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If you love sweet, gooey treats, get ready for a real delight! Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine soft, fluffy dough with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar. In this post, I’ll share easy steps to create these amazing cookies, tips for perfect texture, and fun variations to try. Let’s turn your kitchen into a bakery and make treats everyone will adore!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: These cookies combine the warm, nostalgic taste of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a cookie, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The blend of butter and sugars creates a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, reminiscent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring success every time.
- Decorative Finish: The icing and sprinkle of cinnamon not only enhance the flavor but also make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To bake these cinnamon roll sugar cookies, you need the following:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– ½ cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk (for cookie dough)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
– 2-3 tablespoons milk (for icing consistency)
– Extra ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Baking Staples Needed
You will also need basic baking staples to make this recipe a success. Make sure you have:
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Whisk
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Wire rack
These tools help ensure the cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Optional Garnishes or Swaps
If you want to get creative with your cookies, consider these options:
– Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor.
– Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer taste.
– Drizzle chocolate over the icing for a sweet twist.
– Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique flavor.
These swaps and garnishes can make your cinnamon roll sugar cookies even more fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Workspace
Start by making your kitchen ready. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– ½ cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk (for cookie dough)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
– 2-3 tablespoons milk (for icing consistency)
– Extra ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined. Set this aside.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. You want it light and fluffy. This shows you have added air to the mix.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to mix well. Gradually add your dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep cookies soft.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and an extra teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will create a sweet swirl in your cookies.
Take tablespoons of dough and form them into balls. Slightly flatten each ball in your palm. Roll the edges in the cinnamon-sugar mix to coat.
Baking and Cooling Process
Place the cookies on your lined baking sheet. Keep some space between each cookie. They will spread while baking.
Bake them for 10-12 minutes. Look for edges that turn light golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Stir until you have a smooth icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
Drizzle or pipe the icing over cooled cookies. Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a lovely touch.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture
For the best texture, use room temperature ingredients. Your butter and egg should be soft. This helps mix them well, creating a light, fluffy dough. Avoid overmixing when you add the flour. Stir just until you blend everything together. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few common mistakes can ruin your cookies. First, don’t skip the chilling step if needed. Chilling dough helps cookies keep their shape. Second, measure your flour correctly. Too much flour makes cookies dry. Use a spoon to scoop flour into the cup, then level it off. Lastly, avoid opening the oven too often. This lets heat escape and can lead to uneven baking.
Icing Consistency Tips
Getting the icing right is key. Start with 2-3 tablespoons of milk mixed with powdered sugar. Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk a little at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Aim for a pourable consistency that holds shape. Drizzle it over cookies for a lovely finish. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
- Perfectly Fluffy Cookies: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This is key for achieving a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon flavor.
- Store for Freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and flavor for up to a week.

Variations
Adding Chocolate Chips or Nuts
You can make these cookies even better by adding chocolate chips or nuts. I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt perfectly and add a rich flavor. If you prefer nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans work great too. Just mix in about 1 cup of your choice into the dough before shaping the cookies. This small change brings new texture and taste.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that measures cup-for-cup. This ensures your cookies taste just as good. Be sure to check the labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients, especially the baking powder. With this swap, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
Seasonal Additions (e.g., pumpkin spice)
Seasonal flavors can make these cookies fun and festive. For fall, try adding pumpkin spice to the dough. Mix in about 1 tablespoon along with the cinnamon. You can also add a little pumpkin puree for moisture. During the holidays, consider using peppermint extract instead of vanilla. This gives a fresh twist that pairs well with the cinnamon!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftover Cookies
To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out. Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. If you have a lot of cookies, consider using a cookie tin. It gives a vintage touch and keeps them safe.
Freezing Cookies for Later Enjoyment
You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating Tips for Freshness
Reheating cookies can bring back their fresh-baked taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 minutes. This warms them up without making them hard. For a soft treat, you can heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the warmth and aroma of your cinnamon roll sugar cookies!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want. Just remember to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
You will know the cookies are done when the edges turn light golden brown. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you need a substitute for unsalted butter, use the same amount of margarine or coconut oil. Both will work well. If you want a richer flavor, try using unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. Just remember that this may change the texture slightly.
You’ve learned about the key ingredients and how to bake amazing cookies. We covered necessary items, prep steps, and the baking process. I shared tips for the best texture and common mistakes to avoid. We explored fun variations and how to store your cookies right. Remember, with a little practice, you can make cookies everyone will love. Enjoy the process and get ready for some tasty results. Happy bakin
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Deliciously soft and sweet cookies with a cinnamon swirl, topped with a creamy icing.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for cookie dough)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing consistency)
- to taste extra ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside, allowing the flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated.
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
Gradually add the previously whisked dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
In a separate small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar with an additional teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will create a sweet cinnamon swirl for your cookies.
Take tablespoons of the cookie dough and form them into balls. Slightly flatten each ball in the palm of your hand, then roll the edges of the cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Place the prepared cookies on the lined baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each, as they will spread out while baking.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up a bit. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
Drizzle or pipe the icing over your freshly cooled cookies and finish with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a beautiful, aromatic garnish.
Serve with a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.
Keyword cinnamon, cookies, dessert
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