Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Name: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ⅓ cup packed brown sugar; 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch; 1⅓ cups granulated sugar; 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon salt

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There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the kitchen. It reminds me of lazy weekend mornings when my family would gather around the table, savoring warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. But let’s be honest—traditional cinnamon rolls can be a bit of a project. That’s why these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a game-changer. They take all the cozy, spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll and pack it into a soft, chewy sugar cookie.

Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires no complicated techniques or special equipment. It’s simple, quick, and foolproof, making it an excellent choice for anyone new to baking. Plus, the cookies are made with pantry staples, so you likely have everything you need already.

Why This Recipe is Special

This recipe combines the best of three classic treats:

The warmth of a cinnamon roll – Brown sugar and cinnamon create the signature swirl that gives these cookies their irresistible flavor.
The chewiness of a snickerdoodle – Thanks to the perfect balance of butter and sugar, these cookies stay soft with a delightful chew.
The simplicity of a sugar cookie – No yeast, no rolling dough into perfect spirals—just mix, scoop, and bake.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat or a quick dessert to impress guests, these cookies hit the mark.

Ingredients and Their Role

To make these cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s why each one is important:

Butter – Adds richness and ensures a soft, tender texture.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create that classic sugar cookie chew.
Brown Sugar – Gives the cinnamon swirl a deep, caramelized flavor.
Egg & Egg Yolk – Bind the dough and contribute to a chewy consistency.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall warmth and sweetness.
Flour – The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure.
Baking Powder & Cornstarch – Help the cookies stay soft and slightly puffy.

Cinnamon – The star of the show, adding that signature spiced warmth.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-friendly.

Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Add a cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of cinnamon roll indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, a little flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined, then pop it into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up, making it easier to distribute throughout the dough.

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, the whole egg, and an extra egg yolk. Beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.

Step 3: Layer the Dough with Cinnamon Swirl

Take half of the cookie dough and spread it in the mixing bowl. Remove the chilled cinnamon mixture from the freezer and break it into small pieces. Scatter half of these cinnamon bits over the dough. Then, take the remaining cookie dough, press it into an even layer over the cinnamon pieces, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture on top.

Step 4: Lightly Mix for a Swirled Effect

Gently fold the dough just twice—this keeps some cinnamon chunks intact while creating beautiful swirls throughout the cookies. Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct layers.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill the Dough

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into even balls. Place them on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes. This quick chill step prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls a couple of inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly underdone—they will set as they cool.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Troubleshooting Overbaking: If your cookies come out too crisp, reduce the baking time slightly. They should be just set in the center when removed from the oven.

Shaping Trick for Perfectly Round Cookies: Right after baking, use a round cookie cutter (or an upside-down glass) to gently swirl around the cookies, giving them a perfect circular shape.
Making Ahead: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If freezing, let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy drink:

A hot cup of coffee or chai tea enhances the warm cinnamon flavors.
A glass of cold milk balances the sweetness beautifully.
Serve with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or caramel sauce for an extra-special touch.

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw for 10 minutes before enjoying.

Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear how these cookies turned out for you! Did you make any fun variations? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share a picture if you try them!

By keeping this recipe simple and beginner-friendly, I hope it inspires you to bake with confidence. These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies bring the best of both worlds—warm, cozy cinnamon flavor in an easy-to-make, chewy sugar cookie. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake some magic!

FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. If storing longer, freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why do I need to freeze the dough before baking?

Freezing helps firm up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This ensures they maintain a chewy, thick texture with a beautiful cinnamon swirl.

Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough instead?

You can, but the homemade dough creates a softer, chewier texture. If using store-bought dough, mix in a little cornstarch and an extra egg yolk to improve texture before adding the cinnamon swirl.

How do I make the cookies perfectly round?

Right after baking, place a round cookie cutter, glass, or bowl over each cookie and gently swirl it in a circular motion. This reshapes them into perfect rounds while they’re still warm.

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