Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

If you love the comforting aroma and taste of cinnamon rolls but are looking for a quicker, easier treat, these Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. With a tender, buttery base and a swirled cinnamon-sugar center, these cookies capture everything you adore about cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast or rising time. They’re soft, melt-in-your-mouth good, and perfect for any occasion — from a cozy afternoon snack to a festive holiday platter.

Why Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is Worth Your Time

Making Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is a delightful experience that rewards you with cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require time-consuming dough preparation, these cookies come together quickly and bake up beautifully every time. The cinnamon-sugar spiral inside each cookie adds a luscious surprise that makes every bite feel indulgent. Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy plain or with your favorite glaze, making them a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or simple family treats. If you’re craving a cinnamon roll flavor but want the convenience of a cookie, this recipe is absolutely worth your time.

Your Shopping Guide

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing the perfect texture.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Leavening agents to help the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: A must-have for that signature cinnamon roll taste.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb — make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie structure.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the cinnamon.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cinnamon filling.
• Granulated sugar for rolling: Creates a delightful crackly coating on the outside of the cookies.

Gear Checklist

• Mixing bowls: For combining dough and cinnamon filling separately.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: To cream butter and sugar efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: To scrape down bowl sides and fold ingredients together.
• Baking sheet: For baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough for creating the cinnamon roll effect.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: To slice the rolled dough into cookie rounds.

Make Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: A Simple Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This blend will give the dough a balanced rise and that signature cinnamon warmth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential for soft, tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough soft and tender.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This will be the delicious cinnamon swirl inside your cookies.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 10: Coat and Bake

Roll each slice in 1/4 cup granulated sugar for a sparkly, sweet coating. Place cookies on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The result? Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with a tender crumb and that irresistible cinnamon sweetness.

Make It Year-Round

• Enjoy these cookies as a comforting winter treat, perfect with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
• Pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise any time of year.
• Decorate with a drizzle of icing for festive holiday gatherings—try using the Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Icing Ingredients for inspiration.
• Bring them to picnics or potlucks for a crowd-pleasing dessert that travels well.

Missteps & Fixes

• Cookies spreading too much: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough log before slicing helps maintain shape.
• Dry or crumbly cookies: Avoid overbaking. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Filling not sticking: Press the cinnamon sugar filling gently onto the dough before rolling to help it adhere.
• Cookies too dense: Do not overmix the dough once flour is added; mix until just combined for a soft texture.

Best Ways to Store

Store your Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Questions People Ask

Can I use margarine instead of butter for these cookies?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just be sure to use a high-quality, spreadable margarine for the best results, and expect a slightly different texture.

Can I add icing to these Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream adds a lovely sweetness and mimics the icing on classic cinnamon rolls. For a more authentic touch, check out the Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Icing Ingredients for inspiration.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture. For best results, stick mostly to all-purpose flour to maintain the softness of the cookies.

Try These Next

• Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites – Bite-sized cinnamon treats with crispy edges and soft centers.
• Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – A classic chewy cookie packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins.

That’s a Wrap

Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies offer the perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced sweetness and tender crumb in an easy-to-make cookie form. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls, requiring less time but delivering all the cozy flavors you love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple everyday treat, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious magic of Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies any time you crave that cinnamon-sugar goodness.

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