Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – Soft & Chewy with a Cinnamon Swirl

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. It’s warm, cozy, and incredibly nostalgic, reminding you of freshly baked cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven. But what if you could take all those amazing flavors and textures and turn them into a soft, chewy cookie? That’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies deliver—a beautiful swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon layered into a buttery sugar cookie dough, creating a treat that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves classic cinnamon rolls but wants something easier and quicker to make. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast, proofing, and rolling, these cookies come together with simple ingredients and minimal effort. The trick is layering the cinnamon sugar filling into the dough to create those irresistible swirls that mimic the look and taste of a cinnamon roll.

These cookies are ideal for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend baking project. They have crispy golden edges with perfectly soft centers, making them completely irresistible. Plus, the warm cinnamon spice pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines warm flavors, a chewy texture, and an eye-catching appearance, these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll love every bite of these indulgent cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cookies, but here are a few key ones:

1. Incredible Flavor Combination

If you love cinnamon rolls, snickerdoodles, or classic sugar cookies, this recipe combines the best of all three. The buttery sugar cookie base provides the perfect canvas for the rich, caramelized brown sugar-cinnamon filling. Each bite delivers a warm, comforting sweetness balanced by the perfect amount of spice.

2. Soft, Chewy Texture

One of the highlights of this recipe is the incredible texture. The cookies have a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy center, making them completely addicting. The secret? A combination of cornstarch, brown sugar, and chilling the dough before baking helps achieve the perfect texture.

3. Easy to Make

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require rolling out dough, filling, and slicing, these cookies come together with a simple mixing and layering technique. There’s no complicated dough-rolling process—just mix, swirl, and bake.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are great for a variety of occasions, from holiday cookie platters to after-school snacks. They make an excellent gift, and they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch on hand when a craving strikes.

5. No Special Equipment Needed

All you need are basic pantry staples and a baking sheet. No stand mixer or rolling pin required—just a bowl, a spoon, and a love for cinnamon-filled treats.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are definitely an indulgence, they do offer some ingredients that come with surprising benefits:

1. Cinnamon – A Powerful Antioxidant

Cinnamon isn’t just delicious; it’s also loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great spice to incorporate into your diet in moderation.

2. Brown Sugar – A Natural Sweetener

Brown sugar contains molasses, which provides small amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. While it’s still a sugar, it offers slightly more nutrients compared to white sugar.

3. Butter – A Source of Healthy Fats

Butter provides a rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, which play a role in overall health.

4. Eggs – High in Protein and Nutrients

Eggs help bind the dough and contribute to the cookies’ soft texture. They are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, making them a valuable ingredient in baking.

While these cookies should be enjoyed in moderation, they offer warm, homemade comfort that’s worth every bite.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation & Baking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Servings

• Makes 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 17g

Ingredients List

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Sugar Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 1¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Spread the mixture on a small plate or baking sheet and freeze for 5-10 minutes until firm.

Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk, mixing until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.

Layer the Cinnamon Sugar Swirls

1. Divide the cookie dough in half.
2. Take half of the dough and spread it in the mixing bowl.
3. Break the chilled cinnamon sugar mixture into small pieces and sprinkle it over the dough.
4. Add the remaining half of the dough on top and gently fold 3-4 times to create swirls (don’t overmix).

Shape and Chill the Dough

1. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough and place them on a lined baking sheet.
2. Chill the dough balls in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
3. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve

• Classic Style: Enjoy warm with a glass of milk.
• Fancy Dessert: Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Breakfast Treat: Serve alongside a cup of coffee for a cozy morning snack.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: These cookies pair well with chai tea, lattes, or hot chocolate.
• Fruit: Serve with fresh apple slices for a cinnamon-apple dessert experience.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
• Slightly underbake the cookies for the perfect chewy texture.

Creative Variations to Try

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, these cinnamon roll sugar cookies are the perfect base for customization. With a few small tweaks, you can create entirely new flavor profiles while keeping the soft, chewy texture we all love.

Chocolate Swirl Cinnamon Cookies

For a rich chocolate twist, mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar filling. You’ll get a deep, slightly bitter contrast that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie dough.

Maple Cinnamon Cookies

Swap out the vanilla extract for pure maple extract and add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the dough. This creates a subtle maple undertone that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Version

To bring in a cozy fall vibe, replace the cinnamon in the filling with pumpkin pie spice and mix 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree into the dough. This adds a slight earthiness and a touch of seasonal nostalgia.

Nutty Cinnamon Crunch

For added texture, mix ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar filling. The nuts will toast slightly while baking, giving the cookies an extra crunchy bite.

How to Fix Common Baking Problems

Even the best bakers run into challenges sometimes. If your cookies don’t turn out as expected, here’s how to troubleshoot and fix common issues.

Cookies Spread Too Much

If your cookies turn out too flat, it’s likely that your butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Always chill the dough for at least 10 minutes before baking. Using a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper can also help keep them from spreading too much.

Cookies Are Too Dry

Dry cookies are usually caused by too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off instead of packing it in. Also, bake just until the edges are set—cookies continue to firm up as they cool.

Not Enough Cinnamon Flavor

If the cinnamon flavor isn’t as strong as you’d like, consider adding an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can also enhance the warmth of the spice blend.

Uneven Swirls in the Dough

To ensure beautiful, even swirls, don’t overmix the dough after layering in the cinnamon sugar. Just fold it 3-4 times to distribute the filling while keeping the streaks intact.

The Secret to Bakery-Style Cookies

Want your cinnamon roll sugar cookies to look and taste like they came from a professional bakery? These simple techniques can take your cookies to the next level.

Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures even blending and prevents lumps in the dough.

Underbake Slightly

One of the biggest mistakes home bakers make is overbaking. Remove the cookies from the oven when they still look slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.

Use High-Quality Cinnamon

Not all cinnamon is created equal. Saigon cinnamon has a stronger, bolder flavor that enhances the spice profile of the cookies. If you love a deep cinnamon taste, it’s worth investing in a high-quality spice.

Shape the Cookies While Warm

For perfectly round cookies, use a round cookie cutter or glass to swirl around the edges of each cookie while they’re still hot. This trick helps them set into a uniform shape.

Fun Ways to Serve These Cookies

These cinnamon roll sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but a few creative serving ideas can elevate them into a full dessert experience.

Drizzle with Icing

For the ultimate cinnamon roll effect, mix ½ cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and drizzle it over the warm cookies. This adds a sweet glaze that mimics classic cinnamon rolls.

Make Ice Cream Sandwiches

Pair these cookies with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a fun frozen treat. Simply scoop some ice cream onto one cookie and sandwich it with another. Freeze for about 30 minutes for a firm, handheld dessert.

Serve with Coffee or Hot Chocolate

The warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with a hot beverage. Dunk them in coffee, chai tea, or a spiced hot chocolate for a comforting combination.

Stack and Gift

These cookies make a great edible gift. Stack them in a clear bag, tie with a ribbon, and include a small jar of cinnamon sugar or a packet of hot cocoa mix for an extra-special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I add nuts? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts work great.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Try these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies and let me know how they turn out! Share your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see them.

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