Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

Cinnamon roll sugar cookies: Prepare to experience a delightful fusion of two beloved treats! Imagine the comforting warmth of a freshly baked cinnamon roll combined with the sweet, buttery goodness of a classic sugar cookie. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Sugar cookies, with their simple yet satisfying sweetness, have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, often associated with celebrations and heartwarming traditions. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are believed to have originated in Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar,” and have since become a global symbol of cozy indulgence. This recipe cleverly marries these two iconic desserts into one irresistible bite.

What makes these cinnamon roll sugar cookies so incredibly appealing? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, slightly chewy center of the sugar cookie, swirled with a ribbon of cinnamon-spiced sweetness, and topped with a luscious glaze. They’re easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The aroma alone, as they bake, is enough to fill your home with warmth and happiness. Get ready to create a batch of these delightful cookies that will disappear in minutes!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Cinnamon Swirl:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed for consistency)

Preparing the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for a tender cookie!
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid.
5. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. This will help the dough chill more evenly.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also makes the dough easier to handle. You can even chill it overnight if you want to get a head start!

Making the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter for the cinnamon swirl. You can do this in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the melted butter and stir until well combined. The mixture should form a thick paste.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle about 12×9 inches. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch.
3. Spread Cinnamon Swirl: Spread half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
5. Seal the Seam: Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
6. Slice the Log: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds. You should get about 12-15 cookies from each log.
7. Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Repeat with Remaining Dough: Repeat steps 2-7 with the remaining dough and cinnamon swirl mixture.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add all the powdered sugar at once, as it can create a cloud of dust!
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese.

Frosting the Cookies

1. Frost the Cooled Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, a spatula, or a piping bag to apply the frosting.
2. Optional: Sprinkle with Cinnamon: For an extra touch of cinnamon flavor, sprinkle the frosted cookies with a light dusting of ground cinnamon.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting. It also helps the cookie dough come together more easily.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Store Properly: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a nutty crunch.
• Maple Frosting: Substitute maple extract for the vanilla extract in the cream cheese frosting for a maple-flavored frosting.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cinnamon swirl for a coffee-flavored kick.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, resulting in a truly unforgettable experience. These cinnamon roll sugar cookies are a must-try because they capture the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the satisfying crispness of sugar cookies, all in one delectable bite. The swirl of cinnamon sugar, the soft, chewy center, and the slightly crisp edges create a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be adding them to your regular baking rotation!

But the best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile! While they’re absolutely divine on their own, warm from the oven, you can easily elevate them with a few simple additions. Consider drizzling them with a cream cheese glaze for an extra layer of richness that perfectly complements the cinnamon. A simple powdered sugar glaze also works wonders, adding a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon flavor. For a festive touch, sprinkle them with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. The nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty aroma that enhances the overall experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a hint of orange zest to the dough? The citrusy notes will brighten the flavor profile and create a more complex and sophisticated cookie. Another variation is to incorporate a small amount of brown butter into the dough. Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that takes these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness. You could even experiment with different types of cinnamon, such as Saigon cinnamon for a bolder flavor or Ceylon cinnamon for a more delicate aroma.

Serving suggestions are endless! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a festive holiday gathering. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or a homemade gift basket. Imagine surprising your friends and family with a batch of these irresistible cookies – they’ll be forever grateful!

I truly believe that these cinnamon roll sugar cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly adaptable to your personal preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I’m eager to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own unique twist? Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing about your baking adventures. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these delightful cookies! I am confident that you will love this recipe for cinnamon roll sugar cookies as much as I do.