Easy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Imagine everything you love about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls baked into a soft, sweet sugar cookie. That’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies offer—they’re packed with rich, buttery flavor and warm cinnamon spice, all tucked into an easy slice-and-bake format. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a cozy Sunday brunch, or just because you need something sweet (we’ve all been there), this recipe checks every box.

Combining a soft sugar cookie base with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, these cookies taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery—but you made them at home, and honestly, they might be even better.

These cookies aren’t just good—they’re bakery-level, brag-worthy delicious. Think of the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and brings people into the room before you can say, “They’re not ready yet!” If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, this is like their playful, more portable cousin. Same comfort. Less fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

You get the flavor of a cinnamon roll without waiting hours for dough to rise.
Perfect balance of soft, chewy sugar cookie and spiced brown sugar filling.
They’re great for making in advance and freezing, which makes them a lifesaver during busy baking seasons.
Gorgeous slice-and-bake presentation with cozy cinnamon swirl.
Ideal for gifts, brunches, cookie swaps, or sneaky midnight snacks.
You can prepare the dough ahead of time, pop it in the freezer, and slice it whenever that sweet tooth kicks in.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

For the Sugar Cookie Dough:

Unsalted butter – This gives the dough a rich, creamy flavor and a soft texture. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the overall saltiness of the recipe.
Granulated sugar – The main sweetener, it also helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
Pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the sugar cookie base with warm, fragrant notes.
The combination of a whole egg and an additional yolk brings extra moisture and helps everything hold together beautifully. The extra yolk adds richness and contributes to a chewier texture.
All-purpose flour – A versatile flour that forms the structure of the cookie dough.
Baking powder – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
Cornstarch – Helps tenderize the cookie dough, making the final cookies softer and more delicate.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors in the dough.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

Unsalted butter (melted) – This helps create a smooth, spreadable layer and ensures the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough.
Brown sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness and blends beautifully with the cinnamon for that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Ground cinnamon – The star of the show! This spice gives the filling its warm, cozy, and aromatic character.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

Start by beating the softened butter with granulated sugar in a large bowl until it’s pale and fluffy.
Next, stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the egg and egg yolk for richness. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined and a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape into flat discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps firm the dough and keeps your cookies from spreading too much.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of the chilled dough into a 9×12-inch rectangle.
Brush the surface with half of the melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle half evenly over the dough.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Don’t press too hard—you want it tight, but not squishing the swirl.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 30–45 minutes, or until firm enough to slice.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough log into 1/2-inch rounds. Place each cookie about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Optional Glaze (Highly Recommended!)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients together until smooth. Finish with a drizzle of glaze to capture that classic cinnamon roll vibe.

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
Rolling pin
Plastic wrap
Sharp knife
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone mats
Wire cooling rack

Tips for Success

Don’t skip chilling the dough—this step ensures cleaner swirls and thicker cookies.
Roll the dough gently and evenly for a perfect spiral.
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cookie slices.
Let cookies cool before glazing so it doesn’t melt off.
Want taller cookies? Chill sliced cookies on the baking sheet before baking.

Variations

For a fun flavor twist, try mixing in a bit of orange zest—it adds a lovely brightness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
You can also scatter some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling for extra texture and flavor.
Drizzle with cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla glaze for a true cinnamon roll finish.
Make mini versions by slicing smaller cookies and reducing bake time by a minute or two.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon break.
These cookies are amazing slightly warmed—try popping one in the microwave for 5 seconds.
Add to cookie gift boxes during the holidays (they’re always the first to disappear!).
Great for brunch spreads, especially with a cinnamon roll-inspired glaze.

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FAQs about Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Are these sugar cookie cinnamon rolls or actual cookies?

They’re cookies that mimic the look and flavor of cinnamon rolls—so not yeast-based or doughy like a traditional roll, but just as satisfying.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze the logs for a month.

Do I need to use a glaze?

Not necessarily, but it really elevates the “cinnamon roll” look and flavor. A vanilla or cream cheese glaze works perfectly.

Can I use premade sugar cookie dough?

You can, but homemade gives you better texture, flavor, and structure for slicing and baking.

How do I store them?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze extras for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies bring everything we love about cinnamon rolls—sweetness, spice, and soft buttery goodness—into a cookie that bakes up in under 15 minutes. Whether you make them for a party, a gift, or just to treat yourself, they’re bound to be a new favorite.

They’re soft in the center, have a bit of crunch around the edges, and that swirl of cinnamon sugar? Absolute magic. Add a glaze on top and suddenly you’re getting actual “where did you buy these?” questions from your friends.

So, go ahead. Make a double batch. Freeze one for future-you. Because once these cinnamon sugar cookies hit your counter, they won’t be around for long.

If you bake these, tag me or leave a comment! I love seeing your kitchen creations and hearing how they turn out. Happy baking!

And if you’re looking for more brown sugar cinnamon cookie ideas or playful twists on traditional treats, come follow along on Pinterest where we celebrate dessert all year long.

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