Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: Easy Mashup Recipe for Ultimate Sweetness

Craving the ultimate dessert mashup that combines two of your all-time favorites? You’ve imagined it: the warm, spicy swirl of a cinnamon roll wrapped in the soft, sweet embrace of a perfect sugar cookie. This guide delivers on that dream with an easy recipe for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a delightful hybrid dessert made by creating a soft sugar cookie dough, spreading it with a buttery brown sugar-cinnamon filling, rolling it into a log, slicing it into rounds, and baking until golden. After cooling, they are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla icing drizzle. This easy mashup delivers the flavor of a cinnamon roll with the simple, soft and chewy texture of a sugar cookie.

Drawing from a proven, well-tested recipe, this guide provides all the expert tips you need for guaranteed success. You’ll discover how to create a perfect swirl, achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and troubleshoot common baking issues. Get ready to create the ultimate sweet treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

How Do You Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies from Scratch?

Creating homemade cinnamon roll cookies is a surprisingly simple and rewarding process that combines the best of two classic desserts. This easy cookie recipe breaks down the journey into manageable parts: preparing a rich and tender sugar cookie dough base, mixing a warm and gooey cinnamon sugar filling, and whipping up a tangy cream cheese frosting. By following a clear, step-by-step guide, you can ensure your cookies have the perfect soft and chewy texture and a beautiful, mesmerizing swirl every time. We’ve designed this process to be approachable for bakers of all levels, providing expert tips along the way to guarantee a delicious outcome. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master this delightful mashup.

9 Crucial Steps for the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a complete baking guide designed for success. We’ve broken down the entire process into nine detailed, actionable steps that will take you from basic ingredients to a platter of irresistible, bakery-style Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Each step functions as a mini-tutorial, complete with ingredient lists, clear directions, and a special “Pro-Tip” to explain the baking science behind the method. This structured approach ensures you not only know what to do but also why you’re doing it, empowering you to bake with confidence and achieve a perfect, soft and chewy result every single time.

1. Start with a Perfect Sugar Cookie Dough Base

Pin this essential first step to your ‘Holiday Baking’ board!

The foundation of any great cinnamon roll sugar cookie is, of course, the sugar cookie dough. This from scratch recipe creates a dough that is soft, pliable, and sturdy enough to hold the rich cinnamon filling. The key is using ingredients at the correct temperature to achieve a dough that is easy to roll out and results in a wonderfully tender cookie.

What You Need

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to cool room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• A reliable stand mixer with a paddle attachment

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture and mix just until a firm, soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Pro-Tip: The temperature of your butter is critical. “Room temperature” should be cool to the touch (around 65°F/18°C). If the butter is too warm, the cookies will spread too much in the oven. This is a fundamental principle of baking chemistry that ensures the fat melts at the right rate.

2. Create an Irresistible Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

Save this easy filling recipe—it’s a game-changer!

The heart of these cookies is the gooey, perfectly spiced cinnamon sugar filling. This simple mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates the signature flavor and swirl. We add a secret ingredient—a touch of flour—to ensure the buttery filling stays inside the cookie during baking, giving you a gooey center instead of a leaky mess.

Supplies Needed

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• High-quality Ceylon cinnamon for a smoother, less spicy flavor

Directions

1. Combine all filling ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Mix with a fork or small spatula until a thick, crumbly paste forms. It should resemble wet sand.
3. Set aside while you roll out the cookie dough.

Pro-Tip: The small amount of flour in the filling is a chef’s secret recipe trick. It acts as a thickener, preventing the buttery, sugary mixture from melting and leaking out of the cookies in the oven, ensuring a gooey center rather than a crispy mess.

3. Assemble and Chill the Dough Log for Clean Slices

Don’t skip the chill! Pin this tip for perfectly round cookies.

This step is where the magic happens. You’ll roll the dough, spread the filling, and create the log that forms the beautiful swirl. The most important part of this step is to chill dough properly. This non-negotiable step solidifies the butter in the dough and filling, which is the key to thick cookies that don’t spread and can be sliced cleanly.

Tools Required

• A large, reusable silicone baking mat or a sheet of parchment paper
• A rolling pin
• Plastic wrap

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured silicone mat into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick (approximately 12×9 inches).
2. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
3. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, to form a log.
4. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Pro-Tip: For an extra-tight roll, use the parchment paper or silicone mat to help lift and guide the dough as you roll, just like making sushi. This master baker technique minimizes cracking and ensures a uniform swirl.

4. Bake to Golden Brown Perfection

The secret to soft centers is a perfectly timed bake. Save this tip!

After chilling, it’s time to bake slice by slice. The goal is to bake the cookies until the edges are just golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underdone. This timing is crucial for achieving the signature soft and chewy texture. Using a heavy-gauge baking sheet will help ensure even heat distribution for a perfect bake.

