Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity and crispness of sugar cookies. Soft, buttery dough is layered with a cinnamon sugar filling to create delightful cookies that bake with a slight crunch on the edges and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. Perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence, these cookies bring a swirl of cinnamon goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Cookie Dough
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position racks near the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined using a small rubber spatula or fork. Place this filling mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes while preparing the cookie dough.
- Make Wet Ingredients: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk, then beat until combined, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Layer Dough and Cinnamon Filling: Remove half of the cookie dough and set aside. Spread the remaining dough evenly in the mixing bowl. Remove the cinnamon sugar filling from the freezer, then use two spoons to scoop teaspoons of the cinnamon mixture on top of the dough layer. Next, press the reserved half of cookie dough evenly over the cinnamon layer. Add the remaining cinnamon filling in small pieces over the top dough layer.
- Fold Dough Gently: Carefully fold and mix the layered dough just enough to create swirls and pockets of cinnamon sugar within. Perform two folds scraping up and over followed by one to two manual stirs with a rubber spatula. Avoid using an electric mixer to maintain chunks and swirls of cinnamon filling.
- Scoop Dough Portions: Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion scoops of dough ensuring each scoop has a balanced mix of cinnamon sugar swirls. Place the dough balls on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to firm up the butter and prevent spreading during baking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place chilled dough balls a couple of inches apart on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. For thicker cookies, keep dough in higher mounds; for thinner ones, gently pat down the mounds slightly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies spread, edges are beginning to brown, and centers appear slightly underdone. Note that some cookies may bake misshapen due to melting cinnamon sugar pockets.
- Cool and Shape: Transfer baking sheets to wire racks and allow cookies to cool completely. They will firm as they cool. Refer to notes for technique tips on reshaping cookies immediately after baking for a perfect round shape.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, leave dough balls in tall mounds on the baking sheet; for thinner cookies, gently flatten dough balls before baking.
- If cookies spread unevenly or become misshapen because cinnamon sugar melts out, shape them immediately when they come out of the oven by pushing them gently with a spatula.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Freezing the cinnamon sugar filling before handling helps it stay firm and creates distinct cinnamon pockets within the dough.
- Do not overmix dough after adding cinnamon sugar mixture to preserve texture and swirls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
