Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two dessert favorites: cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion or as a cozy treat with coffee or tea.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
- The cinnamon-sugar filling gives these cookies their signature flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
- Milk (for glaze, optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Chill the log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
- If desired, prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over the cookies before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture.
- Use a Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the powdered sugar glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a more cinnamon roll-like flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies instead of glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Store glazed cookies in the refrigerator to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked cookie dough slices or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or baking.
- Reheating: Warm baked cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their fresh-from-the-oven softness.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, roll it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Slice the rolled dough and freeze the slices in a single layer. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.
4. What can I use instead of cinnamon?
You can use pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can use pre-made dough and add the cinnamon-sugar filling for a quick version.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before slicing and baking.
7. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with plant-based milk for the glaze.
8. Why is my dough too sticky?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
9. Can I add icing after freezing the cookies?
Yes, thaw the cookies completely before adding the glaze or icing.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be slightly golden, while the centers will remain soft.
Conclusion
Cinnamon roll sugar cookies bring the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls to a soft, chewy cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of glaze, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Make a batch today and watch them disappear!