Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Treats are a fun twist on two classic favorites. Imagine the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies mixed with the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon rolls all in one bite. These treats have that perfect balance of sweet dough with a little swirl of cinnamon sugar that just makes your taste buds happy.
I love making these when I want something special but easy to share. They’re simple to whip up, and the cinnamon swirl adds a cozy touch that feels just like a hug in cookie form. One tip I always follow is to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking to get that nice crispy edge that everyone loves.
These treats go great with a cup of coffee or milk, and they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. I often make a batch for my family and friends because they disappear so quickly! It’s hard to resist reaching for just one more when you have these cinnamon roll sugar cookie treats around.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, skip adding extra salt. For a dairy-free option, try vegan butter sticks but expect a slight change in texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the dough tender and helps the cookies rise. Brown sugar adds moisture and those classic cinnamon roll flavors. You can swap light brown sugar for dark brown for a richer taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here for the right balance of chew and softness. For a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but outcome may vary slightly.
Cinnamon & Brown Sugar: The heart of the cinnamon roll flavor. Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma. If you don’t have ground cinnamon, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice as a spin.
Glaze Ingredients: Powdered sugar and milk make a smooth glaze. You can swap milk for almond or oat milk if you prefer. Vanilla extract is key for sweetness and depth but can be omitted or replaced with maple extract for a twist.
How Do You Roll and Slice the Dough to Get Perfect Cinnamon Swirls?
Rolling the dough tightly is crucial to create those beautiful swirls that look and taste like cinnamon rolls.
- After rolling out the dough into a rectangle, brush evenly with melted butter to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly so every bite has that sweet spice.
- Start rolling from the long edge, rolling slowly and tightly but not so tight that the dough cracks.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the log into even pieces. This keeps baking uniform and swirls visible.
- Place slices cut side down and leave space between each so cookies can spread a bit without sticking.
Following these tips will give you those lovely spiraled treats with cinnamon in every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients easily.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly into a perfect rectangle.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface where your cookies bake evenly.
- Parchment paper – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Sharp knife or bench scraper – great for slicing the rolled dough into even pieces.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the glaze ingredients until smooth.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside the cinnamon swirl for a crunchy texture boost.
- Swap vanilla extract in the glaze for almond extract to create a different nutty flavor.
- Mix mini chocolate chips lightly into the dough before rolling for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.
- Use maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze for a richer, deeper sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Treats?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, allow a few minutes for the treats to cool before glazing. All in all, it’s roughly 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious treat to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Roll and Fill the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle roughly 12×8 inches. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Starting at one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
3. Bake and Glaze:
Place the slices cut side down on the lined baking sheet, giving them about 2 inches of space. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.
While the cookies bake, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together to create the glaze. Once the cookies have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let them cool completely before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Treats?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before rolling it out. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling. This helps maintain the dough’s softness and makes it easier to work with.
Can I Substitute Milk in the Glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just use the same amount to keep the glaze smooth and pourable.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cinnamon roll sugar cookie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container which helps retain moisture.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to This Recipe?
Yes! You can mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar filling or sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the dough before rolling for extra texture and flavor.
