Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a dreamy mashup of two beloved desserts: cinnamon rolls and classic sugar cookies. With a tender, buttery base and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar swirl, these cookies bring the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls into a convenient, handheld treat. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for holiday trays, parties, or cozy afternoons.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
powdered sugar
milk

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a rectangle between sheets of parchment paper.

Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough rectangles.

Roll up each rectangle tightly, jelly-roll style, into a log. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Slice the chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare a glaze with powdered sugar and milk, and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mix for added warmth.
Use cream cheese in the glaze for a tangy twist.
Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for extra texture.
Swap vanilla extract with maple or almond for a unique flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To refresh, microwave a cookie for 5-8 seconds for a warm, soft bite.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the rolled dough logs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds a nice finish. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Do I have to roll the dough?
Rolling gives that cinnamon swirl effect, but you can layer the filling between dough balls and press flat for a simpler version.

Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?
You can, though homemade dough provides the best flavor and texture.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge.

How do I prevent them from overbaking?
Watch for light golden edges and soft centers—don’t wait until they look fully set.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just ensure you chill the dough thoroughly.

Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re sweet, soft, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Do they taste like actual cinnamon rolls?
They have all the flavors of cinnamon rolls in cookie form—sweet, spiced, and buttery.

Conclusion

Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the best of both worlds with their cinnamon-sugar swirl and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for a party or a quiet afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.

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