What You Need

• The chilled cookie dough log
• A sharp knife or bench scraper
• 2 large, heavy-gauge baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line the baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Unwrap the chilled dough log and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the cookie slices 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will look slightly underdone.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the bake time. Also, invest in an oven thermometer. Many home ovens are not calibrated correctly, and an inaccurate temperature is a primary cause of cookies spreading too much or baking unevenly.

5. Whip Up a Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

The perfect tangy frosting! Pin this recipe for later.

No cinnamon roll experience is complete without a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Using full-fat, block-style cream cheese is essential for a frosting that is thick, creamy, and holds its shape beautifully when drizzled.

Ingredients

• 4 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream, as needed for consistency

Routine

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Adjust consistency by adding milk one teaspoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and drizzly, but not too thin.

Pro-Tip: For the smoothest frosting without lumps, make sure your cream cheese and butter are both fully softened to the same room temperature. Sifting the powdered sugar is an extra step, but it’s a professional bakery secret that guarantees a velvety-smooth texture.

6. Get the Signature Drizzle Right

Pin this easy decorating hack for bakery-style cookies!

The final touch is the iconic drizzle of frosting. To decorate your cookies like a pro, you don’t need fancy tools. A simple plastic bag can create a clean, beautiful drizzle that elevates the look of your cookies. The most important rule is to ensure your cookies are completely cool before you frost them.

What You Need

• The completely cooled Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
• A bowl of your prepared cream cheese frosting
• A small ziplock bag or a piping bag with a small round tip

Application Steps

1. Wait until the cookies are 100% cool to the touch. Frosting warm cookies will result in a melted mess.
2. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or a small ziplock bag.
3. Snip a tiny corner off the ziplock bag.
4. Drizzle the frosting over the cookies in a back-and-forth or spiral motion to mimic the look of a classic cinnamon roll. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes before storing.

Pro-Tip: Don’t have a piping bag? The ziplock bag method is a tried-and-true kitchen hack. For better control, place the ziplock bag inside a tall glass and fold the edges over the rim before spooning the frosting in. This keeps the process clean and easy.

7. Know How to Store Your Cookies for Lasting Softness

Keep them soft for days! Save this essential storage guide.

Knowing how to store cinnamon roll sugar cookies properly is the secret to enjoying them for days. Using an airtight container is key to preventing them from getting hard. This recipe is also fantastic for making ahead, so we’ve included tips on how to freeze cinnamon roll cookie dough for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

Supplies Needed

• An airtight container
• Parchment or wax paper
• A freezer-safe ziplock bag

Storage Routine

1. Room Temperature: Store the frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers after the frosting has fully set.
2. Freezing Baked Cookies: Place the frosted cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
3. Freezing Unbaked Dough: You can freeze the entire dough log or the pre-sliced cookie rounds. For slices, place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Pro-Tip: To keep the cookies extra soft, add a slice of sandwich bread to the airtight container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them perfectly soft and chewy. This is an old-school baking trick that really works.

8. Troubleshooting: Solve Common Cookie Problems

Flat cookies? Pin this troubleshooting guide to save your next batch!

Even experienced bakers run into issues. This troubleshooting cookie problems guide will help you solve the most common frustrations, from cookies that spread too much to a filling that leaks out. Understanding the “why” behind these problems will make you a more confident and successful baker.

What You Need

• A kitchen scale for accurate measurements
• An oven thermometer

Steps to Fix Problems

1. Problem: My cookies spread into thin, greasy puddles.
   • Cause: The butter in your dough was too warm, or you didn’t chill the dough long enough. Fat melts too quickly in a hot oven without structure to hold it.
   • Solution: ALWAYS chill the dough for at least 2 hours. Ensure your butter is cool room temperature, not melty or greasy, when you start.
2. Problem: My cookies are hard and dry, not soft.
   • Cause: You likely overbaked them or added too much flour.
   • Solution: Weigh your flour with a kitchen scale for perfect accuracy. Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden but the centers look slightly underdone. They will finish baking on the hot pan.
3. Problem: My cinnamon filling leaked out.
   • Cause: Your dough log wasn’t rolled tightly enough, or your filling was missing a binder.
   • Solution: Add the small amount of flour to your filling as directed in Step 2. Roll your dough log as tightly as you can to seal in the filling.

Pro-Tip: Baking is a science. The most common error is improper flour measurement. Using a digital kitchen scale is the #1 way to achieve consistent, guaranteed results every time, just like a professional bakery.

9. Explore Fun Variations and Customizations

Get creative! Pin these fun cookie twists.

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, it’s time to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of fun variations of cinnamon roll sugar cookies. From adding nuts to creating cinnamon roll sugar cookie bars, these simple twists can adapt the recipe for any taste or occasion.

