Meet your new obsession: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. These delightful treats capture everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—but in the playful, palm-sized form of a tender sugar cookie. Imagine buttery dough spiraled with gooey cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you bake them for Sunday brunch or your next cookie swap, these cookies always disappear fast!

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

No fancy ingredients here—just the simple, pantry staples that come together to create pure magic. Each component brings something essential, from the rich, creamy base to the warm swirls and dreamy glaze.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies their luscious texture and irresistible flavor. Make sure it’s room temp for ultra-creamy dough.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweet structure and that classic sugar cookie snap.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough for just the right bite.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1/4 teaspoon): Used in both dough and glaze, it infuses deep, warm aroma throughout.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the cookies, bringing the perfect sturdy but tender crumb.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Promotes a delicate rise, so every cookie is soft in the center.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings that deep, molasses-y richness to the cinnamon swirl.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Our star spice, for that signature warmth and swirl.
Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Brushes onto the dough and helps anchor the cinnamon-sugar filling.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Whips up the easiest, sweetest glaze.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to just the right drizzling consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and oh-so-fluffy. This step creates the base for the best Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, so beat until it looks pale and airy.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is completely combined. This infuses the dough with warmth and helps guarantee a tender cookie.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft but non-sticky dough forms.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and cinnamon. This little mixture is what will swirl through each cookie and deliver that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

Step 6: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface, then roll your dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter, spreading it right to the edges, then sprinkle every bit with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.

Step 7: Roll Up and Slice

Starting with a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log—just like a real cinnamon roll! If you want extra-neat swirls, chill the dough log in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to slice into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the sliced cookies 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake—they should be just barely golden!

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla for your glaze, then drizzle generously over the cooled cookies for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a pretty touch, sprinkle a hint of extra cinnamon over the glaze while it’s still wet, or add a pinch of sparkling sugar for shimmer. Chopped toasted pecans are another dreamy addition for those who like a nutty crunch with their Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies go beautifully with a fresh mug of coffee or a soothing cup of chai tea, echoing the cozy spices within. For a brunch party, pair them with fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness and create a delightful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them up on a white cake stand for maximum swirl drama, or arrange in gift boxes as edible cinnamon roll “bouquets.” You can even sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate dessert twist—kids, and grown-ups, will cheer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They stay soft and flavorful, so you can enjoy them all week long (if you can resist eating them all on day one!).

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, baked or unbaked. Freeze the unsliced dough log wrapped tightly in plastic, or freeze already-baked and cooled cookies in a zip-top bag. Just thaw at room temperature for instant coziness, whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, pop one (or several) in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just until the glaze is slightly melted and gooey. For extra decadence, try warming in a low oven for a gentle, bakery-fresh reheat.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough log can be made a day ahead, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, and chilled (or even frozen) until you’re ready to slice and bake. This is also perfect for keeping those cinnamon swirls tidy.

Do I have to use unsalted butter?

While unsalted butter lets you control the salt in your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, you can use salted butter in a pinch—just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to sprinkle in a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts, or even some soft raisins before rolling up the dough. It adds a fun twist and a bit of chew or crunch to each bite.

Why chill the dough log before slicing?

Chilling helps the butter firm up, making the dough easier to slice and the swirls stay beautifully defined. This small step makes a big difference in the final appearance of your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze, use less milk. To thin it out, add a splash more milk, just a little at a time, until it drizzles easily but still sets nicely on the cookies.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dive into these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. They’re soft, swirled, and just the right kind of sweet—perfect for sharing or savoring yourself, any day that needs a little extra warmth. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies with these scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. A soft, buttery cookie dough is rolled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and baked to perfection, then drizzled with a vanilla glaze for the ultimate treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Prepare cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll out dough: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Roll and slice: Roll the dough into a log, slice into rounds, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes.
Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

Chilling the dough log for 20–30 minutes before slicing helps keep the swirls neat.
These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American