If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something easier to share and bake, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a soft, tender sugar cookie swirled with rich cinnamon filling that captures the essence of a classic cinnamon roll in a perfectly portioned cookie form. It’s a delightful twist that combines the best of both worlds, making it ideal for everything from afternoon snacks to holiday treats. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies bring a fun, aromatic sweetness to your kitchen that will have everyone asking for seconds—and trust me, they’re impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe are simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly to create a magical flavor profile. Each component plays a key role in building the cookie’s soft texture, tender crumb, and that unforgettable cinnamon swirl that lights up your taste buds.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds the perfect richness and moisture to both dough and filling.
- Light brown sugar: Packed tightly, it brings a subtle molasses sweetness to enhance the cinnamon filling’s depth.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and the perfect chewiness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines the cookie’s warm, aromatic flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch highlights sweetness and balances the cinnamon’s spiciness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These little leaveners ensure a tender, lightly puffed cookie without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar: Createsa slight crunch and sweetness in the dough.
- Egg: Provides binding and moisture to keep the cookie soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, floral note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Start by mixing together the butter, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. This luscious cinnamon filling is the heart of your cookies, delivering that signature cinnamon roll swirl in every bite. Once mixed, pop it into the freezer for about 10 minutes so it firms up and becomes easier to handle during assembly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough
In one bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of these leavening agents. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, creating a beautiful base for your dough. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated, then gradually add in the dry ingredients. This method makes the dough tender while giving the cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Divide your dough in half, pressing one half firmly into the bottom of a bowl or mixing container. Drop small bits of the cinnamon filling evenly over it, then add the remaining dough on top along with more cinnamon filling pieces. Gently fold the layers together just enough to create a beautiful marbled effect—I love this step because it makes each cookie uniquely swirled, like a mini cinnamon roll in cookie form.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls about two tablespoons each. Freeze these for 10 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking and prevents the cinnamon filling from melting right away. It’s a small step that pays off with gorgeous, defined cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the sheets, allowing room for slight spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still a touch soft—this ensures the tender, chewy texture reminiscent of fresh cinnamon rolls. Cool on wire racks for the best texture and flavor to shine through.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look fantastic with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent touch. You can even sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a delightful nudge of texture and contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon roll sugar cookies with a warm mug of chai tea, cinnamon-spiced coffee, or even a soothing cup of vanilla milk. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a perfect cozy snack or dessert pairing that feels both comforting and special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies with a layer of sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone between them like mini sandwiches for a fun twist. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dip them in homemade caramel sauce for a crowd-pleasing dessert idea. For holiday gifts or parties, pack them in decorative tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon—everyone loves a gift that smells as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cinnamon roll sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for baking ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked cookies. For the dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before baking as directed. For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To revive slightly crisp edges and that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat your cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them up nicely without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe?
While you can substitute margarine, butter offers superior flavor and contributes to the tender, rich texture that makes these cookies special. Margarine might affect both taste and consistency, so for the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
How do I ensure the cinnamon filling doesn’t overpower the cookie dough?
The key is in the balanced ratio of cinnamon filling to dough and gently folding to create the marbled effect. This distributes the filling evenly without overwhelming the sugar cookie’s subtle sweetness, giving you that perfect cinnamon roll flavor without it being too spicy.
Are these cookies gluten-free or can they be made gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free versions, you’d need to substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly. Experimenting with blends that include xanthan gum can help mimic the original structure.
How big should I make the cookie dough balls?
About two tablespoons of dough per cookie is ideal for this recipe. It creates a balance of crispy edges and soft centers without overbaking or undercooking. Using a cookie scoop helps maintain consistent sizes and even baking results.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins can be folded into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking to add texture and extra bursts of flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, so the cookies keep their soft, tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe truly brings joy to any occasion with its irresistible cinnamon swirls and soft, sugary bite. I hope you’ll have as much fun making and sharing them as I do eating them. They’re a wonderful way to enjoy cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss—perfect for gifting, snacking, or cozying up with a cup of tea. Give them a try and watch how fast these cookies disappear from your plate!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the soft, tender texture of sugar cookies with the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon roll filling. This delightful treat features a marbled cinnamon filling folded into buttery sugar cookie dough, making each bite irresistibly flavorful and perfect for any 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
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 the softened butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Place this cinnamon filling in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble the Cookies: Divide the cookie dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of a bowl or container to form a firm layer. Drop small pieces of the chilled cinnamon filling over this dough layer. Top with the remaining dough and additional cinnamon filling pieces. Gently fold the two layers together to create a marbled effect, ensuring the cinnamon filling is swirled throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Portion the marbled dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. Place the dough balls onto a tray and freeze them for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly undercooked. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Freezing the cinnamon filling and dough helps maintain the marbled effect during baking.
- The cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the filling by half a tablespoon.
- To make the cookies extra soft, avoid overbaking and remove them when the centers are still slightly soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
