dive in and make a batch—you’ll quickly see why this recipe is such a heartfelt favorite in any kitchen.

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