Name: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 46 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed; 1½ tablespoons all purpose flour; 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; Pinch salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch; 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar; 1 ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon salt

↓ Jump to Recipe

If you have a soft spot for the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the delightful crunch of sugar cookies, then you are in for a treat with this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the sweet swirls of cinnamon and sugar that we all adore, baked into tender, buttery sugar cookies that practically melt in your mouth. Whether you want a cozy snack with your tea or a festive treat to share, this recipe blends classic flavors into irresistibly charming cookies that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl holds a thick brown mixture with a rough texture, swirled inside the bowl. A white spatula is resting in the bowl on the right side, partially covered in the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that brings out the details of the mixture and utensil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to deliver a luscious balance of flavor, texture, and that perfect golden appearance. Gather fresh butter, cinnamon spices, and basic pantry staples to craft cookies that feel like a warm hug.

Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to your cookies.

Brown sugar (packed): Adds a deep caramel flavor essential for the cinnamon sugar filling.
All purpose flour: The structure behind these cookies, make sure it's fresh for the best texture.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives that famous cinnamon roll flavor.

Salt (pinch): Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender, light cookie.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
Egg and egg yolk: Bring moisture and aid in binding while keeping cookies soft.
Baking powder: Provides just enough rise for a soft texture.

Cornstarch: Keeps cookies tender by softening the flour's effect.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the racks near the center to ensure even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This cinnamon sugar mixture captures the essence of a classic cinnamon roll and will be the delightful pockets of sweetness throughout your cookies. Pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you mix the dough.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk, mixing well while scraping down the sides for uniform texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and blend until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Layer the Dough and Cinnamon Filling

Divide the dough in half. Spread one half into the mixing bowl and scatter half of the frozen cinnamon sugar bits on top using two spoons. Press the remaining dough over the cinnamon filling gently, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar filling across the top to create two delicious layers studded with cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Fold the Dough Gently

Fold the dough layers together very briefly, just enough to combine them without fully mixing. This leaves delightful swirls and chunks of cinnamon sugar throughout every single cookie, creating those irresistible pockets of cinnamon magic.

Step 7: Scoop and Chill

Scoop two-tablespoon portions of dough, making sure each scoop includes some cinnamon sugar chunks. Arrange the dough balls on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes; this step firms the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin while baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the chilled dough balls a couple of inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges begin to brown but the centers remain slightly soft. If you prefer perfectly round cookies, try shaping them immediately after baking while warm.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows two views of a single cookie with a golden-brown top and light beige dough, featuring swirled darker brown cinnamon patches on its surface. The cookie has a slightly rounded, dome shape with a rough, crumbly texture around the edges. In the left view, the cookie is placed on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. In the right view, a woman's hand holds a blue circular object over the cookie, framing it closely. The background is the same white marbled surface with another cookie partially visible near the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies. A light dusting of powdered sugar also enhances their cozy appearance and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa. If you’re serving these at a brunch or party, consider offering fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness with brightness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dessert platter, stack the cookies in a rustic tin or arrange them in a circular pattern on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with a ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep these cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightful for up to five days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy through the week.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the fully baked cookies in airtight containers. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy — the flavors remain just as fantastic!

Reheating

Enjoy your cookies warm by reheating them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes or briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the cinnamon sugar pockets shine.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can, but reduce or eliminate any additional salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter gives more control over the final taste.

Why is cornstarch used in the cookie dough?

Cornstarch softens the dough by preventing too much gluten formation, resulting in tender, delicate cookies that don’t feel tough or dry.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With some adaptations using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just watch the flour amount as absorption rates can vary.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar pieces distinct and not fully mixed in?

The key is gentle folding with a spatula rather than overmixing with a mixer, which preserves the chunks and swirls of cinnamon sugar for that authentic cinnamon roll experience.

Is it okay if some cinnamon sugar melts out during baking?

Absolutely! It adds to the rustic charm and caramelized edges, but if you prefer neat, round cookies, try shaping them immediately after baking when still warm.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe that brings the warm nostalgia of cinnamon rolls together with the ease and crunch of sugar cookies. It’s the perfect recipe to bake when you want to treat yourself or share love baked right into each bite. Grab your mixing bowl and baking sheets and dive into these delicious swirls of cinnamon sweetness – your taste buds will thank you.

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe