If you adore the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls but sometimes want something quicker and easier to share, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies capture all the swirly, cinnamon-sugar magic you love from classic cinnamon rolls but in a perfectly crisp and tender sugar cookie form. Imagine biting into a delightful cookie with a cinnamon-sugar spiral baked inside, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. It’s a heavenly treat that’s just waiting to be your next favorite sweet indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an important role in bringing the texture, flavor, and classic cinnamon roll vibe to life. From the fluffy butter and sugar that make the cookies tender to the fragrant cinnamon sugar filling that creates that signature swirl, every component counts.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and that perfect cookie bite.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give these cookies a light, slightly airy texture without heaviness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and tenderness to both the cookie dough and the cinnamon filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the dough and glaze.
- Milk: Moistens the dough for easy rolling and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon for that sticky, caramel-like filling inside the cookies.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice delivering the signature sweet and spicy swirl.
- Powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch and gorgeous shine.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
Before you dive in, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticky situations. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl—this ensures your leaveners and salt are evenly distributed. In a separate large bowl, cream your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this step is key for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 2: Combine and Form the Dough
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until your mixture is smooth and inviting. Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet while mixing—this step creates a dough that’s soft yet easy to work with. You’ll want to roll out this dough into a rectangle around 1/4-inch thick, which sets the stage for that gorgeous cinnamon roll swirl.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Brush the rolled-out dough generously with melted butter to ensure the filling sticks, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. The combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon is pure magic—it’s the heart of this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe’s flavor and warmth.
Step 4: Roll and Slice Your Cookies
Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log—this is how those beautiful spirals form. Slice the log into 1/2-inch rounds, each cookie is basically a mini cinnamon roll waiting to be baked!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet with some space in between to allow for spreading. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on those edges, which should turn a lovely light golden color. Once baked, cool them briefly on the sheet before moving them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-worthy. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies for that final touch of sweet decadence and a beautiful glossy finish. Each bite offers that irresistible cinnamon roll vibe wrapped up in a delightful sugar cookie.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with the vanilla glaze or get creative by sprinkling a bit of extra cinnamon or even finely chopped nuts on top for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, festive look, perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a brunch table, serve alongside fresh fruits like sliced apples or pears to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board for a charming cottage feel or arrange them in a colorful tin for gift-giving. For parties, place them in cupcake liners and drizzle extra glaze over each for an elegant touch. The cinnamon spiral inside makes them a conversation starter wherever they appear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their freshness and chewy texture, so you can enjoy that cinnamon goodness any time.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie slices on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds. The glaze may soften and become even more delectable, making each bite feel like it was just made.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
While margarine might work in a pinch, real butter really gives these cookies their rich flavor and tender texture. Oil would make the dough too soft and wouldn’t create the same structure or that characteristic cinnamon roll taste.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the dough’s texture. The cookies might be a little more delicate but still delicious.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/4 inch thick is perfect—it allows the dough to roll easily and bakes up to a tender, thin cookie where the cinnamon swirl shines through beautifully without being doughy.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or other egg substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still satisfying. Just ensure your milk and vanilla extract are vegan-friendly.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cookies are delightful on their own with the cinnamon sugar swirl inside, but the glaze adds a lovely sweetness and smooth finish that complements the cinnamon perfectly. It’s worth a try both ways to find your favorite!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those irresistible treats that feel like a warm hug from the oven. It combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie that’s easy to make and share. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a little cinnamon-scented magic to your kitchen. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of sugar cookies. Soft, tender cookies rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined, ensuring an even mixture.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick to prepare for the filling.
- Add Cinnamon Filling: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly on top to create the filling layer.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds to form individual cookies.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for glazing.
- Prepare and Add Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies to finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
- Slice cookies evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- The glaze adds sweetness and a beautiful finish but can be omitted for less sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 1 week.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
