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There is something truly magical about combining two beloved treats into one delightful bite, and this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe does exactly that. Imagine the perfect sugar cookie with a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and the nostalgic swirl of a cinnamon roll, all wrapped into a handheld, chewy cookie. Whether you’re craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up or a charming dessert to impress guests, these cookies tick every box with their comforting spice, buttery richness, and just the right amount of sweetness. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and create memories bite by bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to these cinnamon roll-inspired sugar cookies. Each element works together harmoniously to deliver that soft texture, buttery depth, and cozy cinnamon flavor that makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A small lift agent that ensures the cookies rise just enough to be soft and chewy.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: The signature spice adding warmth and that unmistakable cinnamon roll vibe.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances flavor with sweetness and helps the cookies crisp slightly at the edges.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together while keeping the dough soft and cohesive.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of aromatic sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Brings a nutty crunch if you want to add texture and extra flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray cleanly, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This combination forms the spiced base of your cookie dough and guarantees that the cinnamon flavor permeates every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, leading to a perfectly tender cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended. These ingredients add moisture and enhance the sweetness, creating that classic bakery-quality cookie flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make cookies tougher, so a gentle hand preserves that soft, tender crumb you want.
Step 6: Scoop and Space Dough
Spoon rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This gives each cookie enough room to spread and develop beautiful golden edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn lightly golden. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before adding your favorite icing or enjoying them as is—warm and irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top. Nuts like finely chopped pecans or walnuts can add delightful crunch too.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a frothy latte. For brunch or afternoon tea, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
What could be more fun than stacking these cookies in a rustic jar tied with twine, or laying them out on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and whole nuts? You can even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a playful twist on cinnamon rolls in cookie form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cinnamon roll sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their chewy, soft texture for up to 5 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and once solid, transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft texture and releases those signature cinnamon aromas all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind they may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with more granulated sugar and a teaspoon of molasses to mimic that rich flavor.
Can I omit the nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a pure cinnamon cookie flavor or to accommodate allergies without sacrificing the overall taste.
How do I make the icing for these cookies?
A simple glaze is just powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk or cream until you reach a drizzling consistency. You can add vanilla or cinnamon to the glaze to complement the cookie perfectly.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
This Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe yields soft, chewy cookies with lightly crisp edges, reminiscent of a cinnamon roll’s tender texture in cookie form.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, cozy treat that captures the beloved flavors of a cinnamon roll without all the fuss, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. The ease of preparation combined with the comforting spice blend makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday gifting. So grab your mixing bowl, embrace the cinnamon-scented kitchen, and prepare to fall in love with this sweet little bake!
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Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity and texture of classic sugar cookies. Soft, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spice throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough and keeping the cookies soft.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Scoop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked and ready.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or drizzling with icing if desired.
Notes
- Using room temperature egg helps the ingredients blend smoothly and evenly.
- If you prefer a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can increase the ground cinnamon by 1 tsp.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optionally, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness and decoration.
