Imagine combining the nostalgic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies—what you get is Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic. Each cookie features beautiful swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, drizzled with a dreamy vanilla glaze. They’re irresistibly soft, just the right amount of sweet, and perfect for savoring with a cup of coffee or sharing at any gathering. These cookies are more than a treat; they’re a showstopper and an instant favorite, guaranteed to impress whoever is lucky enough to snag one from your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted at how a handful of everyday pantry staples can come together to create something truly special. Every ingredient in Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic plays an important role, either adding buttery richness, that iconic cinnamon warmth, or the tender crumb we all crave in a great cookie.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The base of the dough, this gives each cookie a lovely buttery texture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that classic sugar cookie crumb.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder, making the cookies tender without being cakey.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons, plus 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Lends its deep, aromatic flavor to both the cookie and the glaze.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups): Gives structure, resulting in cookies that hold their adorable spiral shape.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a slight lift so cookies are light, not dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
- For Filling — Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Helps the filling stick and adds more rich, buttery notes.
- Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): The star of the swirl, giving sweetness and moisture.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth, spice, and that unmistakable cinnamon roll aroma.
- For Glaze — Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Ensures the glaze is smooth and sweet.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Extra Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Keeps the glaze full of comforting vanilla flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. This isn’t just about mixing—the more you cream, the lighter and fluffier your cookies will be. When the mixture looks pale and cloud-like, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Now crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is silky smooth and well blended. The egg helps bind, while vanilla gives your cookies an unforgettable aroma right from the start.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures each leavening and flavoring agent gets evenly dispersed, preventing any surprises later on.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet bowl, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. You want the dough just combined—don’t overmix, or you risk tough cookies. The result should be a pliable, slightly sticky dough that gathers easily in your hands.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough in half and roll each piece between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Parchment will keep things tidy and makes it a breeze to roll up later.
Step 6: Add Filling and Roll Into Logs
Brush each dough rectangle with melted butter, sprinkle generously with brown sugar, then dust with ground cinnamon. Channel your inner cinnamon roll master and carefully roll the dough into logs, tightly but gently, so the swirl shines in every slice.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Once rolled, wrap each log in parchment and let them chill in the fridge for at least one hour. Don’t skip this step—it’s key for beautiful, distinct swirls and easy slicing.
Step 8: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with fresh parchment. Slice the dough logs into 1/2-inch rounds and space them about 2 inches apart. That room allows for a perfect edge and even baking. Bake 10–12 minutes until the edges are light gold; they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Step 9: Glaze and Savor
Let the cookies cool on their trays for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle generously over cooled cookies—channel those cinnamon roll vibes! Allow the glaze to set before serving, if you can resist diving in immediately.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Garnishes
A simple glaze is all these cookies truly need, but if you want to take them up a notch, try dusting with a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of sparkling sugar right after glazing. For a festive touch, edible gold leaf or holiday sprinkles make them party-perfect!
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect partners for a hot drink. Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, chai, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. For brunch, arrange them with other pastries, fruit, or even a bowl of vanilla bean yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic in a rustic tin and tie with a ribbon for an unforgettable edible gift. They’re striking on a dessert platter, layered in cellophane bags, or arranged on a cake stand at a cookie swap. For parties, offer them on mini cupcake liners for charming individual treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled and glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer with parchment to prevent the glaze from sticking. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, just like the day they were baked.
Freezing
To freeze, place unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. If you prefer, freeze the sliced, unbaked dough and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Always glaze after thawing or baking for best results.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, reheat them gently in the microwave for just a few seconds. If you’ve frozen them, thaw at room temperature before glazing or eating. The hit of warmth makes that cinnamon-sugar filling come alive!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and roll the dough into logs up to 2 days ahead and keep them wrapped in the fridge. Slice and bake whenever you’re ready to wow your guests or indulge your sweet tooth.
Can I add extras to the filling?
Definitely. A pinch of nutmeg, a handful of chopped pecans, or even a bit of orange zest in the filling can add an exciting twist to your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic.
How do I achieve really defined swirls?
For truly eye-catching spirals, trim the dough edges to square them up before rolling, and chill thoroughly before slicing. Cold dough holds its shape beautifully—and don’t forget to use parchment!
Are these cookies very sweet?
The cookies are perfectly balanced: sweet, but not tooth-achingly so. The cinnamon swirl and glaze provide that classic dessert feel without overwhelming the buttery sugar cookie base.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can swap in salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a tiny pinch or leave it out altogether, so your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic stay deliciously balanced.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new favorite treat to bake for loved ones (or yourself!), you simply can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic. Each bite brings together the very best of two classic desserts, and once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe box. So go ahead—grab your mixing bowl, and let the magic begin!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies with this easy-to-make recipe. These cinnamon roll sugar cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a soft, chewy cookie topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Prepare Filling: Roll out dough, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll into logs, chill, slice, and bake.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- For a neater spiral, trim dough edges before rolling.
- Add nutmeg to filling for extra flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
