Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Bites

Sweet and buttery cinnamon roll sugar cookies blend two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

These soft, tender cookies capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls with a delightful sugar cookie twist.

Warm spices swirl through each bite, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

The delicate balance of sweetness and cinnamon makes these cookies a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.

Each cookie offers a perfect marriage of textures – crisp edges giving way to a soft, pillowy center.

A simple glaze adds the final touch of indulgence, making these cookies impossible to resist.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments, bringing smiles to everyone who takes a bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

Calories: 193 kcal

Servings: 23

All You Need For Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure of the cookie, ensuring a tender and soft texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly with a light, delicate crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Provides additional lift and helps create a soft, fluffy cookie texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
For Wet and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened butter adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a smooth, tender cookie.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp, golden cookie exterior.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a classic, warm flavor that complements the cinnamon roll theme.
  • Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle, nutty depth to the cookie's flavor profile.
For Finishing and Flavor Boost:
  • Cinnamon: Brings the signature cinnamon roll taste and aroma to the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

Tools You’ll Want For Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and later combining wet and dry ingredients.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together dry ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Essential for beating butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Whisk: Great for evenly blending dry ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect cookie texture.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and mix ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Needed for baking the cookies.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Steps To Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

  • Dry Ingredient Harmony

Blend flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a cozy bowl until they become best friends, creating a smooth, unified mixture ready for cookie magic.

  • Butter Bliss

Cream softened butter with sugar in a spacious bowl, whipping them together until they transform into a dreamy, cloud-like texture that signals pure baking happiness.

  • Flavor Infusion

Gently introduce egg and vanilla (plus optional almond extract) into the buttery base, stirring with love until everything melds into a silky, aromatic symphony.

  • Gentle Mixing

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, caressing the batter with minimal stirring to keep the cookie dough tender and light, stopping just as ingredients become friends.

Sweet Tips For Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

  • Soft Cookie Perfection: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and ensure a tender texture.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the cookie dough for an extra layer of warm, sweet flavor that echoes traditional cinnamon rolls.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Use xanthan gum if not already included in the flour blend.
  • Frosting Fun: Transform these cookies by drizzling cream cheese frosting on top, mimicking the classic cinnamon roll finish. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a creamy topping that takes the cookies to the next level.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This makes prep time a breeze when you're craving a sweet treat.

How To Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies With Style

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these cinnamon roll sugar cookies with a warm mug of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Dessert Plate Elegance: Arrange cookies on a beautiful platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for afternoon tea or after-dinner gatherings with friends and family.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Delight: Create an indulgent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies, transforming them into a decadent summer surprise.
  • Gifting Charm: Package these cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon, making them a heartwarming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or loved ones during holiday seasons.

Storage Plan For Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

  • Smart Batch Preparation: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain fresh flavor.
  • Freezing Magic: Raw cookie dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Shape into a log, wrap securely in plastic and aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
  • Freshness Protection: Baked cookies stay delicious at room temperature for 5-7 days when stored in sealed container with tight-fitting lid. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide cookie dough into individual portions before freezing. This allows you to bake exactly how many cookies you want without thawing entire batch, giving maximum flexibility for spontaneous baking moments.
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Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Sweet cinnamon roll sugar cookies blend bakery nostalgia with classic cookie comfort. Delicate swirls of warm spice and sugary glaze invite you to savor a delightful dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ tbsps ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 12 tbsps (180 ml) milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture with a light, airy texture.
  2. Creaming: Whip softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the combination becomes fluffy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  3. Wet Ingredients: Blend egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, ensuring complete incorporation and a consistent, silky texture.
  4. Dough Formation: Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overworking the dough. Mix until a soft, pliable cookie dough forms that holds together without becoming tough.
  5. Cinnamon Swirl Technique: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, spreading a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture across the entire surface. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, creating distinctive swirl patterns throughout the cookie.
  6. Chilling: Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to become more manageable for slicing.
  7. Shaping: Remove the chilled dough, slice into uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for slight spreading.
  8. Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers appear set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Finishing: Optional glaze can be drizzled over cooled cookies, creating a sweet, decorative finish that enhances the cinnamon roll-inspired flavor profile.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming, creating a fluffy texture that guarantees tender cookies.
  • Avoid Overmixing Dough: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop stirring the moment dry ingredients disappear into the wet mixture.
  • Chill Dough for Precision: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges during baking.
  • Extract Flexibility: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond to customize flavor profile, but keep measurements consistent for best results.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 193
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 91 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

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.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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