Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and just as delightful, then this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. These cookies capture all the gooey cinnamon goodness and sweet glaze of a classic cinnamon roll, but in a perfectly bite-sized sugar cookie form. Soft, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon sugar swirls, this recipe is a joyful way to bring that cozy bakery spirit right into your kitchen without the fuss of rolling dough and waiting for yeast to rise. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple kitchen staples, yet each plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe so irresistible. From the richness of butter to the sweet cinnamon swirl, every component adds its magic.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that keeps the cookies tender and flavorful.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that soft cookie structure.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a moist crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation giving shape and a pleasant chew.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light and slightly risen texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Used specifically for the cinnamon swirl, adding richness.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes to the cinnamon swirl.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice delivering that signature cinnamon roll aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, to finish with a sweet, delicate coating.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Thins out the glaze to just the right drizzle consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and lift off the sheet without sticking or breaking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and heavenly soft. This aeration stage is key for ensuring your cookies have that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This enriches the dough with moisture and layers of flavor, setting the stage for an irresistible cookie.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen the dough, and we want soft cookies!

Step 5: Shape the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This size is perfect for capturing that cookie-within-a-cookie cinnamon swirl experience.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well blended into a luscious swirl mixture. Using the back of a spoon or your thumb, press a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with your cinnamon swirl mix—this little pocket is what makes each bite a surprise of gooey cinnamon bliss.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the edges to become lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to cool.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important so that the glaze doesn’t melt right off and the texture settles just right.

Step 9: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl to achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies, adding a shiny, sweet finish that mimics classic cinnamon roll icing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an added touch, sprinkle a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets. This little boost adds texture and visual appeal, making each cookie look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. The warm drinks perfectly complement the cinnamon flavors and turn your cookie break into a cozy ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies on a pretty platter, and drizzle a little extra glaze over the top just before serving for a luscious appeal. You could also create cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream between two cookies, transforming this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe into an impressive dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them an easy go-to treat when you want a quick sweet bite.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cinnamon sugar delights even longer, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their charm.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen cookies as fresh as possible, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or gently warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes the softness and heightens the wonderful cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?

Yes, you can, but reduce or skip adding extra salt since salted butter already contains salt. It might slightly alter the flavor balance but won’t ruin the deliciousness.

Is the dough suitable for rolling out and cutting with cookie cutters?

This dough is best rolled into balls rather than rolled flat, as the cinnamon swirl filling is intended to sit in indentations. Rolling and cutting could cause the filling to leak or cookies to lose shape.

Can I substitute the brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl?

Light or dark brown sugar works best because of its moisture and depth of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses for that signature taste.

Will these cookies be crisp or soft?

This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe yields soft, tender cookies with slightly golden edges—the kind of cookie you want to sink your teeth into for that comfort-food feel.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini raisins can be folded into the cinnamon swirl for added texture and bursts of flavor, making the cookies even more special.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe enough for those moments when you crave something sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and comforting but want it fast and fuss-free. Baking these cookies fills your home with the most inviting aroma and brings joy in every bite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy your new favorite cinnamon treat!

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