Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the perfect hybrid dessert, combining the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies with the irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl of a classic cinnamon roll. These cookies offer all the flavor and nostalgia of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, but in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet drizzle of icing on top, they’re a cozy treat ideal for brunch, dessert platters, or holiday cookie exchanges. If you love cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies, this recipe will satisfy both cravings in one delightful swirl.

What Makes These Cookies Special?

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies lies in their texture and presentation. You get the buttery crumble of a sugar cookie with the iconic cinnamon roll spiral baked right in. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these are rolled up like a cinnamon bun, sliced, baked, and finished with a glaze. The result is a chewy, buttery cookie with a caramelized cinnamon core and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re visually stunning and always a crowd favorite.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Dough:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Split the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Brush with half of the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate again for 30 minutes to firm up for cleaner slicing. Repeat with the second portion of dough.

3. Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into ½-inch thick rounds. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to turn golden.

Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Glaze the Cookies

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow icing to set before serving.

Variations

Cream Cheese Icing: Swap the glaze with cream cheese icing for an even more authentic cinnamon roll flavor.
Maple Glaze: Add a splash of maple extract to the icing for a cozy fall twist.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the cinnamon layer before rolling.
Extra Cinnamon Kick: Add a dash of nutmeg or clove for spiced-up depth.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Plastic wrap
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or dough cutter
Wire rack for cooling

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Cookie)

Calories: ~150
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 12g

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Keep glazed cookies chilled for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Glaze after thawing.

My Cooking Experience

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are one of those recipes I reach for when I want to wow a crowd without too much complexity. The process is a little more involved than basic drop cookies, but the swirl pattern and cinnamon aroma make them worth every step. These cookies always remind me of Sunday mornings, cozy blankets, and the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. They’re just as good with coffee as they are with milk.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the perfect marriage of two timeless favorites, offering the comfort of a cinnamon roll in a handheld, sugar cookie format. Whether for holiday platters, bake sales, or a quiet treat at home, these cookies deliver beauty, flavor, and that irresistible cinnamon swirl every single time.