Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a crisp, handheld treat, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft sugar cookies swirled with a melting cinnamon and brown sugar center, all finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that takes every bite to a heavenly place. It’s the perfect blend of cinnamon roll nostalgia and cookie convenience that’s sure to become a household favorite for snacking, gifting, or bringing a little cozy sweetness to any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a vital role from providing the tender cookie base to creating the gooey cinnamon center and that irresistible glaze on top.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): The perfect sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
• Large eggs (2): They bind everything together while giving the cookies structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The essential base for the cookie’s soft yet sturdy texture.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures just the right amount of lift without making the cookies cakey.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Created the luscious cinnamon swirl with brown sugar—rich and gooey.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a deep molasses flavor that makes the swirl sing.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that brings cozy warmth to the swirl filling.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the sweet vanilla glaze that finishes the cookies with a delicate shine.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Mixes with powdered sugar to create that perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan easily, setting the stage for perfectly baked treats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is key for creating that tender crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these sugar cookies so irresistible.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the mixture well incorporated and then stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla infuses a warm sweetness that dances beautifully with the cinnamon filling.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a perfectly combined dough — smooth, soft, and ready to shape.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Giving them room means your cookies won’t stick together and will bake with lovely, golden edges.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and inviting. This swirl mixture is the heart of the flavor, giving the cookies that unmistakable cinnamon roll vibe.

Step 7: Add the Swirl Filling

Press the back of a spoon or your thumb into the center of each cookie ball to create a little well. Fill this indentation generously with the cinnamon swirl mixture, inviting that gooey, cinnamon sweetness into every bite.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a set center – that’s your cue to pull them out and let the magic happen as they cool.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step lets the cookies firm up just enough so the glaze sticks perfectly without melting off.

Step 10: Glaze and Finish

Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and silky, then drizzle this heavenly glaze over the cooled cookies. This final touch adds sweetness, a creamy texture, and that signature cinnamon roll look.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a tiny dusting of cinnamon powder over the glaze while it’s still wet. Chopped pecans or toasted walnuts also make a delicious crunchy garnish that complements the soft cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon roll sugar cookies pair beautifully with a cup of steaming coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. Their sweet, warm spice shines against beverages that are rich and comforting, making any snack-time feel like a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in a spiral on a large plate or stack them in a rustic tin for gifting. You can also sandwich a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent twist that doubles the cinnamon roll experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking over a few days or sharing with loved ones.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies in advance or save extra batches, freeze them unglazed on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw completely before adding the glaze to ensure it stays smooth and shiny.

Reheating

Warm the cookies briefly in a low oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes) or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness. Adding the glaze after reheating, if frozen, keeps them looking as fresh as the day you baked them.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to keep the balance just right. Unsalted butter is preferred because it allows you to control the total salt content precisely.

Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar in the cinnamon swirl?

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor thanks to its molasses content, which white sugar lacks. Using white sugar will change the texture and richness of the swirl, making it less gooey and flavorful.

How thick should the cookie dough balls be before adding the swirl?

Rolling the dough into roughly 1-inch balls is ideal. This size allows you to make a good-sized indentation for the cinnamon swirl without flattening the cookies too much during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter and an egg substitute, you can create a vegan version. Just keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

What’s the best way to get a shiny, smooth glaze?

Use whole milk for the glaze rather than water or non-dairy milks, and whisk thoroughly until no lumps remain. Drizzle it over fully cooled cookies to avoid melting off, giving the glaze a nice sheen.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is the perfect way to bring the indulgent flavor of cinnamon rolls into a sweet, bite-sized cookie that’s easy to share and enjoy anytime. Once you try these warm, cinnamon-swirled treats with their shiny glaze, they’ll be your go-to for cozy mornings, dessert tables, or a comforting snack that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

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