There’s something undeniably charming about the aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? Imagine fluffy, soft cinnamon rolls that are not just ordinary but infused with the delightful sweetness of sugar cookies. As you pull a batch of these Sugar Cookie Cinnamon Rolls from the oven, the golden edges tantalize your senses and invite you to dig in. The glossy cream cheese icing drizzled on top almost glistens, promising a delightful bite that’s both comforting and playful.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cinnamon Rolls
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sugar Cookie Cinnamon Rolls

Reflecting on childhood holidays spent in the kitchen, elbows deep in flour and laughter, I’m reminded of the joy these treats bring. They’re the kind of indulgence that not only fills your stomach but warms your heart, perfect for breakfast or any festive gathering. As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to whip up these delightful rolls. Trust me, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Ready to make your own batch of Sugar Cookie Cinnamon Rolls? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 45 minutes of prep and no more than 30 minutes of baking, you can have these sweet rolls on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The buttery dough, spiced cinnamon filling, and creamy icing create a delightful symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Adorned with cute Christmas sprinkles, these rolls are as lovely to look at as they are to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack during the holiday festivities, these rolls never go out of style.
Diet-Friendly Options: Consider swapping in gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions, so everyone can indulge!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Milk (1 cup, warmed to 110℉): This activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully. If you’re out of milk, any milk alternative like almond or oat milk can work in a pinch.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp, or 1 packet): Essential for that fluffy texture. Always check the expiration date for the best results.
Large egg (1, at room temperature): Helps bind the dough. For an egg-free version, substitute with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature, plus more for the filling): Adds richness to both the dough and filling. Ensure it’s not too soft or melted for best results.
All-purpose flour (5 cups total): The backbone of the dough. You can replace a portion with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
White granulated sugar (3 TBSP for the dough, 2/3 cup for the filling): Balances the flavors and sweetness.
Salt (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp for cookie dough): Enhances the flavors.
Cornstarch (1/2 tsp): Softens the cookie dough, creating that tender texture.
Christmas sprinkles (1/3 cup): For decoration and a festive touch; feel free to get creative with your favorite colors!
Brown sugar (3/4 cup, light or dark packed): Deepens the sweetness and adds moisture to the filling.
Ground cinnamon (1 TBSP): The warm spice that ties this delightful roll together.
Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Forms the base of the luscious icing, contributing to its smooth texture.

Heat Treat the Flour: Preheat your oven to 300℉. Spread 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour over a cookie sheet, then bake for 8 minutes. This step reduces the risk of any bacteria, ensuring your cookies are safe to eat raw later!

Activate the Yeast: While the flour cools, heat the milk in the microwave for about 1 minute until it reaches 110℉. Sprinkle the yeast over the top along with a pinch of sugar. Don’t stir just yet—give it 10 minutes to bubble and foam, which means your yeast is alive and kicking!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cooled flour, white sugar, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the dough.

Mix the Dough: Add the milk mixture, egg, and cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on low until the dough begins to come together. Increase to medium speed and knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky—passing the windowpane test is a good sign!

Let the Dough Rise: Preheat your oven to 200℉, spray a large mixing bowl with nonstick spray, and place your dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar. Let it rise for 1 hour, until it’s doubled in size. Check back for that delightful puffiness!

Prepare Sugar Cookie Dough: Mix the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour with cornstarch, salt, and sprinkles in a separate bowl. In a mixer, beat the 1/2 cup of room temperature butter and 3 TBSP of sugar on high for about 2 minutes, until fluffy and pale. Add vanilla and milk, mixing until combined, then fold in the dry ingredients.

Make Cinnamon Filling: Just before your dough finishes rising, combine the filling ingredients by beating together the 1/2 cup of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl with a hand mixer on high for 2 minutes. This aerates the butter, making it easy to spread.

Roll and Assemble: Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut off any uneven sides. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough. Using a small cookie scoop, place flattened dough pieces over the filling, then carefully roll up the dough into a log starting from one short side. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls, using a serrated knife for a clean cut.

Final Rise: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and arrange the rolls inside, leaving room for them to expand. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 20 minutes.

Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375℉. Bake the rolls for 25-28 minutes, until they’re golden on the edges and the internal temperature reaches 160℉. Once baked, they should smell heavenly!

Make Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the icing by beating the cream cheese and butter until creamy in a small bowl using a hand mixer. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and luscious.

Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are no longer bubbling, dollop and spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top, finishing with festive sprinkles if you like. Serve warm for that ultimate cozy experience!

Storing & Reheating

These scrumptious Sugar Cookie Cinnamon Rolls can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered well. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Planning ahead? You can freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds, ensuring they’re warm and gooey again. Just know that they may lose a bit of their freshness, but a quick warm-up can help revive their deliciousness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your ingredients are at the proper temperatures—room temperature eggs and butter yield the best results.
Avoid over-kneading the dough; otherwise, your rolls may turn out dense instead of fluffy. When in doubt, a gently kneaded dough is perfect.
Use a serrated knife to cut the rolls—it helps maintain their shape without squishing them.
If you have leftovers, consider slicing them in half and toasting with a bit more icing or butter before serving—delicious!
You can make the dough ahead of time and let it challenge rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling.
For an extra burst of flavor, add some nutmeg or vanilla extract into the filling!

There’s truly something special about making Sugar Cookie Cinnamon Rolls. It’s not just about the eating; it’s also about the experience, the smells, and the memories created in the kitchen around this delightful treat. So, gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweetness. Enjoy every soft, flavorful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these rolls the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking the next day. It makes for an easy morning treat!

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

For the best taste, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their softness. Alternatively, microwave for about 20 seconds for quick results, but they do lose some texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, substituting up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour is a great way to add some nutrients without sacrificing too much texture. Mix it well to ensure a cohesive dough!

How can I make these dairy-free?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using almond milk or coconut milk in place of the cow’s milk, and using a dairy-free butter alternative for the dough and filling. Enjoy the same delicious flavors while catering to dairy-free diets!