If you adore the classic charm of sugar cookies and the irresistible allure of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies deliver the best of both worlds in every bite! This delightful treat combines a buttery sugar cookie dough swirled with a gooey cinnamon filling and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s a recipe that looks impressive but is actually simple to make, perfect for holiday cookie trays, coffee breaks, or just whenever you’re craving something a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip up these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with a few kitchen staples. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to give you the perfect texture—the buttery softness of the dough, the warm spice of cinnamon, and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb; room temperature butter helps the dough cream up beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps create the classic sugar cookie texture.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings out the flavors in both the dough and the glaze.
- All-purpose flour: The structure of your cookies depends on this pantry classic—scoop and level for accuracy.
- Baking powder: Creates a bit of lift for cookies that aren’t too flat or too thick.
- Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and highlight flavors.
- Brown sugar (packed): The key to a caramel-like, gooey cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The spice star of the show—fragrant and warming.
- Powdered sugar: Gives a silky-smooth finish to the glaze.
- Milk: Helps the glaze come together; adjust for the desired drizzling consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step sets up the cookies for maximum tenderness and ensures your dough is beautifully aerated. Don’t skimp on time here—creaming thoroughly makes all the difference.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in that lovely vanilla extract. Beat until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, signaling that the wet ingredients are ready for their dry counterparts.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft, cohesive dough forms—take care not to overmix, or your cookies might turn tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough in half for ease of handling. Between two sheets of parchment paper, roll each portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This will help achieve a uniform swirl in your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies and make assembly neat and simple.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling and Spread
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a fragrant, spreadable paste. Gently spread this mixture evenly over each dough rectangle. This is where the magic and the signature cinnamon-sugar spiral come alive!
Step 6: Roll Up and Chill
Starting from the long side, carefully roll up each rectangle into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help guide the roll. Once rolled, wrap each log in plastic and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least an hour—this step is crucial for clean, spiraled slices later.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment. Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/2-inch rounds and set them spaced about 2 inches apart on the sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but that’s what keeps them soft and pillowy after cooling.
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk up a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla. Once the cookies are completely cool, use a spoon to drizzle those pretty swirls of sweetness over each one. Let the glaze set before moving or stacking the cookies.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a bit of extra flair, try a dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of coarse turbinado sugar over the freshly glazed cookies. A few finely chopped pecans or walnuts also make a lovely topping, adding both crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs with the cinnamon swirl.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are fabulous with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of your favorite coffee, or even a spiced chai tea. For holiday parties, serve them on a cookie platter alongside chocolate bark, fruit tarts, or classic shortbread to balance flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies in clear treat bags tied with ribbons for a beautiful homemade gift. Arrange them in a circle on a serving tray for a “cookie wreath” centerpiece, or tuck them into a brunch spread with fruit and pastries. Their eye-catching spiral pattern makes these cookies a showstopper no matter how you present them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, and the glaze helps lock in moisture so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply slice straight from the freezer and add a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies, once completely cool and unglazed, also freeze well—just thaw and glaze before serving.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive day-old cookies by microwaving them for 5–10 seconds. If they’ve been frozen, let them thaw overnight or warm gently in a low oven to restore their soft texture before glazing.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough log and keep it in the fridge for up to two days, or freeze for longer storage. Chilling actually improves the flavor and makes for cleaner cinnamon swirls when sliced and baked.
What’s the best way to ensure perfect spirals?
Roll the dough tightly and evenly, using parchment paper to help guide it. Chill thoroughly before slicing—this prevents the dough from smooshing and helps those gorgeous spirals stay sharp and distinct in every cookie.
Can I swap out the filling or add extras?
Definitely! If you want to try chopped nuts or a touch of orange zest in the filling, go for it. You could even use a thin layer of chocolate spread before adding the cinnamon mixture for a twist on the classic.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (look for one that includes xanthan gum for texture) and follow the recipe as written. The cookies may spread a bit more, but all the best Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies magic will still be there!
How do I keep the glaze from getting too runny?
Add the milk to the powdered sugar very slowly and mix thoroughly before adding more—start with one tablespoon and add more, just a splash at a time, until you get a thick but drizzle-able consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for cookies that combine a beloved breakfast pastry with the satisfying charm of classic sugar cookies, it’s time to make a batch of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat, these cookies will steal the show and earn you plenty of recipe requests. Give them a try—you’re just a swirl away from cookie bliss!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies with these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Soft, buttery cookies with a sweet cinnamon swirl, topped with a vanilla glaze – a perfect treat for any time of day!
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over each dough rectangle.
- Roll and Chill: Roll up each rectangle into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Bake: Slice chilled dough logs, place on baking sheets, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for clean spiral slices.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor or freeze the dough logs for later use.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
