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.
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:
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:
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:
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!