Description
Soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet — these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are everything you love about a cinnamon roll, with a luscious creamy twist! Whether you make them with store-bought crescent dough for a quick treat or from scratch for that homemade touch, every bite melts in your mouth with buttery cinnamon-sugar bliss and silky cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert!
Ingredients
Shortcut Version:
1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry sheet)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Homemade Dough Option:
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Shortcut Version:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until silky smooth.
Unroll the crescent dough and press seams together to form one large sheet.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up from the long side to form a log and pinch seams to seal.
Slice into 1-inch rolls and arrange them in your prepared dish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and puffy.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the rolls bake, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Let them cool slightly before serving — the coating melts into the rolls for that perfect sticky-sweet finish!
Homemade Dough Option:
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, remaining sugar, egg, butter, and yeast mixture.
Knead for 5–7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll into a rectangle, spread the cream cheese mixture, then roll, slice, and bake as described above.
Recipe Info
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (with homemade dough)
Servings: 8
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Tips & Variations
Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for extra flaky, bakery-style rolls.
Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing for a decadent finish.
Sprinkle a few chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for crunch!
Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm slightly before serving — they taste freshly baked every time.
These rolls are buttery, creamy, and cinnamon-sweet — like a warm hug in dessert form. Perfect for holidays, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave something cozy and irresistible!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the shortcut version to ensure perfect rolls every time. First, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for a lump-free filling. After unrolling the crescent dough, take an extra minute to firmly press the perforated seams together to prevent leaks. When spreading the filling, leave a 1/2-inch border on the long side farthest from you; this will seal the log neatly. Use unflavored dental floss to slice the log cleanly: slide the floss underneath, cross the ends over the top, and pull. This method prevents squashing. Finally, space the rolls slightly apart in the dish for even browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm for the ultimate experience. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, complement them with fresh fruit or savory breakfast casseroles. To elevate them as a dessert, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. A light dusting of powdered sugar or the suggested cream cheese glaze makes them extra special for holidays and gatherings.
How-to Summary
In summary, create a smooth cream cheese filling. Spread it over seamless crescent dough, roll into a log, and slice. Bake until golden. Immediately brush with a simple mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar for a sticky, sweet finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking as directed.
How do I store leftovers? Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or a warm oven.
Can I freeze the baked rolls? Absolutely. Freeze fully cooled rolls on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat in a 300°F oven until warm.
My crescent dough log is too soft to slice. What should I do? Chill the assembled log in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This firms up the dough and filling, making slicing clean and easy.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? You can, but the filling may be less rich and slightly more prone to weeping. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese, which leads to a chunky filling that tears the dough.
- Not sealing the crescent dough seams, causing the roll to unravel while baking.
- Overbaking, which dries out the rolls. Remove them as soon as they are puffy and golden.
- Applying the cinnamon-sugar butter coating after the rolls have cooled. It must be brushed on while they are piping hot to properly soak in.
- Overfilling the dough, which causes the filling to ooze out excessively during baking.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are the perfect fusion of convenience and indulgence. Whether you choose the speedy crescent dough method or the rewarding homemade version, the result is a decadent, comforting treat guaranteed to impress. With the detailed steps, tips, and FAQs provided, you’re equipped to avoid pitfalls and achieve bakery-quality results at home. Embrace the joy of baking and share these irresistible, creamy delights on any occasion.