If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and more portable, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies capture the sweet cinnamon swirl and buttery goodness of a cinnamon roll in a crunchy, soft sugar cookie form that’s perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself. With each bite, you get that classic cinnamon warmth paired with a delightful sugar crunch that makes these cookies irresistible any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because everything is simple yet essential. Each component plays its part, from the fluffy butter that gives richness and tenderness to the cinnamon that delivers that signature flavor and the sugar that ensures just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to these cookies and keeps them tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and maintain a perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of this recipe, adding that irresistible warm spice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the cookies rich, moist, and tender with every bite.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives a slight crispness when baked.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the cinnamon.
- 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar mix (for topping): Creates that beautiful, crackly cinnamon-sugar crust on the outside of the cookies.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a snap.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these upfront helps distribute the cinnamon evenly so every bite has that perfect hint of spice.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, take your softened butter and sugar and beat them vigorously in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is the secret to achieving tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a lovely crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds flavor depth and helps bind the dough together, making it easier to shape the cookies later.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Don’t overmix here; you want the dough soft but not tough.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Roll the dough into small, uniform balls and generously coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This extra step amplifies the cinnamon flavor and gives the cookies their signature sugary crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that sweet perfection is near.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set their shape before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they maintain their perfect texture—slightly crispy on the outside and tender inside.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cookies. These toppings not only look stunning but add an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. Their rich cinnamon flavor and sugar crunch make them a wonderful companion to your favorite hot or cold beverages, elevating your snack or dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in a decorative glass jar for a charming gift, or arrange them on a festive platter with fresh fruit and nuts for holiday parties. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent twist that mimics the creamy filling of traditional cinnamon rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your leftover Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft with just the right amount of crispness for up to 5 days, making them perfect for midweek treats.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and enhances the cinnamon aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Absolutely! Using brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor and make your cookies a bit chewier, giving a lovely twist on the classic cinnamon roll taste.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
Ground cinnamon is key to this recipe’s signature flavor, but if you’re out, you might try a mix of ground nutmeg and a pinch of cloves. The result won’t be exactly the same but still deliciously spiced.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out flat?
Flat cookies usually mean the dough was overmixed or the butter was too soft or melted. Try chilling your dough for 15-20 minutes before baking and mixing just until combined for perfect shape and texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, and monitor the baking time closely.
How thick should I roll the dough for these cookies?
The dough is shaped into balls rather than rolled out, but if you want to roll and cut, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to maintain that perfect balance of chewy and crisp in the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and warmth of this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s like capturing the cozy feeling of fresh cinnamon rolls but in a fun, easy cookie form that’s perfect for every occasion. Don’t wait to treat yourself and your loved ones—bake a batch today and watch them disappear!
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
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the sweet, warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with the delightful crispness of sugar cookies. These easy-to-make cookies feature a soft, buttery dough infused with cinnamon and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix, perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.
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 coating)
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 leavening and spices throughout the cookie dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until the ingredients are well combined for moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, then coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to enhance the cinnamon flavor and add a sweet crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the cookies are cooked through while remaining soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breakage and allows final setting.
Notes
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top just before baking.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
