Ultimate Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Posted on November 9, 2025

cinnamon roll sugar cookies - featured image

The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls swirling around the kitchen is pure magic, isn’t it? Now, imagine combining that warm, spiced goodness with the buttery, soft texture of sugar cookies. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Ultimate Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. They’re the perfect marriage of two classic treats—and honestly, they might just become your new favorite dessert. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a cozy weekend bake, or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies tick all the boxes.

I started experimenting with this recipe after a friend challenged me to “cinnamon-roll-ify” her favorite sugar cookie. Challenge accepted! After a few trials and taste tests (my family happily volunteered as guinea pigs), I finally nailed it. You get all the cinnamon roll vibes—sweet, buttery, fragrant, and soft—with the ease of a handheld cookie. No yeast, no rolling out dough, just pure cinnamon-spiced joy. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy: The texture is unbeatable—these cookies stay soft for days!
Easy to Make: No yeast or waiting for dough to rise, so you can whip these up in no time.
Incredible Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar swirl brings a warm, comforting sweetness that’s just like a classic cinnamon roll.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dessert table, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies shine.
Kid-Friendly: Little ones love helping sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and watching the magic unfold.
Customizable: You can switch things up with different fillings or glazes to suit your taste!

What really sets these cinnamon roll sugar cookies apart is their ease and versatility. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, you don’t have to worry about yeast or rolling out dough. Plus, the combination of soft sugar cookie dough and sweet, buttery cinnamon swirl is irresistible. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be hooked!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a decadent treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (you can use any type of milk, including almond or oat)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract

The ingredients are simple to find, and if you don’t have something on hand, I’ll share substitution options below!

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the cookie dough and one for the cinnamon sugar filling.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Rolling Pin: Optional, but helpful for flattening the dough evenly.
Knife or Dough Cutter: For cutting the rolled dough into cookie-sized pieces.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing the glaze until smooth.

If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean bottle or any cylindrical object can work in a pinch. And if you’re short on baking mats, parchment paper is your best friend—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
While the dough chills, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Once chilled, roll the dough into a rectangle roughly ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 15 minutes to firm up.
Slice the log into ¼ inch thick cookies and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Enjoy your Ultimate Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies fresh or store them for later!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step—it helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading while baking.
Roll Evenly: Use a rolling pin to create an even dough thickness for consistent baking.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft, so pull them out as soon as the edges turn golden.
Glaze Tips: If you prefer thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly. For a lighter drizzle, add an extra splash.
Use Fresh Cinnamon: The flavor really pops when you use high-quality, fresh ground cinnamon.

One tip I learned the hard way: don’t rush the chilling steps. The cookies stay beautifully shaped when you give the dough enough time to firm up. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
Seasonal Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a festive holiday flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar filling for a fun twist.
Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free treat.
Personal Favorite: I once added a little orange zest to the filling—it was unexpectedly delightful!

Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and fillings—the possibilities are endless!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served at room temperature with a drizzle of glaze on top. For a cozy pairing, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or dessert platters.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for a freshly baked feel.

Fun fact: The cinnamon flavor actually deepens over time, making these cookies even more delicious the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Estimated per cookie:

Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g

Health Benefits:

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content.

While these cookies are indulgent, they’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in moderation!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that blends the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of sugar cookies, these Ultimate Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are it. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

I love how versatile this recipe is; you can tweak it to suit your mood or the season. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it!

Now, go grab your apron and start baking. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw before rolling and baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The cookies are delicious without it, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness.

What’s the best way to roll the dough?

Use a lightly floured surface and roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking. If it sticks, chill it a bit longer!

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Unsalted butter is preferred for best results.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure the dough is chilled and roll it tightly. Don’t spread the filling too close to the edges.

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