Imagine biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie wrapped up in the sweet nostalgia of a classic cinnamon roll — that’s exactly what you get with Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. These gems swirl everything you love about pillowy cinnamon buns into easy, hand-held treats: tender, vanilla-kissed cookie dough, a rich brown sugar cinnamon ribbon, and a dreamy glaze to finish. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or just bringing a little magic to your afternoon coffee break, these cookies never fail to delight and surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies truly special is how each simple ingredient layers on flavor, texture, and beautiful visual appeal. Every element plays an important role, from buttery dough to a craveable glaze.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure for those pretty cinnamon swirls and a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Just a touch keeps the cookies from being too dense while still holding their shape.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweet notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The heart of both dough and filling, lending richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides a classic cookie sweetness that lets the cinnamon shine.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds delightful chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out sweetness and gives the dough warm, bakery-fresh flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed): Sweet, caramelly, and essential for that signature cinnamon roll swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, creating that irresistible spiral of spice.
- Powdered sugar: Sets the stage for a glossy glaze that “frosts” every bite.
- Milk: Thins out the glaze just enough for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Mix Up the Sugar Cookie Dough
Begin by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy — this gives your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies their pillowy base. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until everything’s smooth and velvety. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a soft, cohesive dough.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each into a disc — this makes rolling them out easier and keeps the dough cool. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only keeps the dough workable but also ensures the cookies bake up thick with sharp cinnamon spirals.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While your dough chills, stir together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet, fragrant filling is exactly what makes these cookies taste like your favorite breakfast pastry!
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape
Working with one chilled dough disc at a time, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Brush the surface with half of the melted butter, then scatter on half the brown sugar-cinnamon mix. Starting from the long side, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log. Repeat with the second piece of dough and the remaining filling.
Step 5: Chill the Logs
For those perfect spiral centers, place the rolled logs back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. The firmer the dough when slicing, the neater your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies will look once baked.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut each log into ½-inch rounds and lay them, spiral side up, on your prepared tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden. The magic smell will tell you they’re close! Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes, then carefully transfer to a rack.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
While the cookies cool completely, whisk up a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle generously over your cooled Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Give them a few minutes to set, then get ready for some serious swooning!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A little something extra always makes cookies feel special. Add a dusting of cinnamon over the glaze, a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for crunch, or even a few chopped pecans or walnuts if you love things a bit nutty. Each option complements the flavors without overpowering that signature cinnamon swirl.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are divine with a cup of strong coffee, creamy chai latte, or even a cold glass of milk. For something extra fun at brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or dollop of cinnamon-swirled Greek yogurt — it turns a cookie into a celebration!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a pretty cake stand for wow factor, or gift-wrap a few in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for the ultimate baked surprise. Need a dessert board centerpiece? Arrange Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in concentric circles or tuck them into a festive tin with a note — they’re showstoppers any way you share them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Their texture stays soft and the swirled centers keep every bite flavorful and moist — if you don’t polish off the batch first!
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies or the unbaked dough logs for up to three months. If freezing the cookies, cool them completely and layer with parchment to prevent sticking. For the logs, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil before freezing; slice and bake straight from the freezer (just add an extra minute in the oven).
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, reheat glazed cookies for 5 seconds in the microwave — enough to gently melt the glaze and bring back that oven-fresh aroma. Frozen dough slices can go straight from freezer to oven without thawing, which means warm Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are always an option.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to choose one with xanthan gum for the best texture so your cookies hold their delightful swirls.
Can I use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute?
Yes, non-dairy butter substitutes work well, just aim for ones that are recommended cup-for-cup for baking. This way, your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies stay soft and flavorful.
What’s the best way to get neat spirals?
Chilling the dough is key! Make sure to chill both before and after rolling up. A firm log slices easily, resulting in those beautiful, even cinnamon swirls in every cookie.
How thin should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures you get enough spiral without the dough tearing and keeps the cookies tender but sturdy.
Can I add extra spices or extracts to the filling?
Definitely! Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling, or swap a splash of almond extract for a different twist — just keep the balance so the classic Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies flavor shines through.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried blending two classic treats into one, these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the place to start. They’re cozy, fun, and will absolutely steal your heart (and your cookie jar). Roll up your sleeves, give them a go, and watch every swirl disappear in record time!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, featuring a sweet cinnamon filling and a vanilla glaze. Perfect for holiday gifting or anytime treats!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sugar Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients to form dough. Chill.
- Cinnamon Filling: Roll out dough, brush with butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into logs. Chill, slice, and bake.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Enhance filling with nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Dough logs can be frozen for convenience.
- Perfect for holiday gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
