I love how the house smells when these rolls are in the oven, filling every corner with the scent of sweet butter and sugar. Every holiday season, I find myself craving a treat that combines the softness of a sugar cookie with the beautiful spiral of a traditional pastry. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls are my favorite way to celebrate the festive spirit with something unique, colorful, and absolutely delicious.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Medium

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 285
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 12g

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls

This recipe takes the nostalgia of a classic sugar cookie and turns it into a fun, sliceable roll that looks stunning on any holiday dessert spread. You will love the tender, buttery crumb and the way the festive sprinkles create a beautiful mosaic inside every slice. Unlike traditional cookies that require multiple trays, these bake up all at once, making them a fantastic option for busy holiday hosting. Plus, the addition of a smooth glaze on top adds just the right amount of extra sweetness to make them feel truly special.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls Ingredients & Substitutions

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup festive red and green sprinkles
4 ounces cream cheese, softened for the filling
1/2 cup powdered sugar for the glaze
2 tablespoons milk for the glaze

If you prefer a different texture, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, or use salted butter and simply omit the extra salt from the recipe. For the filling, you can replace the cream cheese with a thin layer of festive jam or even a chocolate hazelnut spread if you want to move away from the traditional sugar cookie profile. The alcohol-free vanilla extract is essential for that deep, classic flavor, but you can also use maple extract for a warmer, more autumnal twist on this holiday favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and almond extract, then continue to beat until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and flatten into a disc shape. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, which makes it much easier to roll out without sticking to your work surface.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a large rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Spread half of the softened cream cheese over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges. Generously scatter the red and green sprinkles over the cream cheese layer.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, creating a long log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for another 15 minutes to firm up. Repeat this process with the second disc of dough. Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice the logs into one inch thick rounds.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about two inches of space between them. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled rolls and add a few extra sprinkles on top for a festive finish. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Keep the dough cold. If it gets too warm, it will be difficult to roll into a tight spiral.
Use a serrated knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to slice the dough logs to prevent them from squishing.
Don’t overbake the rolls. They should still look quite pale on top to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature so it spreads easily without tearing the delicate dough.

Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls

You can easily customize these rolls to suit your family’s preferences. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a snickerdoodle inspired version, or use crushed peppermint candies instead of sprinkles for a refreshing minty crunch. If you love citrus, adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough gives the cookies a bright, festive aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze. You can even dye the dough itself with a drop of green or red food coloring to make the spirals even more dramatic.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls

These rolls are the perfect companion for a warm mug of cocoa topped with whipped cream. They also look beautiful served on a holiday dessert board alongside fresh cranberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate squares. If you are hosting a festive brunch, these rolls pair wonderfully with a savory egg casserole or turkey bacon to balance out the sweetness. For an extra decadent treat, serve them warm with a small scoop of alcohol-free vanilla bean ice cream on the side.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, though the texture is best when fresh. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop a roll in the microwave for five to ten seconds to soften the dough and melt the glaze slightly. These rolls also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual unglazed rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to two months, then thaw and glaze before serving.

Memories Made Around the Table

I remember sitting at the kitchen island with my grandmother every December, our hands covered in flour as we prepped for the annual cookie swap. She always told me that the best treats were the ones that took a little extra time to shape, because they showed how much you cared about the people eating them. Making these rolls reminds me of those quiet, snowy afternoons spent laughing and sharing stories while the oven worked its magic. Now, I love sharing this tradition with my own family, watching the kids get excited when they see the colorful swirls appearing as we slice the dough.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days before rolling and baking. Just make sure it is tightly wrapped so it does not dry out. You may need to let it sit on the counter for ten minutes to soften slightly before rolling.

Why did my rolls spread too much in the oven?

This usually happens if the dough is too warm when it goes into the oven. Ensure you chill the logs thoroughly after rolling them up. Also, make sure your butter was softened but not melted when you started the recipe.

Do I have to use cream cheese for the filling?

No, you can use a simple mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, or even a thick layer of frosting. However, the cream cheese adds a lovely tang and helps the sprinkles stay in place during the rolling process.

Can I use store bought sugar cookie dough?

While homemade dough provides the best structure for rolling, you can use store bought dough in a pinch. You may need to flour your surface more generously, as pre-made dough tends to be softer and stickier than this specific recipe.

What is the best way to get a clean slice?

Chilling the log is the most important step. Using a very sharp, thin knife or even a piece of clean thread or dental floss to cut through the dough will give you the cleanest spirals without flattening the roll.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls are a delightful twist on a holiday staple that brings both beauty and flavor to your table. They are fun to make, even more fun to eat, and they capture the whimsical spirit of the season perfectly. Whether you are baking them for a gift, a party, or just a cozy night in, these treats are sure to become a new favorite tradition in your home. Happy baking and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Rolls

Print Recipe

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 teaspoons alcohol-free vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup festive red and green sprinkles
4 ounces cream cheese, softened for the filling
1/2 cup powdered sugar for the glaze
2 tablespoons milk for the glaze

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and almond extract, then continue to beat until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and flatten into a disc shape. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, which makes it much easier to roll out without sticking to your work surface.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a large rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Spread half of the softened cream cheese over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges. Generously scatter the red and green sprinkles over the cream cheese layer.
Carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, creating a long log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for another 15 minutes to firm up. Repeat this process with the second disc of dough. Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice the logs into one inch thick rounds.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about two inches of space between them. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled rolls and add a few extra sprinkles on top for a festive finish. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian