Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – A Sweet and Spiced Treat

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of a sugar cookie with the irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl of a classic cinnamon roll. These cookies bring together the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the buttery richness of a perfectly baked cookie. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packing them for lunchbox treats, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery sugar cookies and spiced cinnamon sugar creates a heavenly bite.
  • Unique Twist: These cookies bring the beloved cinnamon roll flavors to a portable, shareable format.
  • Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
  • Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a delightful addition to your cookie jar.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

These ingredients combine to form the signature cinnamon swirl, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the filling.
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
  • 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps bind the filling together.
  • 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Delivers the warm, spicy kick.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Cookies:

The cookie dough forms the base, balancing the sweetness of the filling with a buttery and soft texture.

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool to the touch: The base for a soft, buttery cookie.
  • 1⅓ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create a light texture.
  • 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth of flavor.
  • 1 large egg: Provides structure to the dough.
  • 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and contributes to the chewy texture.
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough.
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Keeps the cookies tender.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with racks positioned near the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The mixture should resemble a paste.
  2. Place the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up while you prepare the cookie dough. This step helps in distributing the filling evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. This step aerates the butter, creating a fluffy texture.
  2. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

Step 4: Layer the Dough and Filling

  1. Divide the dough into two portions. Spread half of the dough across the bottom of the mixing bowl.
  2. Remove the cinnamon filling from the freezer and use two spoons to scoop small pieces (about a teaspoon each). Distribute half of the filling over the first layer of dough.
  3. Add the remaining dough on top, pressing it into an even layer.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon filling pieces over the top layer of dough.

Step 5: Create the Swirls

  1. Gently fold and mix the dough with a rubber spatula, scraping up and over just two to three times. This will create cinnamon swirls throughout the dough while leaving some chunks intact. The swirls are key to the cinnamon roll effect.

Step 6: Portion and Chill

  1. Scoop the dough into two-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop, ensuring each portion includes a mix of dough and cinnamon filling.
  2. Place the dough balls on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to firm up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

  1. Arrange the dough balls a couple of inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For thicker cookies, leave the dough balls in higher mounds. For thinner cookies, gently pat them down.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are still slightly underdone. This ensures a soft, chewy texture.
  3. If some cookies bake up misshapen, use a round glass or the back of a spoon to reshape them while they’re still warm.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  1. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and allow the cookies to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
  2. Serve and enjoy these delightful Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with your favorite beverage!

Tips for Success

  • Properly Measure Flour: Fluff the flour before measuring, scoop a heaping portion, and level it with a knife to avoid overly dense cookies.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
  • Chill the Dough: Freezing the dough balls before baking helps maintain their shape and texture.
  • Shaping Cookies: Use a round glass or spoon to reshape cookies immediately after baking for a perfect look.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

  • With Coffee or Tea: The warm cinnamon flavors pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat.
  • Holiday Platters: Add these cookies to your holiday cookie tray for a festive and flavorful addition that stands out.
  • With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that combines warmth and creaminess.
  • Drizzle with Icing: Enhance the cinnamon roll theme by drizzling the cookies with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Each cookie contains approximately 240 calories, offering a delightful balance of flavor and texture. With 31 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of fat, these cookies are rich and satisfying. They include 7 grams of saturated fat and 17 grams of sugar, making them an indulgent treat. The 2 grams of protein and small amounts of fiber, calcium, and iron add a touch of nutritional value. Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

What Makes These Cookies Taste Like Cinnamon Rolls?

The rich cinnamon-sugar filling swirled into the buttery cookie dough mimics the iconic flavors of a cinnamon roll, creating a unique and indulgent treat.

Can You Freeze the Dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into portions, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How Do You Keep the Cookies Soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain their softness.

Can You Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 72 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

This can happen if the dough is too warm. Ensure you chill the dough balls in the freezer before baking and use a parchment-lined baking sheet to help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats. With their buttery dough, spiced cinnamon swirls, and soft, chewy texture, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet indulgence anytime, these cookies bring joy in every bite. Try this recipe today and savor the magic of cinnamon rolls in cookie form!

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