Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are a simple, irresistible treat that combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the tangy richness of cream cheese. Each roll features a golden, pillowy exterior dusted in fragrant cinnamon sugar and a decadent, melty cream cheese center.
Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack, these rolls deliver bakery-style flavor and homey aroma with minimal effort. Quick to assemble and perfect for sharing, they’ll bring warmth and joy to any kitchen table.
Why You’ll Love It
Every bite of a cinnamon sugar cream cheese roll combines silky cream cheese, buttery dough, and sweet-spiced cinnamon sugar for the ultimate indulgence. The rolls are fast to prepare, use easily accessible ingredients, and bake up into beautiful spirals of goodness—no yeast or long proofing required.
They’re endlessly versatile, adapting to gluten-free or vegan preferences and open to plenty of creative mix-ins. Whether eaten fresh from the oven or reheated, these rolls guarantee crowd-pleasing comfort in classic cinnamon roll style.
Key Ingredients
Start with soft bread or crescent dough—store-bought or homemade for flexibility. Full-fat cream cheese forms the core, beating up silky and tangy for a filling that melts gently as the rolls bake. A blend of cinnamon and granulated (or brown) sugar provides essential warmth and sweetness, sticking to the outside and creating a crisp, caramelized finish.
Butter binds everything together and delivers rich flavor, while optional powdered sugar allows for a quick glaze if you prefer. For extra texture, add chopped pecans, walnuts, or drizzle with vanilla icing.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or soft bread dough
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk for glaze
Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles or flatten bread dough into rectangles about 4×6 inches. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with vanilla, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until smooth.
Spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture onto each rectangle or triangle, leaving a border to avoid spillage. Roll up tightly, starting from the wide end for crescents or short end for rectangles, sealing the edges. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush melted butter over each roll, then coat generously in cinnamon sugar mix.
Arrange rolls, seam-side down, on the baking sheet, leaving space between for expansion. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through; the filling should be slightly gooey and the exteriors crisp. For an optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over cooled rolls.
Tips & Tricks
If your cream cheese feels too thick, microwave briefly for a softer, spreadable texture. A silicone baking mat prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after the caramelized sugar bakes onto the rolls. When using crescent dough, pinch any seams to keep and filling from leaking; a quick egg wash will give a glossy finish and help cinnamon sugar adhere.
For sharper flavor, blend orange or lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture, adding a bright counterpoint to all the sweet and spicy notes.
Chill rolls before slicing if using bread dough—firm dough means neater spirals and less chance of uneven baking. If you want extra crunch, scatter finely chopped nuts over the buttered dough before rolling. Double-coating in cinnamon sugar (roll once, brush again, then roll a second time) leads to a thicker, cracklier crust once baked.
Test for doneness by looking for deep golden color and slight firmness to the touch; underbaking can leave dough chewy or filling runny. Use a cooling rack after baking to prevent bottoms from getting soggy. If making glaze, add it only after rolls are mostly cool so it sets up in neat drizzles rather than melting away.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap traditional cream cheese for whipped or flavored versions, such as honey or strawberry, for added interest. Vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter make these rolls dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Use gluten-free dough to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions.
Brown sugar brings a caramel taste to the cinnamon sugar blend, while coconut sugar or maple sugar add depth and a more complex sweetness. For a savory twist, blend in herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cream cheese; for heat, add a dash of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar.
Want fruitiness? Add a thin layer of fruit preserves (raspberry, apricot, or blueberry) over the cream cheese before rolling. Chocolate chips, diced dates, or nuts pressed into the dough bring more texture and flavor. At holidays, sprinkle colored sugar on top or add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon for seasonal flair.
For larger rolls, use pizza dough and double the filling; for miniature bites, cut each triangle in half and fill less aggressively. These rolls can be made air-fryer style (8–10 minutes at 350°F) for a faster snack, yielding an extra crisp crust.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are best straight from the oven, with the outside just set and the filling luxuriously smooth. Serve for breakfast, paired with fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee or tea. For dessert, plate two or three rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries; drizzle with glaze or caramel for a restaurant-worthy finale.
As brunch treats, display rolls in a basket lined with a napkin, offering a variety of glazes or powdered sugar for dusting. At picnics or parties, slice rolls in half for bite-sized snacks and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They travel well and don’t require refrigeration unless sitting out for many hours.
For a festive touch, arrange rolls in a spiral or wreath shape before baking—perfect for holiday mornings or special celebrations. Offer dipping sauces, such as berry compote, chocolate sauce, or maple syrup, for even more indulgence.
Finally, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container; reheat in a low oven or microwave for the classic, fresh-from-bakery flavor. Rolls can also be frozen after baking—simply thaw and revive in a warm oven for instant comfort on demand.
