If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a fun twist that’s easier to share and bake, then this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These cookies deliver that perfect swirl of cinnamon sugar nestled inside tender, buttery sugar cookie dough, making every bite a delightful treat. They capture the essence of your favorite cinnamon roll in a perfectly portable cookie form, complete with a sweet glaze for that irresistible finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe depends on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role. From the rich, creamy butter that adds tenderness to the flour’s structure ensuring a perfect bite, every component works in harmony to give you that rustic cinnamon swirl experience.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and the classic cookie texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, delicate crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors while balancing the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Adds richness and moisture to the dough and filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough to just the right level while contributing to a tender crumb.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in aromatic sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon to create the classic filling that gives these cookies their signature swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings the warm, spicy notes that make these cookies unmistakable.
- Powdered sugar: For the optional glaze, creating a sweet, smooth finish.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and pale, which is key for tender cookies. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until a soft dough comes together—no more, no less. This dough is the perfect base for those cinnamon swirls.
Step 2: Chill and Shape the Dough
Divide the dough in two and shape each half into a rectangle. Wrapping these in plastic and chilling for at least an hour lets the dough firm up, making it much easier to roll out and handle in the next steps without sticking or tearing. Trust me, this chilling step is a game-changer.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling
On a floured surface, roll one half of the chilled dough into a 9×12 inch rectangle. Brush the surface with half of your melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with half the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. The cinnamon sugar filling is what makes this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe so decadent and inviting.
Step 4: Roll Up and Chill Again
Starting with the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges gently with your fingers to keep the cinnamon sugar from spilling out during baking. Repeat the process with the second half of dough. Wrap these logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes, ensuring they’re firm enough to slice neatly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled logs into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for edges to crisp just a bit. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. That slight golden edge adds a delightful balance to the soft center.
Step 6: Optional Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a smooth drizzle glaze. Drizzle this over cooled cookies for a glossy, sweet finish that mimics the icing on a cinnamon roll, perfect for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful and tasty finish, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts over the glaze while it’s still wet. This adds texture and visual interest that makes these cookies extra special for guests or gift-giving.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even warmed apple cider. The warm spices in the drinks enhance the cinnamon’s flavor, making it feel like a cozy hug in every bite and sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a kitchen towel for a charming presentation, or arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for holiday parties. You can also package them individually in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies maintain their softness best when kept away from moisture, but they still hold that delightful cinnamon swirl flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator before slicing and baking as directed. This makes it super convenient to enjoy fresh cookies anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To freshen up stored cookies, pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes, or microwave individually for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that freshly-baked soft texture and warms the cinnamon notes beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder is preferred here because it offers a gentle rise suitable for sugar cookies. Baking soda can change the texture and spread, so it’s best to stick with baking powder for the ideal cinnamon roll sugar cookie shape.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling?
Yes, chilling the dough is important as it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll and slice without sticking or losing the cinnamon sugar filling. Skipping chilling could lead to flat, misshapen cookies.
Can I add nuts to the cinnamon filling?
Absolutely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling adds a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor that pairs excellently with the cinnamon and sugar. Just sprinkle them over the melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
If you prefer your cookies with a bit more crunch, bake them for 1 to 2 minutes longer and keep a close eye on them so they don’t overbrown. The edges will turn a richer golden color, adding a nice texture contrast.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal-based gelatin. Just be sure to use butter and egg from sources that meet your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to enjoy those iconic cinnamon roll flavors in a new, delightful form. They’re easy to make, irresistible to eat, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with its cozy sweetness just like I did!
