Introduction to Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Everything you love about cinnamon rolls—sweet brown sugar swirls, buttery warmth, and creamy icing—gets baked into a soft, chewy sugar cookie in this delightful mashup. These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies bring the nostalgic flavor of breakfast pastries into a simple, irresistible cookie form that’s perfect for any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Soft, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
No yeast or rolling required—just scoop and bake.
Tastes like a cinnamon roll in cookie form.
Perfect for holiday trays or weekday treats.
Drizzle with icing for the ultimate finishing touch.
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
To whip up these delightful Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
Here’s what you’ll gather:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft texture.
Baking powder: A little extra lift to ensure your cookies are fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, adding that warm, comforting spice.
Unsalted butter: Softened to create a rich, creamy base for your dough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and this will help achieve that delightful chewy texture.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
Almond extract: Just a hint for a unique twist that complements the cinnamon.
Cinnamon sugar topping: A mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon to roll the dough in, giving a sweet crust.
Cream cheese: The base for your frosting, providing a tangy sweetness.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth texture.
Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency to your liking.
For optional ingredients, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Making these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is a delightful journey.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies rise perfectly and have that warm cinnamon flavor throughout.
Set this mixture aside for now.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar.
Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
This is where the magic begins, creating a rich base for your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
Beat everything together until well combined.
The extracts will add depth to the flavor, making each bite a little more special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it!
You want to keep that soft and chewy texture intact.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the topping.
This sweet mixture will give your cookies a delightful crust that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Add milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.
Step 9: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
This final touch transforms your cookies into a decadent treat that everyone will love.
Tips for Success
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
Don’t skip the chilling step if you have time; it helps the cookies hold their shape.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking.
Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard one works, but a silicone mat can help with even baking.
Parchment paper: Great for easy cleanup; aluminum foil is a good alternative.
Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is ideal for creaming butter and sugar.
Whisk: A hand whisk is perfect, but an electric mixer speeds things up.
Cookie scoop: For uniform cookies, but a tablespoon works just fine too.
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter for a plant-based treat everyone can enjoy.
Spiced Up: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic combo.
Serve them on a decorative platter, dusted with a little extra cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.
For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
FAQs about Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just roll it into balls and coat them in cinnamon sugar before baking when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for several days!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, you can whip up a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk. Just mix until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a lighter option.
Are these cookies suitable for special diets?
With a few tweaks, yes! You can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend and a vegan version by substituting the egg and butter with plant-based alternatives. Enjoy the flavors without compromise!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and joy.
Each bite is a delightful blend of soft, chewy goodness topped with creamy frosting, making them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, these cookies bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure.
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Deliciously soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting consistency)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the topping.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
Notes
For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for added texture.
You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
