Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies deliver the Ultimate 12-Minute Cinnamon Swirl Delight.

Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are my cozy answer to busy kitchen days.
As a professional chef who loves simple, comforting sweets, I designed this to fit hectic schedules.
This 12-minute-inspired treat offers tender centers, chewy edges, and a glossy glaze in a portable bite.

Table of Contents

What Make This Recipe It Special

Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are my cozy answer to busy days. I designed them for cooks who crave bakery warmth without the long bake times. When I’m between services or racing to a meeting, this scatter of cinnamon on a buttery base feels like a warm hug on a sheet pan. The cookies stay tender inside and chewy at the edges, while the swirl makes the kitchen smell like a cinnamon roll shop. Best of all, they come together in minutes, travel well, and glaze beautifully for a polished finish. They’re simple, reliable, and honestly delicious today.

Why this treat fits busy lives

This treat fits busy lives because it delivers bakery vibes without drama. I tested lots of versions to cut time but keep soul. A quick dough, a cinnamon swirl, and a glossy glaze come together in one sheet. You get tender centers, chewy edges, and a pretty swirl—great for when you want something comforting fast. It travels well too, so it’s perfect for potlucks or a quick weeknight indulgence. And yes, clean-up is minimal, which matters after a long day in the kitchen.

The key qualities readers are seeking

Readers want speed, reliability, and flavor that feels special. They crave texture contrasts: soft centers with a chewy bite. They need simple ingredients, clear steps, and a look that says bakery. They also want to know it’s forgiving if time slips or if little helpers join in.

Why cinnamon swirl makes it feel special

The swirl isn’t just pretty; it locks the cinnamon aroma into every bite. It mimics a cinnamon roll’s warmth in a friendlier, pocket-size form. When I brush the tops with extra melted butter and dust with cinnamon sugar, the kitchen fills with that cozy spice that makes a busy day pause and smile.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are listed;
printing-ready quantities
appear at the bottom.

Base cookie components

• All-purpose flour — 2 1/2 cups (gives structure)
• Baking powder — 1/2 tsp (helps lift lightly)
• Salt — 1/4 tsp (balances sweetness)
• Ground cinnamon — 1 tsp (warm spice note)
• Unsalted butter, softened — 3/4 cup (creamy base)
• Granulated sugar — 3/4 cup (sweet foundation)
• Brown sugar — 1/4 cup (chewy depth)
• Large egg — 1 (binds dough)
• Vanilla extract — 1 tsp (flavor roundness)

Cinnamon swirl components

• Melted butter — 2 Tbsp (brush to create swirl)
• Brown sugar — 3 Tbsp (rich swirl sweetness)
• Ground cinnamon — 1 tsp (spice intensity)

Glaze components

• Powdered sugar — 1/2 cup (glossy finish)
• Milk — 1–2 Tbsp (adjusts consistency)
• Vanilla extract — 1/2 tsp (fruity aroma)

Optional add-ins and substitutions

• Dairy-free: plant-based butter in dough and dairy-free milk in glaze
• Gluten-free option: 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend (test for chew)
• Nutty twist: finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts in swirl
• Extra cinnamon: add 1/4 tsp more to the swirl; adjust sugar
• Lemon-vanilla twist: swap part of vanilla for lemon zest in glaze

How to Make Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Step 1 prep and dry mix

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet with parchment. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. This dry mix builds the cookie’s structure and keeps that chewy bite. It’s the quiet backbone of flavor and texture.

Step 2 cream butter and sugars

Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light. Add the brown sugar; beat until fluffy. This creates a tender, chewy base for the cinnamon swirl and cookie dough. Your mixer will hum like a cozy lullaby in the kitchen.

Step 3 add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. The flavor blooms here, giving depth to the cookie and a hint of warmth for a cinnamon roll vibe.

Step 4 combine dry into wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, scrape the bowl and proceed slowly. You want a dough that holds its shape but still feels comfy to scoop.

