If you can’t decide between a sugar cookie and a cinnamon roll, why choose? This Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe Idea is a hybrid dessert that brings the best of both worlds. A tender, buttery sugar cookie dough acts as the base, rolled up with a rich brown sugar and cinnamon filling. Sliced and baked to perfection, these cookies are then drizzled with a simple vanilla icing. They are essentially bite-sized, crispy-edged cinnamon rolls that don’t require any yeast or rising time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Swirl Factor
The visual appeal of the spiral is undeniable. It looks impressive on a cookie tray but is surprisingly easy to achieve with a “roll and slice” technique.
Soft Center, Crispy Edge
By baking these as cookies rather than buns, you get that delightful texture contrast: a slightly crisp, sugary edge that gives way to a soft, gooey, cinnamon-packed center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar (filling)
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon (filling)
- 3 tbsp Butter, softened (filling)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (glaze)
- 2 tbsp Milk (glaze)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour and baking powder.
- Roll dough into a rectangle. Mix filling ingredients and spread over dough.
- Roll up tightly. Chill log for 30 minutes.
- Slice into rounds. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
- Butter: Room temperature butter is crucial for the dough to roll out smoothly without cracking.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses content in brown sugar gives the filling that deep, caramel-like flavor essential for a cinnamon roll taste.
- Cinnamon: Be generous! This is the main flavor driver.
- Egg: Provides structure so the cookies don’t spread too much.
- Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar and milk create the classic finish.
Smart Substitutions
- Filling: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a spicier, more complex flavor profile.
- Dough: If you are short on time, you can technically use a store-bought sugar cookie dough, though homemade yields a sturdier structure for rolling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Make the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
Cooking Phase
Make the sugar cookie dough by creaming butter and sugar, adding egg/vanilla, and mixing in flour/baking powder. Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon paste over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a log. Chill the log for 30 minutes (do not skip!). Slice into rounds. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Glaze while warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Chill to Slice. If you try to slice the log while the butter is soft, you will squish the spiral. Chilling firms up the butter, allowing you to use a sharp knife to get perfectly round, distinct swirls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rolling too Loose: A loose roll means gaps, and gaps mean the filling will leak out and burn on the pan. Roll it tight!
- Overbaking: Cinnamon sugar burns easily. Keep an eye on the bottoms of the cookies.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve warm with a glass of milk. These are sturdy enough to be stacked in a gift box.
Pairing Suggestions
- More Cinnamon: If you love this flavor profile, you must try our Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe for Cozy Days which uses a slightly different technique for a softer, cakier finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze these?
Yes, baked or unbaked. The unbaked log can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q2? Why did they spread?
The dough was too warm. Always bake chilled dough.
Q3? Can I use cream cheese icing?
Yes! A cream cheese drizzle makes them taste even more like a Cinnabon.
| Variation | Add-in | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice | Pumpkin Pie Spice | Fall Favorite |
| Maple Pecan | Maple Extract & Nuts | Rich & Nutty |
| Chocolate | Cocoa in filling | Mocha Swirl |
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a fun, approachable baking project that delivers big flavor. They are perfect for when you want the comfort of a cinnamon roll without the commitment of yeast baking.
