Cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are a warm, gooey delight that combines the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flaky pastry, sweet cinnamon sugar, and smooth cream cheese filling. I first made these for a brunch gathering, and they disappeared within minutes! What I love about this recipe is how quick and simple it is to prepare—using crescent roll dough or puff pastry makes it foolproof, yet the result tastes like a bakery treat. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee. I once tried adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top, and it made them even more indulgent. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, these cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds very happy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are buttery, creamy, and loaded with sweet cinnamon flavor. They come together quickly, require only a few ingredients, and taste like they came from your favorite bakery. The contrast between the flaky dough and the smooth, tangy cream cheese filling makes them absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile—you can bake them for breakfast, serve them as dessert, or pack them for a sweet snack. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls – Sweet, Buttery, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are buttery, flaky pastry rolls filled with a luscious cream cheese center and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar — a quick and irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangle, then roll up from the wide end to the tip, sealing the edges gently.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup sugar and cinnamon together.
- Brush each roll with melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat fully.
- Place the coated rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra decadence, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Crescent roll dough – The base of the recipe, providing a flaky, buttery texture that wraps beautifully around the filling. You can also use puff pastry for extra crispness.
Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese forms the creamy, tangy center that balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to both the filling and the cinnamon coating.
Ground cinnamon – Provides the warm, aromatic spice that defines these rolls.
Butter (melted) – Brushed on the dough for flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the cream cheese filling with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Powdered sugar (optional) – For a light dusting or simple glaze once the rolls are baked.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on each triangle, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll each piece up, starting from the wider end, and tuck in the sides slightly to seal.
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each roll with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, creamy filling with that signature cinnamon sugar crunch.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 rolls.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. You can also freeze unbaked rolls for up to a month—bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Drizzle – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce after baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the rolls before baking.
Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls – Add a spoonful of apple pie filling for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread with the cream cheese for a rich variation.
Pumpkin Spice Version – Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.
Mini Bites – Cut the dough smaller for bite-sized rolls—perfect for parties or brunch tables.
Glazed Finish – Mix powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla to drizzle over the top for extra sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry makes the rolls extra flaky and buttery—just adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Bake in the morning for fresh, warm rolls.
Can I freeze the baked rolls?
Yes, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven before serving.
How do I make the filling smoother?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely—try adding diced apples, strawberries, or blueberries.
Can I make these without sugar on top?
Yes, but the cinnamon sugar coating adds texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve warm with coffee, tea, or a drizzle of icing for dessert.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Seal the edges tightly and don’t overfill the dough.
Can I make a glaze for these rolls?
Yes, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract for a simple drizzle.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and buttery perfection. With their golden crust, luscious cream cheese center, and irresistible cinnamon coating, they’re everything you could want in a comfort treat. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or warmed up the next day, they deliver cozy, bakery-style goodness every time. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re impossible to resist.