What You Need

• The base recipe ingredients
• Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, maple extract, orange zest

How to Recreate

1. Nutty Cinnamon Swirl: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling before spreading it on the dough. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
2. Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with 1 teaspoon of maple extract for a warm, autumnal flavor profile that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
3. Cinnamon Roll Cookie Bars: Press half the cookie dough into a greased and parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Crumble the cinnamon filling over the top. Press the remaining cookie dough over the filling. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F. Cool completely before frosting.
4. Orange Zest Twist: Add the zest of one orange to the sugar cookie dough when you cream the butter and sugar. The bright citrus note beautifully complements the warm spice.

Pro-Tip: When making the cookie bars, reserve a few crumbles of the cinnamon filling to sprinkle on top of the final layer of dough before baking. This creates a beautiful, rustic look and an extra-spiced crust.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Here are the most important takeaways from our guide to help you achieve perfect Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies every time.
* Chilling is Non-Negotiable: For thick, soft and chewy cookies that don’t spread, you must chill the dough log for at least 2 hours. This solidifies the fat and is the most critical step for success.
* Temperature Matters: Use cool, room-temperature butter and eggs for the dough and fully softened ingredients for the frosting. An accurate oven temperature, verified by a thermometer, prevents uneven baking.
* Flour is Key to Texture: A small amount of flour in the cinnamon sugar filling prevents it from leaking, while accurately measuring the flour for the dough (preferably with a scale) prevents hard, dry, or overly flat cookies.
* Don’t Overbake for Softness: Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden brown and the centers look slightly soft. They will set up perfectly on the hot baking sheet as they cool.
* Store Smart: Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture for days.

People Also Ask About Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

What’s the difference between cinnamon roll cookies and snickerdoodles?

The main difference is the placement of the cinnamon sugar and the texture. Snickerdoodles are soft cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar, giving them a crunchy exterior. Cinnamon roll sugar cookies have a buttery brown sugar-cinnamon filling swirled inside the dough itself, and they are often topped with cream cheese frosting, mimicking an actual cinnamon roll.

Why are my cinnamon roll cookies spreading so much?

Your cookies are likely spreading because the fat in the dough is melting too quickly. This is almost always caused by using butter that is too warm or by not chilling the cookie dough log for a long enough time (at least 2 hours is essential). An inaccurate oven temperature can also be a culprit.

Can I freeze cinnamon roll sugar cookie dough?

Yes, this dough freezes exceptionally well, both as a full log and as pre-sliced rounds. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place the pre-sliced rounds in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. You can bake the cookies directly from frozen; just add 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

How do you get the perfect swirl in cinnamon roll cookies?

The secret to a perfect swirl is rolling the dough tightly and chilling it completely. When you roll the dough into a log, use the parchment paper underneath to help you keep it tight. Then, chilling the log until it’s very firm allows you to make clean slices with a sharp knife, which preserves the beautiful swirl pattern during baking.

Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought refrigerated sugar cookie dough as a shortcut. Allow the dough to come to room temperature slightly so you can roll it out into a rectangle. Then, proceed with adding the homemade cinnamon sugar filling, rolling, chilling, slicing, and baking as directed. The taste and texture will be different from the from scratch recipe, but it’s a great time-saver.

How do I store cinnamon roll sugar cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, they should not be left out for an extended period. If you need to stack them, wait until the frosting is fully set and place a layer of parchment paper between the cookies.

Is brown sugar better for the cinnamon roll cookie filling?

Yes, brown sugar is essential for the classic cinnamon roll flavor and texture. Its molasses content provides moisture and a deeper, more caramel-like flavor than white sugar. Using packed light or dark brown sugar creates that signature gooey, rich filling.

What makes sugar cookies soft and not hard?

The key to soft sugar cookies is not over-mixing the dough, not over-baking, and having the right ratio of fat and flour. Mix the flour in just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten. Pull the cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone. Using a recipe with enough butter also ensures a tender, soft and chewy crumb.

Can I make these cookies without the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own or with a simpler vanilla icing drizzle. If you omit the frosting, you can also roll the outside of the dough log in cinnamon sugar before chilling and slicing for an extra layer of flavor, similar to a snickerdoodle.

What’s the best way to drizzle the icing for a clean look?

Use a small ziplock bag or a disposable piping bag for the best control. Fill the bag with your frosting, snip a very small piece off the corner, and you can create a clean, even vanilla icing drizzle in any pattern you like. This is much neater than using a spoon or spatula.

Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Cookie

By combining the simple joy of a soft and chewy sugar cookie with the irresistible, warm spice of a cinnamon sugar swirl, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie recipe truly is the best of both worlds. We’ve walked through every step, from creating the perfect dough to troubleshooting common issues, giving you the expert tips and tested methods needed to achieve bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for creating moments of pure comfort and sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Now it’s your turn to get baking! What occasion will you be making these homemade cinnamon roll cookies for? Let us know in the comments below.

Last update on 2026-02-28 at 16:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API