If a chewy sugar cookie and a cinnamon roll had a love child, it would be these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Imagine buttery, golden edges with tender centres laced with swirls of cinnamon sugar magic. These are holiday baking treats at their best—festive, cozy, and just indulgent enough to make you forget the snow shovelling waiting outside.
Perfect for cookie swaps, cozy weekends, or sneaking one while the kids aren’t looking, these cookies are irresistibly good and easier to make than cinnamon rolls. No rising, no rolling—just that dreamy cinnamon sugar swirl baked right into a chewy sugar cookie.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- A soft, chewy sugar cookie meets gooey cinnamon swirl—need we say more?
- Easier than traditional cinnamon rolls but with all the flavor.
- Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or snacking in your PJs.
- A snickerdoodle mashup that’s sure to become a new classic.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1¾ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
How to Make These Holiday Baking Treats
- Preheat and prep. Heat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the cinnamon swirl. Combine butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Make the cookie dough. Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add vanilla, egg, and yolk, and mix. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Layer in the swirl. Press half of the dough into the bottom of your bowl. Scatter half of the frozen cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Press the remaining dough on top and add the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Gently fold once or twice to create cinnamon ribbons—don’t overmix.
- Shape and chill. Scoop 2 tbsp dough portions, making sure each scoop has visible cinnamon bits. Freeze dough balls for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Bake to perfection. Place dough balls on trays, spaced well apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool and shape. Let cookies cool on trays. If they spread unevenly, use a round cookie cutter or spoon to gently shape them while still warm. Cool completely.
Cookie Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip chilling the cinnamon swirl—it helps with those pretty swirls and keeps it from melting too quickly.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies and picture-perfect results.
- Want an extra sparkle? Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
A Little Kitchen Story
These cookies started as a happy accident during a frantic holiday baking session. I wanted cinnamon rolls but had zero time for dough rising—so I swirled the cinnamon filling into sugar cookie dough instead. And oh my stars, it was love at first bite. Now, it’s our official cookie for snowy mornings, Christmas Eve trays, and yes, even mid-July when the cinnamon craving hits.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Pair these treats with a steaming cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even a hot chocolate with whipped cream. They’re perfect for dessert boards alongside brownies, shortbread, and peppermint bark. Feeling extra? Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a cinnamon bun effect.
How to Store These Chewy Sugar Cookies
Once cooled, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully—just layer between parchment paper and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze pre-portioned dough balls and bake straight from the freezer—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and keep an eye on texture.
Do I need to chill the dough?
A quick 10-minute freeze keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain those cinnamon swirls.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Sure! A handful of chopped pecans or golden raisins adds a fun twist.
A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favourite
Cinnamon roll sugar cookies are everything you love about a morning roll and a chewy sugar cookie, swirled into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy, one gooey swirl at a time.
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Print
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies blend the best of both worlds: soft, chewy sugar cookies swirled with gooey cinnamon filling. These festive, cozy treats are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or satisfying a year-round cinnamon craving—without the fuss of traditional cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
-
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
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1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
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2½ tsp ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Cookie Dough:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened but cool
-
1⅓ cups granulated sugar
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1¾ tsp vanilla extract
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1 large egg
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1 large egg yolk
-
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cornstarch
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¼ tsp salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Make cinnamon swirl filling: mix butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Freeze for 10 minutes.
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Make cookie dough: beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add vanilla, egg, and yolk. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Combine dry and wet ingredients to form a dough.
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Layer in cinnamon swirl: press half of the dough into the bowl, scatter half the cinnamon mix, press remaining dough on top, and scatter the rest. Fold gently to create ribbons.
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Scoop 2 tbsp portions with visible cinnamon bits. Freeze for 10 minutes.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centres are slightly underbaked.
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Cool and gently reshape if needed using a round cutter or spoon.
Notes
Chill the cinnamon swirl mixture to help form beautiful swirls during baking.
Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor and sparkle.
Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container or freeze for later.
Add chopped pecans or raisins for texture variation.
Glaze with powdered sugar + milk drizzle for a cinnamon bun effect.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American