If you love cinnamon rolls and cookies, this recipe is your new obsession! These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for cinnamon-lovers, combining the soft, chewy texture of a sugar cookie with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon swirl that tastes just like a cinnamon roll.
They’re sweet, cozy, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for holidays, cookie trays, or any time you need a little comfort baked into a bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Incredible flavor: Brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla create that warm, comforting cinnamon-roll taste.
- Perfect texture: Chewy centers, crisp edges, and sweet cinnamon swirls in every bite.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- No special tools: Just a mixing bowl, spatula, and a little folding for those gorgeous swirls.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Mix together:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1½ Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Stir until smooth, then freeze for 10 minutes to firm up. This helps create those beautiful cinnamon swirls without it melting too quickly.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
Prepare a simple sugar cookie dough:
- Beat together 1 cup butter (softened but cool) and 1⅓ cups sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 1 egg + 1 egg yolk and 1¾ tsp vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 2¾ cups flour, ¾ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cornstarch, and ¼ tsp salt.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
Step 3: Layer the Dough for Cinnamon Swirls
- Spread half the cookie dough in the mixing bowl.
- Break the chilled cinnamon filling into teaspoon-sized chunks and scatter over the dough.
- Press the remaining cookie dough over the top and repeat with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
Tip: Don’t overmix—fold the dough gently 2–3 times. You want chunks and ribbons of cinnamon, not a fully blended dough.
Step 4: Scoop and Chill
- Scoop 2-Tbsp portions of dough onto a plate.
- Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up the butter—this prevents cookies from overspreading.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookie dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
Cookies will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Shape for That Bakery-Perfect Look
Some cinnamon may bubble out during baking—don’t panic!
- Option 1: Place a round glass or cookie cutter over the hot cookie and swirl it in a circle to shape perfectly.
- Option 2: Use the back of a spoon to gently nudge edges inward while cookies are still hot.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the cinnamon filling and cookie dough balls to control spreading.
- Gently fold the dough to keep visible cinnamon swirls.
- Leave cookies in tall mounds for thicker cookies or flatten slightly for thinner ones.
Storing & Serving
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies up to 2 months. Bake frozen dough directly (adding 1–2 extra minutes).
- Serve with: Coffee, hot cocoa, or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a cinnamon roll vibe.
Love Cinnamon? Try These Too!
- Cinnamon Roll Blondies
- Cinnamon Vanilla Baked French Toast
- Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with golden edges, chewy centers, and sweet cinnamon swirls that make every bite taste like a cozy cinnamon roll in cookie form.
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