If you love the comforting swirl of a classic cinnamon roll and the irresistible simplicity of a sugar cookie, you’ve just stumbled upon your new favorite treat! Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the kind of recipe that feels instantly nostalgic yet wildly impressive, with each buttery spiral delivering that magical hit of cinnamon sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, prepping gifts, or indulging in a cozy weekend bake, these cookies bring everything you crave—warmth, a little decadence, and pure cookie joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is as easy as a stroll through your pantry, but every item truly matters here. From the creaminess of butter to the snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar, each component has a tasty role to play in the dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor these cookies deliver.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation of the cookie, giving the perfect tender crumb and structure.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends just enough lift so your cookies are light, not dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens other flavors for a more complex bite.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth richness and a beautiful golden color.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds classic sweetness and helps create those crisp edges.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Makes the dough especially soft and tender.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds a silky richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): The heart of the cinnamon roll filling, providing a deep caramel note.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Brings that signature swirl of spice everyone loves.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the cinnamon-sugar filling stick and keeps the center soft.
- (Icing, optional) Powdered sugar (1 cup): Whipped up into a dreamy drizzle for extra sweetness.
- (Icing, optional) Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Simply adjust for your preferred icing thickness.
- (Icing, optional) Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): For that little extra pop of flavor in your glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This not only ensures everything’s evenly distributed, but it also prevents lumps, promising a more harmonious dough for your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. A simple step, but don’t skip it—it truly sets the stage for tender cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture—it should look almost like frosting. This is what creates that dreamy, airy texture in every cookie, so take your time and beat until it’s truly light and creamy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat again. These two simple ingredients help the dough come together smoothly and lend warmth and depth that highlight the cinnamon magic to come.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture. Mix gently, just until everything comes together into a soft, cohesive dough—avoid overmixing, as that can toughen your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies (and no one wants a tough cookie!).
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough in half, shape each into a flat disc, and wrap them up in plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld and makes the dough far easier to roll (plus, it ensures your spiral pattern stays crisp and bright).
Step 6: Roll Out and Fill
Treat your dough like pie crust—roll one half on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Brush melted butter over the surface, then sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. This is where the transformation begins and your kitchen starts to smell amazing! Gently but firmly, roll the dough up into a log (just like making cinnamon rolls), then re-wrap and chill for another 30 minutes. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Slice each log into thick rounds about 1/2-inch wide, and space them a couple inches apart on your tray—they’ll spread slightly and fluff up as they bake. Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just tinged with gold and your kitchen smells like a bakery!
Step 8: Cool and Ice
Let the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies rest on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to gild the lily, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth icing, then drizzle over the cookies for that classic cinnamon roll finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A beautiful swirl deserves a little spotlight! For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the freshly iced cookies, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar. Even a tiny pinch of flaky salt can highlight their warmth and deepen the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of cinnamon-spiked coffee for the ultimate comfort pairing. On a festive brunch platter, they look (and taste) gorgeous alongside fresh berries, fruit salad, or even a creamy hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a cellophane bag tied with twine for a sweet homemade gift or arrange them in a spiraled pattern on a pretty plate for sharing. If you’re hosting a brunch, nestle them on a board with mini cinnamon rolls, donuts, and sliced fruit for an eye-catching spread that highlights their swirl. These cookies are always party-ready!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies at their best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tender for up to 5 days—if you can make them last that long! Stack them with parchment between layers if you’ve iced them, to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you’d like to get a head start, these cookies freeze beautifully in two ways: freeze the unbaked dough logs tightly wrapped, then slice and bake straight from the freezer (add another minute or two in the oven), or freeze the finished cookies in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature and enjoy any time the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one or two Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds (just until the icing softens and the centers are slightly warm). It’s the closest thing to a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll in cookie form—pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the dough and wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, then chill them for up to 2 days or freeze for longer. Just slice and bake whenever you’re ready for a fresh batch.
Do I need to use both granulated and powdered sugar in the dough?
For the best texture, yes! Granulated sugar gives a bit of crispness around the edges, while powdered sugar ensures the cookies stay soft and tender inside—combining both is key to the classic texture of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.
Can I skip the icing?
Of course! The cookies are delicious on their own, with plenty of rich cinnamon-sugar flavor. The icing is totally optional and just adds that iconic cinnamon roll look and a touch more sweetness.
Why is it important to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough prevents spreading, helps the flavors develop, and ensures your spiral slices stay neat and well-defined. Don’t rush this step if you want that bakery-worthy swirl!
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily—all you need is a bit more fridge space for chilling the extra dough. These are always in demand, so making extra is never a bad idea.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cookie that brings together the best of two classic treats, Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies deliver every single time. They’re warm, delightful, and always a conversation starter—so grab your ingredients, invite a friend (or two), and let the sweet aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, with a sweet cinnamon filling and optional vanilla icing. Perfect for holiday platters or gifting!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Icing (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Rolling and Filling: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon. Gently roll the dough into a log (like cinnamon rolls), wrap in plastic, and chill again for 30 minutes. Repeat with second dough half.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice each chilled log into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Icing (optional): For the icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key for clean spiral slices.
- These cookies are great for gifting or holiday platters.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
