Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Sweet and Delicious Mashup

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat known for their soft, fluffy texture and the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Snickerdoodles, on the other hand, are a classic American cookie with a warm cinnamon-sugar coating that’s irresistibly chewy and sweet. And sugar cookies, with their delicate texture and light sweetness, have been a favorite for generations. Now, imagine a delightful dessert that combines the best aspects of all three: the Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. This cookie is a dream come true for cinnamon lovers. Soft and chewy sugar cookies with an incredible brown sugar-cinnamon swirl marbled throughout. This recipe takes the beloved cinnamon roll and blends it with the chewy texture of snickerdoodles and the classic sweetness of sugar cookies, creating a new dessert that’s sure to be a hit for any occasion.

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Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply for an indulgent treat, these cookies are sure to be the star of the show. The soft dough, combined with the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar filling, creates the perfect bite every time. The cookies have a slightly crisp edge but are soft and chewy in the center. They are packed with flavor and texture, making them a comforting dessert to enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

In this recipe, we’ll break down each step carefully so you can create perfect cinnamon roll sugar cookies every time. From the ingredients to the techniques for shaping the cookies, you’ll be ready to bake a batch of these delicious treats that combine the best of all your favorite cookies.

Ingredients: The Key to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

This recipe calls for a variety of pantry staples that will help create the delicious flavor and texture of these cookies. It’s the perfect balance of rich, buttery dough and a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl that is reminiscent of the classic cinnamon roll. The ingredients are simple but come together to make something extraordinary.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The butter is the key to creating a rich, chewy texture in the cookies. It also helps bind the cinnamon sugar filling together.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. It also helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.
• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: The flour helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny when incorporated into the dough.
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: This is the star of the filling. Ground cinnamon provides the warm, spicy flavor that we associate with cinnamon rolls.
• Pinch of salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, making the flavors pop.

Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool to the touch: The butter is a crucial ingredient for achieving the soft, chewy texture of the cookie dough. Be sure it’s softened but still slightly cool, as this will allow the dough to hold together without spreading too much during baking.
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the cookie dough and helps the cookies spread while baking.
• 1 ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, making them even more aromatic and comforting.
• 1 large egg: The egg adds moisture to the dough and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 large egg yolk: Adding an extra egg yolk makes the cookies even richer and softer.
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Flour is the main dry ingredient in the dough, giving structure to the cookies. The exact amount of flour is crucial for the right consistency, so be sure to measure it properly.
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder: The baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cookies.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookies.

These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully rich dough with just the right balance of sweetness, spice, and chewiness. The cinnamon-sugar filling provides an extra touch of indulgence that makes these cookies even more irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Making cinnamon roll sugar cookies is easy and fun, though it involves a few steps to get everything just right. By following these detailed instructions, you’ll create a batch of cookies that are sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with the racks positioned near the center. This will help the cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Now, let’s make the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a rubber spatula or fork to mix everything together until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Place the mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you prepare the cookie dough. Chilling the filling will help it hold its shape when incorporated into the dough.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat the butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk, and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but not too sticky. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Layer the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to add the cinnamon sugar filling. Remove half of the cookie dough from the mixing bowl and set it aside. Spread the remaining dough evenly across the bottom of the mixing bowl. Then, take the chilled cinnamon-sugar filling and use a spoon to scoop out small pieces, about one teaspoon each. Scatter these pieces all over the top of the dough in the mixing bowl.

Once you’ve used half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, take the dough you set aside earlier and press it into a layer over the cinnamon sugar filling. Add the remaining cinnamon-sugar filling on top of the second layer of dough. The dough should now be layered with cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Next, gently fold the dough together using a rubber spatula. Fold the dough just enough to incorporate the cinnamon-sugar filling, but be careful not to overmix. You want to keep some chunks of cinnamon filling visible, while other parts of the dough should have a marbled cinnamon swirl. The goal is to create a swirl effect, not to fully mix the filling into the dough.

Step 6: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookie dough balls. Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Each dough ball should be about two tablespoons in size. Place the dough balls on a plate and chill them in the freezer for 10 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Once the dough balls are chilled, place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For thicker cookies, leave the dough balls in higher mounds, and for thinner cookies, lightly press them down with your fingers. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.

Step 8: Shaping the Cookies

Sometimes the cookies will come out of the oven a little misshapen due to the cinnamon sugar filling melting out. But don’t worry, there are two simple techniques you can use to shape them into perfect circles.

1. Option 1: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, place a round glass, bowl, or cookie cutter (larger than the cookie) upside down over the top of each cookie. Gently swirl the glass or bowl in a circular motion, and the edges of the cookie will form a perfect round shape.
2. Option 2: Alternatively, use the back of a spoon to gently push the edges of each cookie inward, creating a clean, round shape. This technique works best when the cookies are still hot and on the warm baking sheet.

Once shaped, allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks. They will firm up as they cool and develop that signature chewy texture.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

While the basic recipe is already fantastic, there are a few variations and tips you can try to customize the cookies and make them even more delicious.

• Flour Measurement: Be sure to measure your flour properly to avoid making the dough too dense. Fluff the flour in the container before spooning it into your measuring cup, and level it off with the back of a knife to ensure accuracy.
• Add Nuts: For a little crunch, you can add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the cookies before baking.
• Frosting: If you love the idea of a cinnamon roll with icing, you can top these cookies with a simple glaze or frosting. A light powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese frosting would complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Nutmeg or ginger can add an extra layer of warmth to the cinnamon flavor.
• Freezing Dough: If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls for up to three months. Simply scoop the dough, freeze it on a baking sheet, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen when you’re ready for a fresh batch of cookies.

A Cookie Lovers’ Dream

These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the best of all your favorite desserts, delivering a soft, chewy texture, a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness, and a sweet, indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, an afternoon snack, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. With their warm, comforting aroma and perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they’re the ideal treat for cinnamon lovers everywhere. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of this sweet and delicious mashup!