Step 5 shape and swirl preparation

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Lightly flatten with the back of a spoon. Brush tops with melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar cinnamon mix to form a swirl. The swirl hints at cinnamon roll cookies, making every bite feel special.

Step 6 bake and cool

Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Edges should brown lightly, while centers stay soft. Do not overbake; the centers stay tender. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely.

Step 7 glaze and finish

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. The glaze should shine without pooling. If you like, add an extra drizzle for bakery-worthy allure.

Tips for Success

• I bring ingredients to room temperature for even mixing.
• Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies chewy.
• For deeper swirl, I press the swirl into the dough.
• Watch oven times closely; edges brown while centers stay soft.
• Chill dough briefly if it feels too warm to shape.
• Use parchment to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Let cookies rest briefly before glazing to set the swirl.
• Label trays with bake times to save kitchen mental energy.
• Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies taste best fresh.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls and an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk) for creaming
• Parchment-lined baking sheet for easy release
• Small saucepan for melted butter
• Spatula or spoon for shaping and swirling
• Wire rack for cooling
• Measuring cups/spoons and a pastry brush for glaze

Variations

• Dairy-free: use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk in the glaze.
• Gluten-free option: substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend (results vary; test for chew).
• Nutty twist: fold in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the swirl for extra texture.
• Extra cinnamon: add ¼ tsp more cinnamon to the swirl and balance with a touch more sugar if needed.
• Lemon-vanilla twist: replace part of the vanilla with lemon zest or lemon juice in the glaze for brightness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies are my go-to when time is tight but comfort is nonnegotiable. I love that they taste bakery-worthy in minutes, not hours, and the swirl looks as pretty as it smells. The chewy edges and tender centers hit cozy cinnamon craving without fuss. The glossy glaze finishes smoothly, so cleanup is quick, and I can share a warm cookie moment with friends, fast.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these warm cookies with small indulgences for friends. It makes gatherings feel cozy and lasting.

• Serve warm with coffee or chai for cozy pairing.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for sundae dreams.
• Drizzle extra glaze for a glossy bakery finish.
• Dust with cinnamon for extra aroma, always.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

I love planning ahead for the busy weeks with Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies. It keeps the kitchen calm and the cinnamon aroma ready to bloom. A little prep goes a long way after a long day.

Make-ahead dough

You can refrigerate the dough for up to 1 hour before baking. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight or bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Storing baked cookies

Cool cookies completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer cravings relief, freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month.

Glaze and freshness

Glaze is best added just before serving. If you must prep ahead, whisk the glaze ingredients and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then whisk again and drizzle.

Chewy texture hacks

Avoid overbaking to keep centers soft. A small slice of bread tucked in the container helps retain moisture and chew. Rewarm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven if they stiffen.

Make-ahead tray for gatherings

Portion dough balls on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a bag for easy bake-and-serve events. This keeps weeknights simple and guests impressed.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead for a party?

For Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, yes—the dough can be prepared, swirl prepared, and refrigerated up to 1 hour before baking; bake when you’re ready, then glaze after cooling for a fresh finish.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Both work. Freeze shaped dough balls or baked cookies in an airtight container; reheat baked cookies briefly before serving and glaze to finish.

Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?

In Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, brown sugar adds moisture and chew; you may need to adjust by using a touch more flour if the dough looks too soft.

Is there a gluten-free version?

For Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies, you can try a gluten-free flour blend; results vary by blend, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour if the dough seems too sticky.

Final Thoughts

Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies have become my go-to comfort on the busiest weeks. I love how a simple dough blooms into bakery-worthy flavor with swirl and glaze. The scent alone lifts the kitchen mood, like a familiar hug after a long shift. I’ve baked them for potlucks, quick weeknights, and coffee moments that needed a little sparkle. They travel well, store neatly, and stay tender with minimal fuss. If you crave warmth, this is your pantry-tested answer—soft centers and a cinnamon kiss. These cookies are forgiving, great for busy cooks, and perfect for sharing with neighbors alike.

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