Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you have to try these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. They combine the sweet, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls with the perfect sugar cookie texture that’s tender, soft, and irresistibly chewy. These cookies have a rich cinnamon sugar filling rolled into a buttery dough that bakes up soft and slightly golden, making them an ideal treat for any time you want that classic cinnamon roll taste without the fuss. Trust me, once you make these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, they’ll be a fast favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies is delightfully simple, but each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that creates tenderness to the fragrant cinnamon that brings that signature warm spice, every item contributes to making these cookies unforgettable.

• Unsalted Butter: Using softened but cool butter helps create a tender, non-greasy dough for light, fluffy cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges while keeping the center tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel depth to the cinnamon sugar filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for both the dough and filling, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice in the filling that delivers that signature warmth and spice.
• Baking Powder: Offers gentle leavening, helping the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Cornstarch: Enhances tenderness by softening the flour’s protein’s effect for a velvety bite.
• Egg & Egg Yolk: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness for a luscious texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor, making every bite taste richly rounded and inviting.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the cinnamon’s flavor for a perfectly harmonious cookie.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Start by crafting the flavorful heart of these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies—the cinnamon sugar filling. Soften your butter just enough to mix smoothly but avoid melting it for the best texture. Whisk the butter and brown sugar until creamy, then fold in flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This thick-yet-spreadable filling will give these cookies their signature gooey swirl that you’ll swoon over with every bite.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Next, create a soft and tender dough that serves as the perfect canvas for that luscious cinnamon swirl. Beat your slightly cool butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—that’s the secret for softness. Adding both a whole egg and an extra yolk brings richness and extra moisture. Mix in vanilla for warmth and aroma. Finally, gently incorporate the sifted dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix, to ensure a tender crumb rather than a tough cookie.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Roll your dough out evenly on a floured surface, aiming for a uniform quarter-inch thickness so your cookies bake evenly. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling carefully, leaving just enough border to prevent oozing during baking. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the longer side—this is where the magic swirl forms. Wrap it up and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up the dough and make slicing easier.

Step 4: Bake to Soft, Golden Perfection

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough log into half-inch rounds and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets with room to spread. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges with a still-soft center. These cookies come out tender yet hold their shape beautifully, offering you a perfect balance of soft and chewy textures that make these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies truly stand out.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with simple yet delightful garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade vanilla glaze can add a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling indulgent, spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top for that full cinnamon roll experience in cookie form. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled lightly before baking add a wonderful crunchy contrast that works beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with certain drinks or sides can elevate your whole experience. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk complements the sweetness and spice perfectly. For brunch or special occasions, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. These pairings balance the richness and provide a little freshness or creaminess alongside every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies can be as fun as baking them. Arrange them in a spiral pattern on a decorative plate to highlight their cinnamon swirl or stack them in a layered jar for a gorgeous gift. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine makes a heartfelt homemade treat. You could also sandwich a spoonful of frosting between two cookies for a cinnamon roll cookie sandwich—guaranteed to impress friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days. If you prefer to keep them a little longer, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture and softness.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough log before slicing or freeze the baked cookies after cooling. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to bake from frozen dough, thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking. For frozen baked cookies, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven before serving.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked softness in your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and dry them out. This little reheating trick brings back their tender, chewy soul making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar in the filling?

Absolutely! Light brown sugar will work just fine and will produce a slightly milder caramel flavor, but the cookies will still have that wonderful soft and chewy texture we love.

Why do these cinnamon roll sugar cookies remain soft after baking?

The combination of softened butter, an extra egg yolk, and cornstarch in the dough helps retain moisture and tenderness, resulting in wonderfully soft and chewy cookies even after cooling down.

Can I substitute the vanilla extract with another flavor?

While vanilla extract complements the cinnamon beautifully, you can experiment with almond or maple extract for a unique twist. Just use them sparingly as they are stronger than vanilla.

Is it necessary to chill the rolled dough before slicing?

Chilling firms up the dough and filling, making it easier to slice cleanly and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, which helps preserve their pretty cinnamon swirl.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With some experimentation, you could substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made for baking. Remember to check that the baking powder and cornstarch you use are gluten-free as well to keep the recipe effective.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, from the tempting cinnamon swirl filled with buttery sweetness to the soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. They capture the best of a cinnamon roll in a convenient cookie form, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and fall in love with these cozy treats just like I have.

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