Name: Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 18 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for filling); 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Hey y'all! If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls and the irresistible texture of a soft sugar cookie, you're in for a real treat. These Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies combine everything you crave—chewy centers, buttery edges, a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze. They're perfect for holidays, parties, or just a little weekday pick-me-up. Let’s get baking!

Why You'll Love This Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

Every bite is ultra-soft and chewy, just like your favorite bakery cookies.
Features a delightful swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar for classic cinnamon roll flavor.

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients make these cookies easy to whip up anytime.
Cream cheese glaze adds an extra touch of indulgent sweetness.
Perfect for gifting, sharing, or freezing for later snacking!

Ingredients for Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

For the Cookies:
2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

2 oz (55g) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until combined—don’t overmix!

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until a thick paste forms.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie and flatten each ball slightly in your palm.

Spoon a small amount of cinnamon swirl mixture (about ½ teaspoon) onto the center and fold the edges over to seal it inside. Gently roll into a ball again.

Step 3: Bake the Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

For the glaze, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until creamy. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the glaze is thick yet pourable.
Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Let set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes for Perfect Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Do not overbake—cookies should look slightly underdone in the center for that soft, chewy texture.
Use high-quality cinnamon for the most aromatic flavor; learn more about cinnamon varieties at King Arthur Baking.
If the dough is too sticky, chill for 20 minutes before shaping.

Variations on Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for pure maple extract.
Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra decadence.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour (see Serious Eats for recommendations).

Required Equipment for Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets

Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Store Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Chilled cookies may be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Serving Suggestions for Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Serve with a mug of hot coffee or chai for a comforting treat.
Pair with vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.

Pro Tips for the Best Soft Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Bring all your ingredients to room temperature for even mixing (see more tips at Sally's Baking Addiction).
For a thicker cookie, chill the shaped dough balls for 30 minutes before baking.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies and consistent baking.