🍪 Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: The Cozy Fusion of Two Classics

Hey there, cookie lover! Let’s talk about the dessert mashup that’s taken over my kitchen: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Imagine the warm, spiced swirl of a cinnamon roll baked into a tender sugar cookie, then draped with a tangy cream cheese glaze. I created these for a holiday cookie exchange last year, and let’s just say… I’ve been asked to bring them every year since. Even my cinnamon-obsessed toddler (who once hid cinnamon sticks in his toy box) approves. Ready to swirl magic into your baking? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Adore These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

1. Best of Both Worlds: All the cozy spice of cinnamon rolls in a portable, no-yeast cookie!
2. No Fancy Skills Needed: If you can roll playdough, you can roll this dough.
3. Make-Ahead Magic: Freeze the log of dough and slice/bake whenever cravings strike.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults go wild for the cream cheese drizzle.
5. Holiday Hero: Festive enough for Christmas, cozy enough for a Tuesday.

True Story: My sister-in-law, who claims she “hates baking,” now makes these weekly. She calls them her “therapy cookies.”

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

(Makes 24 cookies | Total time: 1 hour + chilling)

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (I use salted butter + reduce added salt—your call!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (yolk adds richness!)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (imitation works, but real vanilla is chef’s kiss)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled—no dense cookies here!)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark—dark adds molasses depth!)
• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon (yes, that’s a lot—embrace the spice!)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Follow along like we’re baking together in my flour-dusted kitchen!

1. Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 mins). Add egg, yolk, and vanilla—mix until smooth.
• In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!

2. Roll & Fill

• Divide dough into two equal balls. On a floured surface, roll one ball into a 10×8-inch rectangle (thicker than pie crust but thinner than playdough).
• Brush with half the melted butter. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle half over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
• Tightly roll into a log (like a jelly roll!). Repeat with the second dough ball. Wrap logs in plastic and chill 1–2 hours (or freeze 30 mins for impatient bakers).

3. Slice & Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
• Slice logs into ½-inch rounds (a sharp knife or dental floss works!). Place 2 inches apart on sheets.
• Bake 10–12 mins until edges are just golden. Let cool 5 mins on the pan, then transfer to a rack.

4. Glaze & Go

• Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed for drizzle consistency.
• Drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or crushed nuts if you’re fancy!

Pro Tips (Learned Through Cookie Disasters!)

• Chill the Dough: Warm dough = messy swirls. Chill until firm but sliceable.
• Cinnamon Sugar Hack: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the filling for depth (trust me!).
• No Tears: Roll dough between two sheets of parchment to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap logs in plastic + foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Slice frozen, add 1–2 mins to bake time.
• Glaze Too Runny? Add more powdered sugar. Too thick? Warm gently in the microwave.

More Dessert

• Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies
• Moose Farts
• Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
• Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups 🍫🍓Easy English & Personal Touch!
• Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte: How I Went from Clumpy Disaster to Coffee Shop-Worthy Sips (And Saved $200 a Month)
• Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries – Romantic, Decadent & Foolproof
• Moose Balls Dessert – No-Bake, Bite-Sized Bliss for Every Sweet Craving

FAQs (Because Cookie Stress Is Real!)

Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes! Roll out sugar cookie dough, add filling, and proceed.

Q: My swirls cracked!
A: Dough was too cold. Let it sit 5–10 mins before slicing.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Swap 1:1 GF flour. Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t have it.

Q: How long do these keep?
A: Room temp 3 days (glaze firms up). Fridge 1 week (let come to temp before serving).

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Blasphemy! Just kidding—dust with powdered sugar instead.

Serving Ideas to Level Up Your Cookie Game

• Holiday Platter: Pair with gingerbread men and peppermint bark.
• Gift Idea: Stack in a clear box tied with twine and a cinnamon stick.
• Brunch Upgrade: Serve with spiced chai or pumpkin lattes.
• Kid Fun: Let them “paint” glaze with clean paintbrushes!

The Story Behind This Recipe

These cookies were born from a snowy day experiment. I’d promised my kids cinnamon rolls but realized I was out of yeast. Desperate, I grabbed sugar cookie dough, rolled it up with cinnamon sugar, and crossed my fingers. The result? My son declared, “These are better than the mall cinnamon rolls!” Now, they’re a family tradition—we even leave them out for Santa (along with a shot of espresso, per his “request”).

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the ultimate hybrid treat—nostalgic, easy, and irresistibly buttery. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or hiding them in your pantry for secret snacking, they’re guaranteed to spark joy.

P.S. Tag me if you make them! I’d love to see your swirls, glazes, and cookie chaos. 🎄