✨ Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls – Easy Sweet Treat
Sometimes the simplest desserts are the ones that win everyone over, and these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls prove it every time. Soft rolls filled with sweet cream cheese, coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, and baked until golden – they taste like a mix between cheesecake and a warm churro. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a cozy snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Rolls:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble rolls: Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of cream cheese filling near the wide end of each triangle. Roll up tightly from the wide end to the tip, sealing edges as best as possible.
- Butter & coat: Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Brush each roll with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Arrange rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly: Let rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
Baking Tips
- Seal edges well: Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent filling from oozing out while baking.
- Chill filling: If the cream cheese mixture feels too soft, chill for 10 minutes before filling the rolls.
- Don’t skip butter: It helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a richer flavor.
- Use parchment: Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking if filling escapes.
Serving Ideas
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or icing for a more decadent dessert.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for a breakfast treat.
- Enjoy with coffee, hot cocoa, or a chai latte for a cozy combo.
Variations
- Chocolate version: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- Berry twist: Spread a teaspoon of strawberry or raspberry jam under the cream cheese filling before rolling.
- Nutty rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Pumpkin spice: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep up to 4–5 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Freeze: Wrap baked rolls individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.