Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe because it combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the delightful simplicity of a sugar cookie. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how quickly the cookie dough comes together and how the cinnamon sugar pockets give each bite a sweet surprise, much like your favorite breakfast treat in cookie form!

You’ll find that these cookies work beautifully for holiday gatherings, weekend baking adventures, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special. This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is worth trying because it’s easy, fun, and delivers that irresistible swirl of cinnamon and sugar we all crave.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe was picked to bring that signature cinnamon roll flavor while keeping the cookie soft and flavorful. Plus, they’re all pantry-friendly, which makes the shopping part super easy.

• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened but still slightly cool, which helps get the perfect creamy texture when creaming with sugar.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling, giving it that authentic cinnamon roll taste.
• Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness and to help with cookie structure.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing the right chewiness and form.
• Ground cinnamon: This is the star spice! Use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor punch.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies gently rise for a tender crumb.
• Cornstarch: This little addition ensures the cookies stay soft and light.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla brings warmth and depth to the dough.
• Egg and egg yolk: Make the dough rich and help with the chewy texture.

Variations

I love giving this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe little twists to keep things interesting, and I encourage you to do the same! Whether it’s tweaking the spices or adding a personal touch, the recipe is super friendly for customization.

• Adding Nuts: I once added chopped pecans to the cinnamon sugar filling, and it gave a delightful crunch and even more warmth to each bite.
• Spice It Up: Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine that’s good for baking—I had great success with this change for dairy sensitivities.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Start by combining softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. I like using a small rubber spatula to mix until it’s well combined but still soft. Then, pop it into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This quick chill firms it up and makes it easier to scoop later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars for the Dough

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cooled butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and creamy (about 3 minutes). Then add vanilla extract, followed by the egg and egg yolk. Make sure to scrape the bowl so everything blends evenly. This step is key for those tender, slightly chewy cookies that are soft without being cakey.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add that mix to your wet ingredients and beat until you only just combine the dough — you want it mixed but not overworked!

Step 4: Layer the Dough and Cinnamon Filling

Here’s where the magic happens: remove half of the cookie dough and set it aside. Spread the remaining dough at the bottom of your mixing bowl. Next, use two spoons to scatter half of the cinnamon sugar filling in small dollops all over the dough. Then, press the reserved cookie dough evenly on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar scattered on top again.

Now, gently fold the dough twice with a spatula and stir once or twice—just enough to create swirls and chunks of cinnamon sugar without fully blending everything. This technique gives the cookies their signature swirled look and bursts of cinnamon in every bite!

Step 5: Scoop and Chill

Scoop the dough into roughly two-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop, making sure each has a nice swirl of cinnamon bits. Place the dough balls on a plate and freeze them for about 10 minutes. This chilling step is my favorite trick to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Lay out the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, giving them a couple of inches of space. For thicker cookies, leave them in nice tall mounds; for thinner ones, gently press them down a bit. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look just set but still slightly soft.

Some cookies may turn out a little misshapen because the cinnamon sugar pockets melt, but don’t worry! I share two shaping tricks in the notes that help you get perfectly round cookies every time after baking.

Let the cookies cool on wire racks completely before enjoying — they set up beautifully as they cool.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze for sweet flair. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking—it creates a wonderful balance against the cinnamon-sweet flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For brunch, I’ve served them alongside fresh fruit salad and scrambled eggs, and they always feel like a special treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gift-giving, I like to stack these cookies with wax paper between layers, tied up with rustic twine and a cinnamon stick for a charming presentation. For parties, arranging them on a pretty platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers adds a festive touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to keep the cookies soft and prevent sticking. They usually stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dough balls before baking with great results — just scoop and freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to zip bags. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver for spontaneous cookie cravings!

Reheating

If you have leftover cookies that have softened too much, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up the edges without drying the centers. Microwave reheating tends to make them a bit too soft, so the oven trick works best in my experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it merges my love for cinnamon rolls and classic cookies into one easy, delightful treat. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how these cookies bring out that cozy, comforting vibe with every bite. Trust me — once you try them, they’ll be your new favorite cookie to bake and share!

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