Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon roll sugar cookies always take me back to quiet Sunday mornings when I wanted something sweet and cozy without all the effort of making full sized cinnamon rolls and I still remember the first time I swirled cinnamon sugar into cookie dough, feeling so excited as they baked and filled my kitchen with that warm, buttery aroma. When I pulled them out of the oven and drizzled the icing on top, it felt like the best of both worlds all the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie.

Now, whenever I want to treat my family or surprise a friend with a fun twist on a classic, I turn to these cinnamon roll sugar cookies. I love that they look so cute with their perfect swirls and they’re always a hit at parties or bake sales. Every bite is a little celebration of buttery vanilla cookie, sweet cinnamon sugar, and creamy icing an irresistible combination that makes everyone smile.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• All-purpose flour – The base that gives the cookies their soft, tender structure.
• Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the warm flavors.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a soft, buttery texture to the dough.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough perfectly and gives it that classic sugar cookie taste.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warm, sweet depth to the cookies.
• Brown sugar – Mixed with cinnamon to create the delicious swirl filling.
• Ground cinnamon – Brings that classic cozy spice to the swirl.
• Powdered sugar – Used to make the sweet drizzle icing.
• Milk – Helps thin the icing to the perfect consistency.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For preparing both the cookie dough and the cinnamon filling.
• Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier and fluffier.
• Rolling pin – Helps roll out the dough evenly for the cinnamon swirl.
• Sharp knife – For slicing the rolled dough into perfect pinwheel shapes.
• Baking sheet – Holds the cookies while they bake to golden perfection.
• Parchment paper – Keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Spoon – For drizzling the icing over the finished cookies.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4

I add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 5

Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Step 6

On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7

In a small bowl, I mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Step 8

I carefully roll up the dough into a log, then slice it into even rounds using a sharp knife.

Step 9

I place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden.

Step 10

While the cookies cool, I whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the icing, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies for that classic cinnamon roll finish.

Tips

If you want extra cinnamon flavor, I sometimes add a little cinnamon to the cookie dough itself. You can also make the dough ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for easier slicing. For a fun twist, try adding a touch of maple extract to the icing for a warm, cozy flavor boost.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these cinnamon roll sugar cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat. They’re also perfect for holiday cookie trays, brunch buffets, or as a fun surprise in lunchboxes. And if you really want to impress, package them up in a cute box with a ribbon and gift them to a friend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cinnamon roll sugar cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the sliced dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies and thaw when ready to enjoy.

Why did my cinnamon roll sugar cookies spread too much?

Make sure your dough is chilled enough before slicing and baking; this helps keep the swirls defined.

Can I make cinnamon roll sugar cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these cinnamon roll sugar cookies soon! They’re so much fun to make and even more fun to eat, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you. Share your creations or any fun twists you come up with I’d love to see!

Happy Cooking!

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