Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Heavenly Mash-Up of Flavors

The Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie is a treat that offers the best of both worlds. It combines the indulgence of a classic cinnamon roll with the simplicity of a sugar cookie. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft and chewy cookie, only to discover a delightful swirl of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla in every bite. These cookies are a cinnamon lover’s dream, packed with flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are a sweet fusion of cinnamon roll and sugar cookie, making them perfect for dessert tables, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a warm, comforting treat.

Print

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are easy to prepare, and with their irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen, they’ll soon become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delightful homemade treat, this recipe will have you covered. In this article, we will dive deep into the details of making these delectable cookies, offering tips, substitutions, and variations to help you customize the recipe to suit your taste. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this sweet, cinnamon-infused adventure!

Ingredients Breakdown

To make these mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that blend together beautifully to create the perfect texture and flavor. The ingredients can be broken down into two main components: the cinnamon sugar filling and the cookie dough itself.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

The cinnamon sugar filling gives these cookies their signature swirl, making each bite a delightful mixture of sweetness and warmth. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Cookie Dough

The cookie dough forms the base of the cookies, giving them their soft and chewy texture. The following ingredients are essential for the dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch
• 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (see note on proper measurement)
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start creating these irresistible cookies. Follow these simple, yet effective, steps to make your own batch of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and positioning the racks near the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Set these aside for now.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You can use a rubber spatula or fork to combine these ingredients. Once the mixture is well combined, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Chilling the cinnamon filling helps it firm up, making it easier to handle when added to the cookie dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep the dough soft and light.

Step 4: Layer the Dough with Cinnamon Sugar

Now comes the fun part—layering the cinnamon sugar filling into the dough. Remove half of the dough from the mixing bowl and spread it out across the bottom of the bowl. Next, scoop small pieces of the cinnamon sugar filling (about a teaspoon each) and sprinkle them evenly over the dough. Once you’ve used up half of the cinnamon filling, take the remaining cookie dough and spread it over the cinnamon mixture, pressing it down gently. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar filling.

Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold the dough a few times to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the dough. You don’t want to mix it completely; the goal is to create a beautiful marbled effect. You should have some chunks of cinnamon filling and other swirled pieces throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

To help the dough maintain its shape while baking, scoop it into two-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a plate. Chill the dough balls in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This quick chill will firm up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, place the dough balls a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you prefer thicker cookies, leave the dough balls in higher mounds. For thinner cookies, gently flatten them with your fingers. If you have any leftover dough balls that won’t fit on the baking sheet, simply refrigerate them (not freeze) until the baking sheets have cooled.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should still be slightly underdone. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies (Optional)

If some of your cookies come out slightly misshapen due to the cinnamon filling melting out, don’t worry! You can shape them into perfect rounds after baking. There are two methods to achieve this:

• Method 1: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, place a round glass or cookie cutter (larger than the cookie) over the top of the cookie. Gently swirl the glass or cutter in a circular motion to create a perfectly round shape. This works best while the cookies are still warm and soft.
• Method 2: Use the back of a spoon to gently push the edges of the cookies inward to create a neat, round shape. This method also works best when the cookies are hot from the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Place the baking sheets on wire racks and allow the cookies to cool completely. They will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect balance of softness and chewiness. Once cooled, enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies!

Tips and Variations

• Flour Measurement: For the best results, measure your flour correctly by fluffing it up before spooning it into the measuring cup. Lightly scoop the flour and level it off with a knife. This prevents the cookies from becoming too dense.
• Chilling the Dough: If you’re short on time, you can skip the initial chilling step, but note that the cookies may spread more. Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and gives the cookies a thicker texture.
• Cinnamon Swirl: For an even more pronounced cinnamon flavor, try swirling in a little extra cinnamon into the dough after you’ve added the filling. It will give the cookies an even stronger cinnamon kick.
• Glaze: For an added touch, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cookies after baking. This adds a sweet finish and gives them a bit of a cinnamon roll aesthetic.
• Add-ins: You can add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for a fun twist on the classic flavor combination.
• Storage: These cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls before baking and bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready for fresh cookies.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for cinnamon lovers and anyone who enjoys soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies. The balance of cinnamon sugar filling and tender dough makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to please. With the right balance of flavors and textures, these cookies are destined to become a household favorite. Give them a try, and soon you’ll be enjoying a warm batch of cinnamon-infused goodness!