If you adore the warm, cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls but crave something a bit quicker and hand-held, the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe takes the magic of cinnamon rolls — that perfect swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness — and transforms it into a delightful cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and downright addictive. Whether you’re looking for an irresistible treat to share at a gathering or a sweet moment for yourself, these cookies bring comfort and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as sugar and spice, these ingredients are the heart of the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: from the fluffy texture the butter and egg create, to the spicy warmth of cinnamon, and the delightful crunch from the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A gentle leavening agent to keep the cookies soft but light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature cinnamon roll taste infused right into the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, creating a perfect balance with cinnamon’s warmth.
- 1 egg: Binds all ingredients, giving the cookies a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth by highlighting the cinnamon flavor and adding a cozy aroma.
- 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar mix (for topping): Sprinkled on top, it creates that irresistible crunchy swirl effect reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients upfront ensures an even distribution of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key—it incorporates air that helps your cookies become wonderfully soft and tender instead of dense.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg will help bind the dough, while vanilla taps into that warm, comforting scent linked with cinnamon rolls.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle and just enough to combine.
Step 5: Shape and Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch each, then coat each ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar topping. This step is where those luscious cinnamon roll flavors start to pop on the outside as well as inside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they look just a touch crispy on the outside but still soft inside.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly, so they don’t crumble when you bite in. Trust me, patience here makes a big difference!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little flair, drizzle some cream cheese glaze or white chocolate over the cooled cookies to mimic that signature cinnamon roll icing. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely snowy finish that makes these cookies look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm mug of chai latte or a rich cup of coffee to complement their cinnamon sweetness. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden platter sprinkled with extra cinnamon-sugar for a cozy look. Stack them in small towers tied with twine for a charming gift, or serve individually in cute cupcake liners for parties. Presentation makes these treats feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over a few days or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready, just bake the cookies directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. This way you’ll always have a fresh batch on hand.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness and just-baked aroma. Be careful not to overheat, or they might turn a little tough.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, but keep an eye on the dough’s consistency since gluten-free flours can sometimes require slight adjustments in liquid or baking time.
What if I don’t have cinnamon on hand?
Cinnamon is the heart of this recipe, but if you’re out, you could try a blend of nutmeg and allspice for a different but still warm and cozy flavor profile.
Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps deepen the flavors and results in a more tender cookie.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid making the cookies too salty. This keeps the sweet and spicy balance just right.
How do I get the perfect soft texture in these cookies?
Using softened butter, not melted, and avoiding overmixing the dough are crucial for soft cookies. Also, don’t overbake—take them out as soon as the edges turn golden but the centers look just set.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe that turns an ordinary day into a cozy celebration. With just a few humble ingredients and easy steps, you can have warm, soft cookies that capture all the comforting flavors of a beloved cinnamon roll. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how delightful and simple baking these treats can be!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with the soft, sweet texture of classic sugar cookies. Perfectly spiced and topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar mix (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a uniform dough forms without overworking it.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, then coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to add extra sweetness and a cinnamon kick.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, signaling they are cooked through.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and prevents breaking.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overbake; cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the dough slightly.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
