Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – A Cozy & Easy Dessert

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. It instantly evokes memories of cozy mornings, fresh pastries, and warm, comforting flavors. Now, imagine taking the best parts of a cinnamon roll, a sugar cookie, and a snickerdoodle and combining them into one irresistible treat. That’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies bring to the table.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, giving them that classic cinnamon roll flavor without the need for yeast or hours of proofing. They have crisp edges, tender centers, and a rich buttery base that makes them completely addictive. Plus, they’re made with simple pantry staples, meaning you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.

What sets these cookies apart is the layering technique. Instead of simply mixing cinnamon into the dough, we create beautiful swirls by layering and gently folding the dough with a cinnamon-sugar filling. This ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday cookie, a weekend baking project, or a delicious homemade treat to enjoy with coffee or tea, these cinnamon roll sugar cookies check all the boxes. They are easy to make, visually stunning, and filled with warm, comforting flavors that make every bite pure joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon roll sugar cookies are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies have slightly crisp edges with a soft, chewy center that makes them completely irresistible.
• Rich Cinnamon Flavor – The brown sugar and cinnamon filling gives each cookie a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques or special equipment needed. If you can make sugar cookies, you can make these!
• Beautiful Swirls – The cinnamon mixture is layered into the dough, creating gorgeous swirls that make these cookies as pretty as they are delicious.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s the holidays, a bake sale, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
• No Yeast, No Waiting – Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies don’t require proofing or rising, making them much faster to prepare.

If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t always have the time to make them from scratch, this recipe is the perfect alternative. Every bite has the same warm cinnamon sweetness in a portable, easy-to-make cookie form.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are certainly a treat, they do have a few redeeming qualities that make them a bit more than just a sugar rush.

Cinnamon’s Health Benefits

Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help support overall health. Some studies suggest that cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a better choice compared to other high-sugar desserts.

Balanced Ingredients

These cookies contain a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The butter and eggs provide essential fats and proteins, while the brown sugar and flour offer energy-boosting carbohydrates.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Making cookies from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought baked goods. Using real butter, fresh eggs, and high-quality vanilla ensures a more wholesome and flavorful cookie.

Portion Control

Since these cookies are rich and flavorful, a single cookie is usually satisfying. Unlike a large cinnamon roll, these bite-sized treats allow you to indulge in moderation.

While these cookies are still a dessert, they are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a cinnamon roll with a bit more balance and control over ingredients.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: 240

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 240
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 18g

Ingredients List

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Sugar Cookie Dough

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Stir until a thick, grainy paste forms.
3. Place the mixture in the freezer for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly while you prepare the dough.

Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Layer and Swirl the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
2. Take half of the dough and press it into a flat layer.
3. Crumble half of the chilled cinnamon sugar filling over the dough.
4. Gently fold and press the dough together, creating streaks and layers of cinnamon throughout.
5. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Form the Cookies

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball.
2. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
3. Freeze the dough balls for 10 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.

Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
3. Remove from the oven and immediately shape any uneven cookies by gently pressing a round glass over them in a circular motion.

Cool and Enjoy

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

• Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk for a classic pairing.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.

Pairing Suggestions

Beverages

• A latte or cappuccino complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
• A warm chai tea latte enhances the spices in the cookies.

Dessert Combinations

• Pair with a scoop of caramel or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced dessert.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• Microwave for 10 seconds to bring back the fresh-baked texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Not Chilling the Dough

Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much in the oven. The cinnamon sugar filling softens as it sits, and if the dough is too warm, the cookies will flatten instead of maintaining their soft, thick texture. Always freeze the dough for at least 10 minutes before baking.

2. Overmixing the Dough

Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can lead to dense, tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overworking the dough also reduces the visibility of the cinnamon swirls.

3. Using Melted Butter Instead of Softened Butter

For the cookie dough, the butter should be softened, not melted. Melted butter makes the dough too runny, leading to cookies that spread too much and lose their shape. If your butter is too soft, refrigerate the dough for a few minutes before shaping.

4. Not Properly Layering the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

If you fully mix the cinnamon sugar filling into the dough instead of layering it, you’ll lose the signature cinnamon swirl effect. The key is to gently fold the filling into the dough, creating streaks rather than blending it completely.

5. Baking Too Long

These cookies should come out of the oven while the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry and hard instead of soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as the edges are lightly golden.

6. Not Using a Round Shaping Trick After Baking

If your cookies come out slightly misshapen, you can fix them while they’re still hot. Take a round glass or a spoon and gently nudge the edges into a perfect circle while they’re still soft. This small step makes a big difference in presentation.

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your cookies turn out just as delicious as they should—soft, chewy, and packed with cinnamon goodness.

Pro Tips

To take these cookies to the next level, keep these expert baking tips in mind:

1. Use High-Quality Cinnamon

Since cinnamon is the star flavor in these cookies, using high-quality cinnamon makes a noticeable difference. Look for Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, more complex flavor or stick with Cassia cinnamon for a bold, classic cinnamon roll taste.

2. Toast the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture for Extra Depth

For a deeper caramelized flavor, lightly toast the cinnamon sugar mixture in a dry pan for a minute before incorporating it into the dough. This enhances the warmth and richness of the cinnamon.

3. Make a Simple Vanilla Glaze for a Cinnamon Roll Effect

If you want these cookies to taste even more like cinnamon rolls, drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look extra special.

4. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes

For uniform baking, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures that all cookies bake evenly and have a consistent shape.

5. Let the Dough Rest for More Flavor

If you have time, let the dough rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a richer, more developed taste.

6. Bake One Test Cookie First

If you’re unsure about how your cookies will bake, test one cookie first before baking the whole batch. This lets you see if the dough spreads too much and gives you the chance to adjust chilling time or oven temperature if needed.

7. Store with a Slice of Bread to Keep Soft

If you want your cookies to stay soft for days, store them in an airtight container with a small slice of bread. The bread will absorb moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

Following these pro tips will ensure you get perfect cinnamon roll sugar cookies every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

2. Can I Use Store-Bought Sugar Cookie Dough?

While homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough as a shortcut. Simply layer in the cinnamon sugar filling and shape the cookies as directed.

3. How Do I Prevent My Cookies from Spreading Too Much?

Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and don’t skip the chilling step before baking. If your cookies still spread too much, try adding a tablespoon of extra flour to the dough.

4. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure.

5. How Do I Store These Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

6. Can I Use a Different Spice Instead of Cinnamon?

If you want to experiment, try using nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a different flavor twist.

7. What’s the Best Way to Reheat These Cookies?

To enjoy them warm, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or place them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes.

8. Can I Add Nuts or Raisins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make great additions to enhance the cinnamon roll flavor.

9. Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to chill the dough properly to prevent spreading.

10. Can I Use Brown Butter for More Flavor?

Yes! Browning the butter before making the dough adds a nutty, caramelized depth of flavor that takes these cookies to another level.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, easier alternative, these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat. They bring together the best parts of a soft sugar cookie, a spiced snickerdoodle, and a classic cinnamon roll, all in one delicious bite.

These cookies are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend baking session. With their beautiful swirls and rich cinnamon-sugar filling, they look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—add a vanilla glaze, mix in nuts, or even experiment with different spices to make them your own.

Now it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and give these cookies a try. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Leave a comment, share your thoughts, or tag me on social media with your cookie creations. Happy baking!

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