Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with Swirled Cinnamon Filling

Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are the perfect mashup of two favorite treats—pillowy sugar cookies and gooey cinnamon rolls. These cookies are soft, buttery, and loaded with a sweet cinnamon swirl inside each bite. Topped with a light glaze, they bring all the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in a handheld cookie form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies turn an everyday sugar cookie into something special. The dough is soft and tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth, and the cinnamon-sugar swirl gives each cookie a cozy warmth that reminds me of fresh cinnamon rolls. They’re simple to make, fun to shape, and look impressive on any cookie tray.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sugar cookie dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for added softness)

For the cinnamon filling:

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

For the glaze (optional):

• Powdered sugar

• Milk or cream

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, I cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then I mix in the egg, vanilla, and sour cream.

4. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. I roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface, about ¼ inch thick.

6. For the filling, I mix together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I spread this mixture evenly over the dough.

7. Starting from the long side, I carefully roll the dough into a log and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

8. Once chilled, I slice the log into cookies about ½ inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

9. I bake them for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but not browned. After cooling, I drizzle them with glaze if I want a little extra sweetness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to chill, and 10–12 minutes to bake. So from start to finish, I set aside about an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling for a little twist. I’ve also used a cream cheese glaze instead of the classic one for a more cinnamon roll–like finish. When I want smaller bites, I slice the cookie dough thinner and reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes. And around the holidays, I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them (with or without the glaze) for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, I microwave one for 10–15 seconds—it brings back that fresh-baked taste and softness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough and filling in advance, roll it into a log, and refrigerate it overnight. That way, I just slice and bake when I’m ready.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

I avoid overbaking and make sure they’re stored in an airtight container. I sometimes add a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?

If I’m short on time, I’ve used store-bought dough, but I still roll it out and add the homemade cinnamon filling. It’s not quite the same, but still tasty.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the dough hold its shape when slicing and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?

I use a small spoon or a piping bag with a snipped corner. If I want cleaner lines, I wait until the cookies are completely cool before glazing.

Conclusion

Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are one of my go-to cookie recipes when I want something cozy and sweet with a little extra flair. They’re simple to make, full of warm cinnamon flavor, and just as satisfying as a classic cinnamon roll—only quicker and easier. Whether for holidays, gifting, or everyday baking, these cookies always disappear fast.

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