Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the soft, tender texture of classic sugar cookies with the warm, spicy swirl of cinnamon sugar. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position racks near the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure a non-stick baking surface.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully combined, then freeze this cinnamon sugar mixture for about 10 minutes to firm it up.
- Step 3: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract, the whole egg, and egg yolk, then beat until smooth and fully incorporated, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Step 5: Remove half of the cookie dough and set aside. Spread the remaining half evenly in the bottom of the mixing bowl. Scatter small teaspoon-sized pieces of the frozen cinnamon sugar mixture over this dough layer.
- Step 6: Spread the reserved half of the dough on top of the cinnamon sugar layer, pressing gently. Add the remaining cinnamon sugar pieces on top of this second dough layer.
- Step 7: Gently fold the layered dough and cinnamon sugar mixture twice by scraping and folding, followed by one or two gentle stirs with a rubber spatula. This keeps the cinnamon sugar swirls distinct in the dough.
- Step 8: Using a cookie scoop, portion two-tablespoon-sized dough balls, ensuring each includes some cinnamon sugar. Place the dough balls on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to firm the butter and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Step 9: Arrange the chilled dough balls spaced a couple of inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For thicker cookies, keep the dough in high mounds; for thinner cookies, gently pat them down.
- Step 10: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges begin to brown and centers are slightly underdone. Some cinnamon sugar may melt out, causing slight misshaping, which is normal.
- Step 11: Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and allow cookies to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in tender, soft cinnamon roll-inspired sugar cookies.
Tips & Variations
- For extra gooey cinnamon pockets, don’t overmix the dough after layering. Gentle folding keeps swirls intact.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Try swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar in the cinnamon filling for a subtle caramel note.
- Chilling the dough balls before baking helps maintain thick, fluffy cookies.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven for a freshly baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting your cookies.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or omit it entirely; just expect a slightly different texture.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies recipe combines the soft, tender texture of sugar cookies with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon swirl typically found in cinnamon rolls. These cookies feature a delicate buttery dough layered and folded with a cinnamon sugar filling, resulting in delightful swirls and pockets of cinnamon sweetness in each bite. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are an irresistible treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or as a festive dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position racks near the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure non-stick baking surfaces.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or fork until evenly combined. Place this mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up while you prepare the cookie dough.
- Make Cookie Dough: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract, whole egg, and egg yolk. Beat again until smooth and well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined, avoiding overmixing for tender cookies.
- Layer Dough and Cinnamon Sugar: Remove half the cookie dough and set aside. Spread the remaining half evenly on the bottom of the mixing bowl. Remove the chilled cinnamon sugar mixture from the freezer and scatter small teaspoon-sized pieces over this dough layer. Then spread the reserved half of the dough on top gently pressing it down. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar pieces on top of this second dough layer.
- Fold Dough Briefly: Gently fold the layered dough and cinnamon sugar mixture twice by scraping and folding, followed by one to two gentle stirs with a rubber spatula. This folding technique keeps distinct swirls and chunks of cinnamon sugar visible in the dough.
- Scoop and Chill Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop, portion out two-tablespoon-sized dough balls ensuring each contains some cinnamon sugar mixture. Place dough balls on a plate and freeze for 10 minutes to firm up the butter and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place chilled dough balls spaced a couple inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For thicker cookies, keep dough in high mounds; for thinner cookies, gently pat down. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges begin to brown and centers are slightly underbaked. Be mindful of cinnamon sugar melting out which may slightly affect shape.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer baking sheets to wire racks and allow cookies to cool completely. They will firm up while cooling into tender, soft cinnamon roll-inspired sugar cookies perfect for sharing or enjoying as a delightful snack.
Notes
- Freezing the cinnamon sugar filling before layering helps maintain distinct swirls without melting too quickly during mixing or baking.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling dough balls before baking prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- You can adjust cookie thickness by shaping dough balls before baking to your preference.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, try adding a light glaze or cream cheese frosting inspired by traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll sugar cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, cinnamon swirl cookies, baked cookies, easy cookie recipe
