Name: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with a delightful cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze that brings the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into cookie form. They’re perfect for anyone who loves cinnamon and the comfort of a homemade treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together.

Roll the cookie dough into tablespoon-sized balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over each cookie, pressing it slightly into the dough.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 180 kcal per cookie

Variations

I love how easy it is to adjust this recipe to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations I’ve tried:

Add nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cookies before baking for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Use a different glaze: For a twist, I’ve swapped the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze, which adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.

Spicy variation: For a bit of a kick, I’ve added a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Make it dairy-free: To make these dairy-free, I use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk substitute for the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

These cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, I store them in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating, I just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in the oven at a low temperature to bring back that soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you want a thicker glaze, I suggest adding more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! I like to make the dough ahead of time and freeze it in balls. Then, when I’m ready to bake, I just pop the dough onto a baking sheet and let it thaw for a few minutes before baking.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the glaze?

Definitely! I’ve used brown sugar in the glaze for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture a bit, but it’s still delicious.

Can I skip the glaze entirely?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can skip the glaze. The cookies still have plenty of flavor from the cinnamon-sugar topping.

What’s the best way to store these cookies for long-term storage?

To keep these cookies fresh for a longer time, I store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll last for a few months, and you can take out just the number you want to enjoy.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are a perfect blend of soft, chewy sugar cookies and the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. Whether I’m making them for a holiday, a gathering, or just for a little treat, I love how they turn out every time. With their sweet glaze and the delightful cinnamon swirl, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in my recipe collection!

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