Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

ByLila Prescott January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies. These marbled cookies feature a sweet cinnamon filling folded into a tender dough, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a freshly baked cinnamon roll with a spiral shape made of soft, golden-brown dough. The roll has visible layers of cinnamon and sugar filling that look sticky and caramelized. The outer edges appear slightly crisp, with a few grains of coarse sugar sprinkled on top, adding texture. The background is a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm color of the roll. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup light brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt
2¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cinnamon filling by combining 4 tablespoons softened butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth, then freeze for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the sugar cookie dough by whisking 2¼ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until incorporated.

Step 3: Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of a bowl. Drop small pieces of the cinnamon filling over the dough, then top with the remaining dough and more cinnamon filling. Gently fold the mixture to create a marbled effect.
Step 4: Portion the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls on the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain slightly undercooked. Let cool on a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before baking.
Use cold butter in the cinnamon filling to keep it firm when folding into the dough.
Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a cinnamon roll shows a thick, soft dough twisted into a spiral of three visible layers. The outer layer is light golden brown with a slightly crispy edge, while the inner layers reveal a rich brown cinnamon sugar filling that glistens with melted butter and sugar crystals. Small granules of flaky salt sit on top of the cinnamon sugar, adding texture and shine. The roll is set on a white marbled surface, emphasizing the warm, inviting colors of the pastry. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and cinnamon filling separately, then assemble and chill before baking. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage.