If you have a soft spot for warm cinnamon rolls but want the convenience and fun of a classic sugar cookie, then this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies marry the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar swirled into a tender, buttery sugar cookie dough, creating a delightful treat that tastes just like those favorite morning buns in cookie form. Perfectly soft with just a hint of cinnamon spice and a beautiful marbled look, these cookies are as charming as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance; each ingredient plays a key role, from the tender richness of butter to the warm spice of cinnamon. Together, they create not only a delicious flavor but the perfect texture and inviting aroma that make these cookies irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons + ¾ cup, softened): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb essential for both dough and filling.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel note to the cinnamon filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons + 2¼ cups): Forms the structure of the cookies—enough to hold everything together while staying tender.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives these cookies their signature, warm flavor.
- Salt (pinch + ½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff ever so slightly, keeping them soft and light.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with the acid in the brown sugar to give lift and even browning.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and contributes to the classic crisp-slightly edges of sugar cookies.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
First, whip up the flavorful cinnamon filling that will make these cookies unforgettable. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until smooth and well combined. Pop this mixture into the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up—this will make it easier to incorporate into your cookie dough later.
Step 2: Create the Sugar Cookie Dough
While the filling is chilling, prepare your cookie dough base. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of your leavening agents. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, signaling that air has been incorporated. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is combined. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just blended to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Now the fun begins! Divide your dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of a bowl or a flat surface to create the first layer. Then, drop small bits of that beautifully chilled cinnamon filling all over this dough base. Next, dollop the remaining dough on top, and add more cinnamon filling. Gently fold the mixture a few times using a spatula or your hands to create a gorgeous marbled effect without overmixing. This swirl of cinnamon throughout the dough is what sets these cookies apart and gives them that cinnamon roll vibe.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is marbled and mixed, portion it out into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. This sizing ensures even baking and gives you just the right bite. Place them on a tray or plate and freeze for 10 minutes. This chilling step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and intensifies the cinnamon flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it helps the cookies bake evenly and keeps cleanup hassle-free. Arrange the dough balls on the sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are set but the centers look slightly undercooked. This ensures your cookies stay soft and chewy. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack to finish setting up while retaining that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful on their own but adding a light glaze or frosting can take them to the next level. Try a simple icing drizzle made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream cheese frosting for that authentic cinnamon roll flavor. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds an inviting sparkle and subtle crunch, too.
Side Dishes
For a cozy treat, serve your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa. The spicy-sweet complexity of the cookies complements warm beverages perfectly. You could also pair them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful brunch spread or afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress friends or family? Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter with cinnamon sticks and small bowls of cream cheese or vanilla icing for dipping. You can also stack them in gift boxes lined with parchment for a handmade edible gift. Or, for a festive twist, sandwich two cookies together with cinnamon buttercream for delightful cinnamon roll cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container can help maintain softness by keeping moisture in balance.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, place the balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze similarly. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness and warms the cinnamon aroma, making them taste just like when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe as salted butter already contains salt. This will help maintain the right balance of flavors without making the cookies too salty.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar? Can I substitute?
If you don’t have light brown sugar, you can use dark brown sugar or make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a little molasses. Keep in mind dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor which will intensify the cinnamon filling’s richness.
How do I get the marbled cinnamon effect without overmixing?
Gently fold or swirl the cinnamon filling into the dough just a few times with a spatula or your hands. Overmixing will blend the filling completely and lose that beautiful marbled appearance, so light and careful mixing is key.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like vegan butter and an egg replacer such as flaxseed meal mixed with water, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan or dairy-free. The texture might slightly vary, but the cinnamon flavor will still shine.
How can I tell when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for set and slightly golden edges with centers that are just a bit soft and slightly underbaked. This ensures your cookies remain tender and chewy rather than hard or crunchy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe. They bring together the nostalgia of cinnamon rolls in a handy cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to holiday gatherings. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s easy, fun, and delicious, making it a sweet new favorite for you and everyone you share them with.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with the soft, chewy texture of classic sugar cookies. Featuring a sweet cinnamon filling swirled into buttery cookie dough, they’re perfect for holiday treats or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended. Place the mixture in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to fold into the dough later.
- Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently to form a smooth dough.
- Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into two equal halves. Press one half evenly into the bottom of a mixing bowl or a large bowl. Drop small spoonfuls of the chilled cinnamon filling over the pressed dough. Then, add the remaining dough on top along with additional cinnamon filling. Gently fold or swirl the mixture to create a marbled cinnamon effect without fully mixing it in.
- Chill the Dough: Portion the marbled dough into balls using about 2 tablespoons of dough per piece. Place the dough balls on a tray and freeze for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls on the sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Freezing the cinnamon filling helps it hold together when folded into the dough for a distinct marbled pattern.
- Chilling the dough balls before baking prevents excessive spreading, keeping cookies thick and tender.
- Do not overbake; the centers should remain slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
