If you’re a dessert lover searching for that perfect cookie to brighten your kitchen (and your taste buds), Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are truly a match made in baking heaven! Imagine biting into a melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie with swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness, all topped by a creamy drizzle of glaze — you get the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch, baking with kids, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these cookies will fill your home with sweet, buttery aromas and your heart with joy. Trust me: this recipe will become your go-to whenever you crave the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll but want something easy, handheld, and irresistibly chewy.

Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies lies in its pantry-friendly mix of ingredients. Each one contributes a little something special, from the softness of butter to the warmth of cinnamon. Don’t skip on quality here — every element has its essential role in bringing these dreamy cookies to life!

Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie bite.
Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth and chewy softness to the cookies.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture for that signature chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its comforting warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing just the right amount of structure.
Baking soda: Encourages gentle spreading and helps achieve a perfectly soft and tender crumb.
Cream of tartar: Classic in sugar cookies, this keeps the cookies extra soft and helps with that irresistible chewiness.
Salt: Balances all the sweetness and makes the cinnamon pop.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, lending bold, cozy swirls throughout the cookies.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, it creates that melt-away finish on top of each cookie.
Milk: Thins the glaze just enough to drizzle — use whole milk for a richer touch.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by beating together your room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. This step is key because incorporating air at this stage gives the cookies their tender crumb and helps the sugars dissolve properly. Don’t rush it — a good 2-3 minutes will make all the difference in the final texture!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the dough becomes smooth and homogenous. Splash in the vanilla extract, and savor that heavenly aroma — it’s the backbone of your flavor base and truly makes these Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies taste special.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low just until everything is combined. Overmixing is a cookie’s worst enemy, so stop as soon as the dough forms. If needed, scrape down the sides to make sure everything’s incorporated!

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together more brown sugar and that glorious ground cinnamon. Now, scoop a generous tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Sprinkle a bit of your cinnamon-sugar mixture in the center, then gently fold the dough around it and roll it back into a ball. This creates that signature swirl and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring that plush, chewy texture we all adore. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Signature Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Once cool, drizzle the glaze generously over each cookie. The glaze sets to a beautiful, shiny finish — the perfect crowning touch for your Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Add a final flourish by dusting the glazed cookies with a pinch of ground cinnamon or a smattering of raw sugar for a touch of sparkle. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few curls of white chocolate make these cookies look bakery-worthy, and add just a hint of crunch and creaminess on top.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a cozy drink is my favorite way to serve them. A glass of cold milk, a cappuccino, or even a chai latte brings out their cinnamon warmth. They’re also delightful alongside a fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to turn your cookie moment into a sweet, simple dessert board!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies high on a decorative cake stand for parties, or wrap a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a lovely homemade gift. You can also sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies for the ultimate treat! These cookies are beautiful enough for a holiday tray, but cozy enough to enjoy just because — get creative and make them your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are completely cool and the glaze is set, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay irresistibly soft and tender for up to five days at room temperature — perfect for sneaking a cookie with your morning coffee or tossing one into a lunchbox!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply arrange the cooled, glazed cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container (with parchment between layers). Thaw at room temp whenever you need a quick cinnamon cookie fix — or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer for fresh cookies in a flash.

Reheating

If you love your cookies slightly warm, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and makes the cinnamon flavor even more pronounced. For a crisper edge, you can briefly heat them in a 300°F oven, but keep an eye out so they don’t over-brown!

FAQs

Do I have to use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps create that signature soft, chewy crumb in sugar cookies; however, if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, though the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The cookies might spread a bit more, so chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for best results.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?

Absolutely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even plumped raisins can be folded into the dough right before shaping. They’ll add extra flavor and texture but won’t change the baking time.

Will the dough work for slice-and-bake cookies?

This dough is best for rolling into balls and stuffing with cinnamon-sugar, but you can chill it, form into a log, roll in cinnamon-sugar, and slice for a twist! Adjust the baking time as needed since the texture may be slightly different.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are just barely golden and centers that still look soft and slightly underbaked. Remove them from the oven at this stage for that perfect chewy interior once cooled.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about sharing Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with friends and family — every bite is a hug in cookie form! Don’t let the steps intimidate you; once you try these, you’ll see how simple and satisfying homemade cookies can be. Give them a whirl and let their sweet cinnamon swirls bring a little extra joy to your kitchen today!