Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

These cozy cinnamon roll sugar cookies feature a buttery slice-and-bake sugar cookie dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a cream cheese drizzle.

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If you love cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. These cinnamon roll sugar cookies are buttery slice-and-bake cookies with a beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl throughout and a tangy cream cheese frosting drizzle on top.

They’re cozy, flavorful, and perfect for fall baking. The slice-and-bake style makes them easy to prepare ahead of time, just chill the dough, slice, and bake when you’re ready. These cookies are perfect for a fall dessert spread, holiday cookie tray, or a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm drink on a crisp autumn day.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: room temperature so it creams properly with the sugar.
White sugar: adds sweetness and crispness to the cookie.
All-purpose flour: spoon and level for measuring accuracy.
Baking powder: provides just the right amount of lift.
Salt: brings out the flavors in the cookies.
Egg: binds the dough and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: enhances overall flavor in the cookie and cream cheese drizzle.
Brown sugar: used for the cinnamon swirl and creates a gooey, cinnamon roll–like texture.
Ground cinnamon: also used for the cinnamon swirl, adds warmth and coziness.
Cream cheese, softened: To give the quintessential tangy flavor to the cream cheese frosting drizzle.
Powdered sugar: adds sweetness to the frosting.
Milk or cream: Adjust to reach drizzle consistency.

Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Baking sheets
Sharp knife or bench scraper (for slicing dough)
Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gradually add flour, salt and baking powder, mixing until just incorporated.

Create the swirl dough: Remove ¼ of the dough and place in a small bowl. Mix in the cinnamon and brown sugar until well combined. Refrigerate the plain sugar cookie dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Assemble and roll: On a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap, press the plain sugar cookie dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon dough evenly over the entire rectangle. Starting from one short edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use the parchment to help guide it.

Chill: Wrap the log tightly and freeze for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Slice and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment. Slice chilled dough into 1/3-inch (or 1 cm) rounds and place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–11 minutes for soft sugar cookies or 12 minutes for crispier sugar cookies.

Make frosting drizzle: In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly mix in milk until a piping consistency is reached. Transfer frosting to a small plastic bag and snip off one corner.

Cool and drizzle: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once mostly cooled, pipe with cream cheese frosting.

Tips

• Keep the dough cool: Warm dough is sticky and hard to roll. If it softens too much, pop it back in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
• Use parchment or plastic wrap: This prevents sticking and makes it easier to roll tightly.
• Chill thoroughly before slicing: Cold dough slices neatly without smushing, giving you a perfect swirl.
• Sharp knife is key: Use a sharp, thin knife or bench scraper for clean cuts without squishing the dough.
• Roll tightly but not too tight: You want a visible swirl, but avoid pressing so hard the dough cracks.

FAQ

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly in the fridge before slicing.

Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. The dough needs to chill anyway, so you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Slice and bake when ready.

Do I have to add the cream cheese drizzle?
The drizzle adds that signature cream cheese frosting flavor, but the cookies are delicious without it. You could also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Can I add other spices?
Yes! Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice all complement the cinnamon beautifully and add fall warmth.

More Fall Recipes You’ll Love

• Brown Butter Pumpkin Maple Cookies
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Kitchen Sink Cookies
• Oat Flour Pumpkin Muffins
• Mini Apple Cinnamon Cheesecakes

If you make this Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!