Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical that happens when you blend two classic favorites, and that’s exactly the case with Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Imagine the soft, tender bite of a sugar cookie swirling with rich, gooey ribbons of cinnamon-sugar filling—each mouthful tastes like a cozy bakery morning, but without all the kneading and rolling. These joyfully marbled cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the easy elegance of a classic sugar cookie, making every batch totally irresistible when shared with friends, family, or even as a treat just for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple: everyday kitchen staples come together to create something truly special here. Each ingredient plays a unique part, whether it’s softening the dough, building the perfect swirl, or adding a hit of sweet spice that makes Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (for both dough and filling): Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel notes and helps create those irresistible cinnamon-sugar pockets.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to both the cookie and the cinnamon filling; sift for the smoothest dough.
• Ground cinnamon: Lends classic spicy warmth that sets these cookies apart.
• Salt: Just a pinch elevates the sweet notes and balances flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Brings that signature sugar cookie sweetness and delicate crunch on the edges.
• Pure vanilla extract: Speaks softly in the background, enhancing every other flavor without overpowering.
• Egg and egg yolk: Deliver richness and a tender, chewy crumb.
• Baking powder: Offers a gentle lift, so cookies have just the right pillowy middle.
• Cornstarch: Secret trick! This keeps the cookies extra soft and helps with the melt-in-your-mouth effect.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Start by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Don’t overthink this part—a small spatula or even a fork works great. Once everything is creamy and all that cinnamon smells amazing, slide the filling into the freezer for about ten minutes. This little chill-time ensures the filling stays distinct when it’s time to swirl it into the dough.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

Grab your mixer and beat together the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until it looks light and fluffy—think pale and creamy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, beating just until everything is incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed, so nothing gets left behind. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt, then slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just blended and a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl the Cinnamon Filling

Now for the signature Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies moment! Take half the dough out of your bowl and flatten it gently in the bottom. Retrieve your cinnamon filling from the freezer and, using two spoons, plop small bits (about a teaspoon each) across the dough. When you’ve used half the filling, add your reserved dough back into the bowl—pressing it gently over the first layer—then dot the rest of the cinnamon mixture over this new layer. You’ll see two cozy layers, each topped with sweet cinnamon bits.

Step 4: Swirl and Fold

To get those beautiful cinnamon ribbons, very gently fold the dough together by scooping the bottom up and over the top—do this only twice. Follow up with a quick one or two stirs using a spatula. Resist the urge to overmix! You want streaks and chunks of cinnamon throughout, not one uniform dough.

Step 5: Portion and Chill

Use a cookie scoop to dollop out two-tablespoon portions, making sure each scoop snags both dough and cinnamon bits for a true swirl in every bite. Line the dough balls up on a plate and pop them into the freezer for a quick ten-minute chill. This keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps those swirls hold their shape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your chilled dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space for just a bit of spreading. If you want thick, bakery-style cookies, don’t flatten the balls; for thinner ones, give them a gentle pat. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and just turning golden, but the centers still look a little underdone. Some cinnamon sugar may bubble and peek out—don’t worry, that’s part of the charm. Pro-tip: If your cookies come out a little wonky, use a spoon or round cutter to gently nudge them back into shape right as they come out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Reward Yourself

Place your baking trays on wire racks and let the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies cool completely (if you can wait that long!). They’ll firm up beautifully as they cool, making for a perfectly tender-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-edges treat.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Dress these beauties up by drizzling with a simple vanilla glaze or dusting lightly with powdered sugar. A tiny sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving can make the cookies look as divine as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with a creamy latte, a mug of spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside a fruit salad or with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs—the sweet-spicy cookies will fit right in.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the cookies high on a rustic cake stand, tuck them into small treat bags tied with ribbon for gifting, or create an indulgent dessert board with your favorite brownies, berries, and tiny cinnamon bun bites. They’re sure to be the star wherever they’re displayed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay surprisingly soft and flavorful, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

Both the unbaked dough balls and the finished cookies freeze beautifully. To freeze before baking, arrange dough balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, allow them to cool fully before wrapping tightly and tucking away in the freezer.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked warmth, pop cooled cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven until gently warmed through. This revives their soft, gooey centers—the ultimate Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies experience.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies without an electric mixer?

Absolutely, a sturdy wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease will get your butter and sugar mixed up just fine. Just make sure your butter is well softened to make mixing easier by hand.

What’s the secret to getting the perfect cinnamon swirl?

The trick is chilling the cinnamon filling so it keeps its shape within the dough, then only barely folding it in. That way, you’ll get lovely rivers of spice running through every cookie instead of having them disappear into the dough.

Do these cookies work with gluten-free flour?

You can swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the dough and filling. Keep an eye on the texture—it should be soft but not sticky. A touch more flour may be needed if the dough feels too loose.

Can I add nuts or raisins to Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and raisins deliver classic cinnamon roll flavor. Just fold them into the dough at the very end, keeping those cinnamon swirls distinct.

Why did some of my cookies come out misshapen?

It’s totally normal for pockets of cinnamon sugar to melt out during baking, causing cookies to spread unevenly. Just gently shape them with a spoon or a round cutter right out of the oven—they’ll taste perfect and look bakery-worthy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate show-stopping treat, look no further than Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. They deliver cozy, nostalgic flavor and a wow-worthy appearance every single time. Don’t be shy—give this recipe a try and watch just how quickly these cookies vanish!

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