Name: Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level); ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp cream of tartar; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature); 10 Tbsp granulated sugar (½ cup plus 2 Tbsp); 6 Tbsp powdered sugar; 6 Tbsp oil (canola or vegetable); 1 Tbsp water; 1 large egg; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp extra granulated sugar (for flattening the cookies); 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, softened); ½ cup light brown sugar (gently packed); ¼ cup all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level); 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon; 4 oz block-style cream cheese (cold); 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you love the cozy scent of cinnamon rolls but want something a little quicker and perfectly handheld, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is the answer to your sweet cravings. These cookies bring together the soft, tender texture of sugar cookies infused with that iconic cinnamon swirl flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirl. Every bite feels like your favorite breakfast treat transformed into a delightful cookie, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with your afternoon tea. The simplicity and magic of this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe will have you reaching for seconds before you know it!

Ingredients You'll Need

Three round cookies sit on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface, each with two layers: a thick, light beige base and a dark brown upper layer topped with a white cream spiral swirl starting from the center and moving outward. To the right, a small clear glass jar on its side spills several cinnamon sticks onto the marbled surface. Near the bottom right corner, a white bowl with a red rim is filled with light brown sugar crumbs scattered a bit outside the bowl. The whole scene is bright with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the soft, flavorful cookies adorned with that irresistible cinnamon topping and creamy frosting. From the all-purpose flour that gives structure to the soft butter and sugar that provide richness and sweetness, every element matters in this delicious symphony.

All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups + ¼ cup): The foundation of the cookie and the cinnamon topping, sifted and measured carefully for the perfect texture.
Baking soda (¼ tsp): Provides just the right leavening to keep cookies tender without puffing them up too much.
Cream of tartar (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle tang and helps with the soft texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup + 6 tablespoon + 4 Tbsp): Softened butter is essential for richness in the cookie, the cinnamon topping, and cream cheese frosting.
Granulated sugar (10 tablespoon + 2 Tbsp): Sweetens the dough and flakes used to flatten the cookies.
Powdered sugar (6 tablespoon + ½ cup): Adds sweetness and smoothness to the dough and frosting.
Canola or vegetable oil (6 Tbsp): Keeps the cookies moist and tender.
Water (1 Tbsp): Helps blend the dough smoothly.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together with a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon + ½ tsp): Brings warmth and depth to both dough and frosting.
Light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds that signature molasses flavor to the cinnamon topping.
Ground cinnamon (2 Tbsp): The star spice that makes these cookies taste like cinnamon rolls.
Block-style cream cheese (4 oz, cold): Provides tang and creaminess in the frosting.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking sheets and preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two half-sheet pans with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and won't stick, giving them a flawless finish.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ¾ cups flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This mixture creates the perfect base that lends the cookies their soft yet sturdy texture while balancing the sweet and spicy elements.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with granulated and powdered sugars until smooth and creamy. This step aerates the dough, helping create tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that carry the cinnamon topping beautifully.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients

Add the oil, water, egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Mixing these well ensures your dough stays moist and flavorful, key to that soft cookie texture everyone loves.

Step 5: Blend dry and wet mixtures

Pour all the dry ingredients into the wet mixture at once and mix just until incorporated. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so keep the stirring gentle but thorough to bring everything together!

Step 6: Scoop and shape the dough

Using a #30 scoop, portion about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Roll each dough ball between your hands to smooth and round them – this helps with even baking and presentation.

Step 7: Create the cinnamon sugar wells

Dip the bottom of a cup into 2 tablespoons of extra granulated sugar and press it firmly into the center of each dough ball, creating a half-inch–thick well. This step mimics the swirl of a cinnamon roll and keeps the topping nestled perfectly inside during baking.

Step 8: Prepare and add the cinnamon topping

Mix the butter, brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Use a heaping teaspoon of this fragrant topping in each cookie well and gently spread it toward the edges without going over. This mixture bakes into that signature cinnamon roll sweetness and texture.

Step 9: Bake to perfection

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 9 to 10 minutes. These cookies don’t brown on the edges but take on a matte finish that tells you they’re perfectly baked — soft and bursting with cinnamon goodness.

Step 10: Make the cream cheese frosting

While the cookies cool on the trays, beat the cold cream cheese with butter until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until combined. This luscious frosting is the crowning glory that transforms these cookies into a true cinnamon roll experience.

Step 11: Frost with a swirl

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, then pipe a delicate swirl starting from the center outward on each cookie, leaving glimpses of the cinnamon topping below. This swirl mimics the classic cinnamon roll icing and adds irresistible creaminess.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is light beige with a crumbly texture, and the top layer is dark brown with a smooth texture. On top of the dark brown layer, a white cream is piped in a spiral pattern, starting from the center and moving outward. Near the cookies, there are two cinnamon sticks, some scattered light brown sugar, a white bowl filled with light brown sugar, and a piping bag with white cream. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few fine crumbs of crushed cinnamon candy over the frosting swirls. This adds both texture and visual appeal, making your cookies look bakery-worthy right on your plate!

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon roll sugar cookies with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting, cozy treat. A simple glass of cold milk also complements the sweet spices beautifully, balancing the richness and making every bite irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh cinnamon sticks and mini pastries for a delightful brunch spread. Alternatively, stack a few with wax paper between layers and tie with a ribbon for an adorable gift that shares your love of the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh, so you can enjoy that freshly baked taste anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze both the plain baked cookies and the frosting separately. Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then re-frost just before serving for perfect freshness.

Reheating

To revive the soft texture and bring out the cinnamon aroma, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This gentle heat refreshes the frosting and cookie without drying them out, making each bite as delightful as the day you baked them.

FAQs

Can I use margarine or shortening instead of butter?

While you could technically substitute margarine or shortening, using butter greatly enhances the flavor and texture of these cookies. Butter gives that rich, creamy taste and helps with the tender crumb that makes the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe so special.

Is cream cheese frosting necessary?

The cream cheese frosting is what truly captures the essence of a cinnamon roll in these cookies. While you could omit it, you’d miss out on the luscious tang and creamy finish that sets this recipe apart.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup and contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that texture might shift slightly, but the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors will still shine.

How do I keep the cinnamon topping from overflowing?

Creating a well in each cookie dough ball before adding the cinnamon topping helps contain it while baking. Spreading the topping carefully inside the well without going over the edges ensures it bakes perfectly without dripping onto your baking sheet.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well, just double all ingredients and be sure to space cookies properly on multiple baking sheets. You can bake in batches or even freeze extra dough balls for later baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a delightful way to enjoy the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with ease and fun, this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s the perfect marriage of soft sugar cookie comfort with that beloved swirl of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. Share these with loved ones or indulge solo; either way, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.