If you have ever wished you could capture the delightful swirl and warmth of a classic cinnamon roll in a crunchy, buttery treat, then the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is here to make your dreams come true. These cookies boast that perfect cinnamon-sugar spiral tucked inside a soft yet crisp sugar cookie base, all finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that makes every bite a little celebration. They are an absolute showstopper for any occasion, blending comforting flavors with an irresistible texture you and your loved ones will crave time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each one plays an important role, from structure to flavor, making these cookies truly special. Their balance is what creates the tender dough and that signature cinnamon roll taste you adore.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation for a tender cookie that holds the swirl wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, balancing the taste.
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Makes the dough rich and moist, crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the texture’s crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together smoothly.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth, deepening the flavor.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to create the iconic swirl and subtle molasses sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The heart of the flavor, delivering that unmistakable cinnamon roll warmth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted: Brushed over dough for the cinnamon filling, ensuring it sticks and caramelizes slightly.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Key for the smooth glaze that adds sweetness and a glossy finish.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to perfect drizzling texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with sweet fragrance and richness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which is the secret to wonderfully tender cookies.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture until fully incorporated. Then gradually add in the dry ingredients, folding gently until a soft dough forms. This step is crucial to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two halves, then flatten each into a disc and wrap them in plastic. Chill for at least one hour. This resting time firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and slice later while preserving the dough’s buttery tenderness.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling and Roll the Dough
Mix light brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the signature filling. Roll out one chilled dough disc on a lightly floured surface into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough up tightly into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with the second dough disc. Chill these logs for 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and perfectly drizzling in consistency. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies to add that classic cinnamon roll sweetness and irresistible shine.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these treats even more, consider sprinkling a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the glaze. A few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch and complement the cinnamon’s warmth. If you like a little indulgence, a small dollop of cream cheese frosting can evoke the full cinnamon roll experience.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa—the beverages’ richness pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla notes. For a brunch twist, serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or creamy yogurt to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a spiral pattern on a decorative platter to echo their swirl design. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with twine makes a charming gift. For parties, place individual cookies in clear cellophane bags adorned with festive ribbons. These presentations make sharing your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe an even sweeter experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They maintain their softness beautifully, and the glaze helps keep them moist—perfect for grabbing one as a quick sweet bite.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough logs (before slicing) and the baked cookies. Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then slice and bake as usual. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, reheat them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and refreshes the glaze’s shine, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the dough?
While brown sugar adds moisture and deeper flavor, using only brown sugar in the dough may alter the texture, making the cookies softer and chewier. For the perfect balance in this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe, stick to granulated sugar in the dough and use brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl.
How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl stays intact when baking?
The key is chilling the dough logs thoroughly before slicing and baking. This keeps the dough firm, so the roll retains its shape and the beautiful cinnamon spiral is preserved throughout baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary. To keep the texture tender and the swirl clear, look for blends that include xanthan gum or add it separately. It’s a fun way to adapt the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe to your dietary needs.
What can I substitute for the glaze if I prefer not to use dairy?
Simply swap regular milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. The glaze will still be smooth and delicious, providing that final sweet touch without dairy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and chill the dough thoroughly. Baking times remain the same per tray. Making a double batch is perfect for parties or gifting lots of love through these delightful Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe enough if you love that cozy cinnamon flavor wrapped in a delightful cookie form. It’s a wonderful way to bring smiles to your family and friends, whether for holidays, special treats, or just because. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies with the sweet, spicy swirl of cinnamon sugar, inspired by classic cinnamon rolls. Perfectly baked and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they make a delightful treat for holidays or any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the creamed butter mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier handling.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
- Roll and Fill Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture uniformly over it.
- Shape Dough Log: Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape and wrap it in plastic wrap. Repeat the rolling and filling process with the second dough disc.
- Chill Logs: Refrigerate the wrapped dough logs for 30 minutes to firm up for clean slicing and to maintain the swirl shape during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Bake: Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/2 inch thick rounds, place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until cookie edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (using 2 to 3 tablespoons as needed for consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over completely cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling by 1/2 teaspoon.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before slicing to maintain the cinnamon swirl and clean shapes.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to preserve freshness.
