Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Make Magical Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Recipe

Cinnamon roll sugar cookies blend two beloved treats into one irresistible dessert that promises pure comfort.

Sweet, soft, and swirled with warm spices, these delightful cookies capture the essence of a classic breakfast pastry.

Fragrant cinnamon weaves through each tender bite, creating a nostalgic flavor profile that transports you to cozy weekend mornings.

Delicate yet substantial, these cookies offer a perfect balance between traditional sugar cookie texture and the beloved cinnamon roll rich character.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe that revolutionizes familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when classic sugar cookie dough meets the signature spiraling technique of beloved breakfast pastries.

Layers of buttery sweetness and aromatic spices come together in a way that surprises and delights.

Why Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Are the Best of Both Worlds

  • Swirl Sensational Flavor: Experience the magical blend of classic sugar cookie sweetness and warm cinnamon roll spice in every delightful bite.
  • Playful Layering Technique: Create unique cookies with an innovative method that distributes cinnamon sugar throughout the dough, delivering surprising bursts of flavor in each cookie.
  • Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or spontaneous baking adventures.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy soft, tender cookies with a delicate crumb and tantalizing cinnamon swirls that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
  • Unsalted Butter: Soft and creamy, provides rich base for the filling with smooth texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create moist filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling mixture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Classic warm spice that gives signature cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Cookie Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Fundamental ingredient for tender, rich cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
  • Whole Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients, add richness and structure to cookies.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Core ingredient for cookie structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
  • Cornstarch: Creates softer, more delicate cookie texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Bake Cookies That Taste Like Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Position the racks right in the center of the oven.

Step 2: Craft the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Grab a small bowl and mix together the cinnamon filling:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened butter

Tuck this zesty mixture into the freezer to firm up while you prep the cookie base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Dough Base

Pull out your mixer and get ready to create magic! Beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture looks fluffy and light. Splash in vanilla extract, then add one whole egg and an extra egg yolk. Mix until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, dance together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt

Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Technique

Divide your cookie dough into two equal portions. Spread the first half across the bottom of your mixing bowl.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Magic

Pull out the chilled cinnamon mixture. Using two spoons, dot small chunks of the cinnamon filling all over the first dough layer.

Step 7: Layer and Repeat

Carefully spread the second half of cookie dough over the first layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture across the top.

Step 8: Scoop and Prepare

Use a cookie scoop to create perfect rounds. Place cookies about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to devour these swirly, cinnamony treats!

Tips for Swirled, Sweet, and Buttery Sugar Cookies

  • Master Mixing Technique: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
  • Chill Strategically: Freeze the cinnamon filling briefly to help it distribute more evenly and prevent immediate melting during mixing.
  • Layer with Precision: When adding cinnamon mixture between dough layers, aim for random, scattered placement to create delightful swirled patterns in each cookie.
  • Size Matters: Use a consistent cookie scoop to ensure uniform baking and perfectly shaped cookies that cook evenly.
  • Watch Baking Closely: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just turning golden to maintain a soft, delicate interior while preventing over-browning.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Store in Airtight Container: Seal completely cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Refrigerate for Extended Storage: Place cookies in sealed container in refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining freshness and soft texture.

Freeze for Long-Term Preservation: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

  • Pair with Warm Chai Latte: The spicy, creamy chai perfectly complements the cinnamon undertones in these cookies, creating a cozy flavor explosion that warms your soul.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, soft cookie texture, balancing sweetness and temperature beautifully.
  • Serve alongside Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: A light, tangy cream cheese dip echoes the classic cinnamon roll flavor profile, giving these cookies an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Macchiato: The rich, buttery caramel notes blend wonderfully with the cookie's cinnamon sugar layers, creating a decadent taste experience.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Cookies: Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, then marble into the cookie dough for an extra tangy, rich flavor profile.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between dough layers for added texture and warm, toasted depth.
  • Maple Glazed Version: Drizzle a simple maple syrup and powdered sugar glaze over cooled cookies to enhance the warm cinnamon notes with a sweet, woodsy finish.
  • Chocolate Chip Infusion: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough layers for a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination that adds unexpected richness.
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Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon roll sugar cookies blend classic cookie sweetness with beloved cinnamon roll flavors. Rich cream cheese frosting and swirled cinnamon create delightful treats perfect for sharing with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch (226 grams)
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (344 grams)
  • 1⅓ cups granulated sugar (267 grams)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (57 grams)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (74 grams)
  • 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Supplementary Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour (11 grams)
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Arrange oven racks toward the center and warm to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  2. Blend cinnamon sugar filling ingredients thoroughly using a spatula. Chill the mixture in the freezer while preparing cookie dough.
  3. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy and pale. Incorporate vanilla, whole egg, and egg yolk, mixing until smooth and scraping bowl sides.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide dough into two equal portions, leaving one section in the mixing bowl.
  6. Extract chilled cinnamon mixture and distribute small dollops randomly across the dough layer using two spoons.
  7. Gently press the second dough portion over the first layer, creating a marbled effect with cinnamon sugar pockets.
  8. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon mixture across the top dough layer, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Scoop cookie dough onto prepared sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches between each portion.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn golden. Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

  • Chill the dough in the freezer for 10 minutes to help set the cinnamon mixture and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smooth mixing and even cookie texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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