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Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

Delight in these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies that combine the soft, buttery texture of classic sugar cookies with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious cream cheese icing. Inspired by cinnamon rolls, these cookies bring a comforting and sweet flavor perfect for sharing at any occasion or simply savoring with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Cookie Dough

  • 8 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Icing

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside while preparing the rest of the dough.
  2. Make the cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, beating until the dough is smooth and well mixed.
  3. Chill the dough. Flatten the dough into a disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier handling.
  4. Roll out the dough. On a large piece of aluminum foil dusted with flour, place the chilled dough. Roll it out into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4-inch thick, preparing it for the filling.
  5. Add the filling. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough using your hands. Sprinkle the cinnamon and light brown sugar carefully over the butter layer.
  6. Roll into a log. Holding the corners of the foil closest to you, slowly roll the dough away from you into a tight log, making sure to keep it even as you go to maintain the cinnamon swirl.
  7. Chill the rolled dough. Wrap the rolled cookie dough log securely in the aluminum foil and place it in the freezer for 45 minutes to firm up before slicing.
  8. Make the icing. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat for about 4 minutes until smooth. Add the vanilla and lemon extracts and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  9. Prep for baking. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and prepare an ungreased baking sheet for the cookies.
  10. Slice the cookies. Remove the chilled cookie dough from the freezer, unwrap it, and slice into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Arrange the slices on the ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.
  11. Bake the cookies. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
  12. Cool the cookies. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Frost and serve. Once fully cooled, frost the cookies generously with the cream cheese icing. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container where they will keep fresh for several days.

Notes

  • Use softened butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and a creamy texture.
  • Rolling the dough on aluminum foil dusted with flour helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to roll.
  • Freezing the rolled dough before slicing helps maintain clean, neat cookie shapes during baking.
  • If a stronger cinnamon flavor is preferred, increase the cinnamon to 2 tablespoons.
  • The icing can be adjusted for consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or a small amount of milk for a thinner glaze.
  • Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.