Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever yearned for the cinnamon roll experience in a portable, soft, and dreamy cookie form, welcome to your new baking obsession: Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. Every bite delivers a swirl of buttery dough with rich cinnamon sugar running through the middle, all finished off in that golden, classic sugar cookie texture. Imagine all the nostalgia of warm cinnamon rolls, but in a treat you can slip into a lunchbox or offer with afternoon coffee. These cookies are a guaranteed mood-lifter and an absolute joy to share—or to keep all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of these cookies serves a delicious purpose, from the heady aroma of cinnamon to the rich creaminess of butter. Don’t be tempted to swap or skimp—each ingredient brings its own magic to the final cookie, culminating in those unforgettable Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies you’ll want to bake on repeat.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and a tender crumb to both the cookie and the cinnamon sugar filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl and helps keep the filling moist.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness—plus, a little flour in the filling keeps everything perfectly thick.
• Ground Cinnamon: The superstar spice that creates that signature swirl and brings all the cozy vibes.
• Salt: Enhances the sweet and spicy flavors so every bite sings.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie base and adds that just-right sugar cookie snap.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough with an aromatic warmth, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
• Egg + Egg Yolk: The whole egg binds the dough, while the extra yolk creates unbelievable chewiness.
• Baking Powder: Offers just enough lift for soft, yet substantial cookies.
• Cornstarch: The secret weapon for ultra-soft cookies that almost melt in your mouth.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Start by preparing the heart of these cookies: the cinnamon sugar swirl. In a small bowl, combine softened butter and brown sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, stir in the flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt—this keeps the filling thick and spreadable, capturing that ooey-gooey cinnamon roll appeal. Taste for sweetness and spice, and adjust if needed. The filling should hold its shape without being runny, so add a dab more flour or butter if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

The dough for these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is a dream to work with: not too sticky, not too dry, and marvelously flavorful. Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract, a whole egg, and an extra yolk for added moisture. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt, then gently mix this into your wet ingredients. Take care not to overbeat—the dough should just come together so those cookies remain tender after baking.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Shape

Lightly flour your countertop, then roll the dough into an even rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Smooth the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface, leaving a narrow border around the edges. Now, roll up the dough into a tight, even log, starting from a long side. This part is just like making traditional cinnamon rolls—but way easier! Wrap your dough log in plastic and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to set the shape and make slicing a breeze.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap your chilled dough log, then use a sharp serrated knife to slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange the slices on your baking sheet with room to spread. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, but be careful not to overbake; the centers should stay soft and look slightly underdone for that signature chew. Cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish setting up.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try dusting your fresh, warm cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. You can also drizzle a bit of vanilla icing over the top (just whisk powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla together) for that classic cinnamon roll vibe. These garnishes take your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies from delicious to downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair a plate of these cookies with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea and you’ll be in heaven! For a rich pairing, they’re wonderful alongside a cool glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving these at brunch, consider adding a big fruit salad or a spread of fresh berries to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a glass jar for a sweet gift, tie a ribbon around the lid, and add a handwritten note. Want to get fancy? Arrange them in a swirl pattern on a vintage cake stand, or serve warm with individual shots of espresso for an after-dinner treat. These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies make an unforgettable centerpiece at cookie swaps, holiday parties, or cozy weekend gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, keep your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days—just make sure the container is tightly sealed to lock in that delightful freshness.

Freezing

Both the unbaked dough log and baked cookies freeze beautifully! For the dough, wrap tightly in plastic and tuck into a freezer bag for up to 2 months; slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time. For baked cookies, layer between sheets of parchment in a rigid container, and thaw at room temp when ready to serve.

Reheating

Bring baked cookies back to that just-from-the-oven softness by popping them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 minutes. The cinnamon aroma will come alive again and the centers will taste freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overwhelming the flavor. The cookies will still be delicious, but unsalted butter gives you more control over the final taste.

Why do I need to chill the dough before slicing?

Chilling the dough log makes it firm and easy to slice into perfect circles. It also helps prevent spreading in the oven, keeping those beautiful cinnamon roll spirals intact.

Can I make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just note that the texture may be a touch different, but the cookies will still taste fantastic.

What’s the best way to get even spirals?

Spread your filling smoothly and don’t be afraid to chill your rolled-up dough a bit longer if it feels too soft. Use a gentle sawing motion with a serrated knife to slice for neat, defined spirals every time.

Do I have to add icing, or are they good plain?

While a drizzle of icing looks lovely, these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are buttery and flavorful enough to stand on their own. Enjoy them plain or with just a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for a little sparkle.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tried Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe box. With just the right amount of nostalgia, cinnamon-kissed sweetness, and real cookie comfort, they’re impossible to resist. Gather your ingredients and get swirling—you’re about to bake a new favorite that’s sure to delight everyone who tastes it!

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