Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are what cozy mornings (and sweet cravings) were made for. Soft, golden rolls filled with a velvety cream cheese center, swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, and baked to buttery perfection. Whether you’re making brunch a little extra special or just want a fast treat that tastes like it came from a bakery—this recipe has your name all over it.

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What Are Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls?

These are quick, baked pastry rolls made with either crescent dough or puff pastry, filled with a luscious sweetened cream cheese filling, rolled up with cinnamon sugar, and baked until golden. Think of them as part cinnamon roll, part cheesecake bite, part handheld heaven.

They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, brunch spreads, or holiday mornings when you want something that feels homemade and impressive—but takes less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Rolls

• Quick & easy with store-bought dough
• No yeast or proofing needed
• Golden on the outside, soft and creamy inside
• Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
• Great for brunch, holidays, or afternoon coffee breaks

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine a cinnamon roll and a cheesecake had a baby. The outer layer is flaky and buttery, the center is filled with a tangy-sweet cream cheese, and the cinnamon sugar adds a warm, nostalgic sweetness in every bite. They’re crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for one more.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Only 7 simple ingredients
• No mixer, no mess
• Freezer-friendly before or after baking
• Great make-ahead option for holidays or entertaining
• Can be served warm or room temp

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

• 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or glaze for drizzling

Tools You’ll Need

• Rolling pin (if using puff pastry)
• Small mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for deeper flavor
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice
• Make it fruity with a smear of apple butter, pumpkin puree, or raspberry jam
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon.
4. Roll out the dough:
   • If using crescent dough, press the seams together to create a single sheet.
   • If using puff pastry, lightly roll it out into a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
5. Spread the filling: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border on all sides.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the cream cheese layer.
7. Roll it up tightly from the longer edge into a log. Slice into 8–10 rolls.
8. Brush with butter: Place the rolls on your prepared baking sheet and brush tops with melted butter. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.

Pro tip: Want a creamier center? Don’t overbake—pull them once they’re just golden on top!

What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Pair these with:

• Hot coffee or chai tea
• Vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
• Fresh fruit or berries for a brunch spread
• Maple or cream cheese glaze if you want to take it up a notch

Tips for the Best Results

• Let cream cheese soften at room temp for easy spreading
• Chill your rolled dough for 10 minutes before slicing if it feels too soft
• Keep rolls evenly spaced on the pan for even baking
• Add a drizzle of glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) for bakery-style finish
• Want a crispier roll? Bake a few extra minutes, but watch closely!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked slices on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite yeasted or biscuit-style dough, go for it—it just may need a longer bake time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked rolls for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze them?

Yes—freeze them baked or unbaked. Baked rolls can be reheated in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Can I make them in a muffin tin?

Definitely! It helps hold the shape and gives them crispy edges. Just reduce the bake time by 2–3 minutes.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are simple, indulgent, and everything a sweet morning (or afternoon) snack should be. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday brunch or sneaking one with your second cup of coffee, they hit all the right notes: buttery, creamy, cinnamon-sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent.

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