What Are Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies? A Sweet and Spiced Treat
Soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies infused with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Their appeal lies in the harmonious blend of buttery sugar cookies rolled with a cinnamon-sugar layer, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and practical. Whether enjoyed by dessert lovers seeking classic flavors or as a comforting treat to pair with coffee or tea, this recipe satisfies cravings with its luxurious taste. Its versatility ensures it caters to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower-sugar options, ensuring everyone can indulge. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies prove that great desserts don’t require hours of active prep.
Why You’ll Love These Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
This soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies recipe stands out for its unique appeal: buttery sugar cookies rolled with a cinnamon-sugar layer, creating a soft, spiced treat with a drizzle of tangy cream cheese glaze. It’s ideal for holiday baking, potlucks, or as a simple snack to enjoy at home, providing a delightful experience for any event. The adaptability of this dish ensures it fits seamlessly into nut-free, vegan, or low-carb diets, making it inclusive for diverse needs. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping dessert or preparing it for a cozy gathering, this recipe offers a delightful experience. With its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors, soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies prove that homemade comfort food can still rival gourmet creations.
Key Ingredients for Making Perfect Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
To create the ultimate soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies, gather these essentials: Use all-purpose flour (3 cups/375g), aluminum-free baking powder (2 teaspoons), ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon), unsalted butter (1 cup/226g, room temperature), kosher salt (½ teaspoon), granulated sugar (¾ cup/150g), brown sugar (¼ cup/50g), large egg (1, room temperature), and pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon). For the cinnamon filling, mix brown sugar (½ cup/100g, packed), ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon), and melted unsalted butter (3 tablespoons/42g). For the glaze, combine cream cheese (2 ounces/56g, room temperature), confectioners’ sugar (1 cup/120g), pure vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon), and milk or half-and-half (1 tablespoon/15mL). Dietary substitutions like gluten-free flour, plant-based butter, or sugar substitutes cater to specific needs without compromising taste. Each component ensures cookies that are rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Making soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies is simple with this clear guide. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside. Beat butter and salt on medium speed until combined. Add sugars and beat until smooth. Mix in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, scraping the bowl as needed. The dough should form a ball around the paddle. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a 12-inch by 6-inch rectangle. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then stir in melted butter. Spread half the mixture on each rectangle. Tightly roll each rectangle into a 12-inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Cut each log into 24 slices. Place on prepared sheets, spacing 1–2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes until slightly puffy but not browned. Cool for 2 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Combine cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until smooth, adding milk as needed for a thick glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies. This straightforward process ensures flawless results every time.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor in Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Achieving the best results with soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies involves using room-temperature butter and eggs for optimal mixing without curdling, creating visually appealing portions. Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies, enhancing their structure. Chill the logs upright if possible to maintain their round shape. These expert tips guarantee cookies that are consistently flavorful, visually stunning, and ready to impress with every bite. With minimal effort, you can elevate your baking game and create a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet-worthy, perfect for any occasion.
How to Customize Your Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies for Unique Twists
Customizing your soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies opens up endless possibilities for flavor exploration. For a low-sugar option, replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, catering to health-conscious preferences. Create a vegan version by swapping butter with plant-based alternatives, using flax eggs, and replacing cream cheese glaze with a dairy-free alternative, ensuring inclusivity for diverse diets. Add nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest for extra depth, bringing warmth and intrigue to the dish. Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added variety, adding a unique flair to the classic recipe. These creative ideas cater to diverse tastes while maintaining the cookies’ signature simplicity, ensuring a delightful experience every time.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with Drinks or Desserts
Soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies pair beautifully with complementary drinks and desserts, creating a complete and satisfying treat. Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy dining experience. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for indulgence, elevating its rich flavors. Complement its savory notes with beverages like sparkling water, red wine, or cold brew coffee, adding refreshment to your spread. These thoughtful pairings ensure soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies remain a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any dining occasion.
Storage Tips: How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cookies
To keep your soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Serve at room temperature; avoid microwaving to preserve texture. These storage techniques guarantee cookies that remain flavorful, convenient, and ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike, ensuring no bite goes to waste.
See Also:
- Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting
- Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but omit the additional kosher salt to avoid over-salting.
Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?
A: Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative works well for similar results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free flour.
Q: How do I prevent the dough from cracking while rolling?
A: Ensure the dough is soft and pliable; if it cracks, gently smooth it with your fingers.
Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving.
Why Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try for Any Occasion
Soft cinnamon roll sugar cookies stand out for their soft texture, bold flavors, and ease of preparation, making them ideal for family dinners, casual snacks, or festive gatherings. Whether served as part of a comforting meal or as a standout dish during celebrations, they bring joy and satisfaction to any occasion. Experiment with variations and presentations to make them your own, ensuring a delightful experience every time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that homemade dishes can still rival gourmet creations. Try it today it might just become your new go-to way to elevate any gathering or celebration.
Print
Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery sugar cookies swirled with cinnamon-sugar and drizzled with tangy cream cheese glaze inspired by classic cinnamon rolls but in cookie form. Perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or cozy afternoons with coffee. Easily made gluten-free or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
– 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
– ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg, room temperature
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
– ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 2 oz (56g) cream cheese, room temperature
– 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
– ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon (15mL) milk or half-and-half (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and salt until combined. Add granulated and brown sugars; beat until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low until a soft dough forms (it should gather around the paddle).
- Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a 12″ x 6″ rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then stir in melted butter to form a paste.
- Spread half the filling evenly over each dough rectangle.
- Starting at the long edge, tightly roll each rectangle into a 12-inch log.
- Wrap logs in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Slice each log into 12 even rounds (24 total). Place 1–2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until puffed but not browned.
- Cool on pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make glaze: Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk ½ tsp at a time until thick but drizzle-able.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.
Notes
– Dough too dry? Knead gently with clean hands—it should be pliable.
– Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 blend).
– Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water), and dairy-free cream cheese + milk.
– Prevent cracking: Ensure dough isn’t over-chilled; let sit 5 minutes if too firm.
– Make ahead: Chill logs up to 24 hours or freeze unbaked slices for 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
