Introduction

If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistibly delicious treat, these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are about to become your new favorite. With a golden, buttery exterior and a creamy sweet filling inside, every bite is a delightful mix of cozy flavors. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch with friends, or even a quick dessert that feels special but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting comfortable with your oven, this recipe is approachable, fun, and incredibly rewarding.

My recipe story

I first stumbled upon the idea of these rolls during a family gathering. My grandmother always made her famous cinnamon sugar toast on Sunday mornings, and my aunt would bring cream cheese danishes for dessert. One day, I decided to merge those two flavors into a quick, easy-to-make recipe. The result was these soft rolls filled with a tangy-sweet cream cheese center and topped with cinnamon sugar. They instantly became a family favorite. Since then, I’ve refined the recipe to be as fuss-free as possible while still capturing that nostalgic, comforting flavor.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.

Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
Perfectly sweet with a creamy filling that feels indulgent.
Great for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch table.

Kid-friendly but impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling rich, creamy, and slightly tangy. It’s important to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese filling while also helping to create that classic cinnamon-sugar coating on the outside. It brings just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the tang of the cream cheese.

Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon is enough to enhance the flavor of the filling. Vanilla pairs beautifully with cinnamon, bringing warmth and depth to each bite.

Dough or bread base: While some recipes call for crescent roll dough or puff pastry, you can also use homemade bread dough if you prefer. The dough becomes the perfect vehicle for holding the cream cheese filling and soaking in that buttery cinnamon sugar topping.

Equipment you’ll need

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
Baking sheet or casserole dish
Parchment paper

Pastry brush
Knife or dough cutter

Step-by-step directions

Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be lump-free with a spreadable consistency. Set aside while you prepare the dough.

Prepare the dough: If using refrigerated crescent roll dough, unroll it carefully on a lightly floured surface. If making homemade dough, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Be sure not to overwork the dough so it remains soft and fluffy after baking.
Assemble the rolls: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling can leak out during baking. Roll the dough tightly into a log, seam-side down, and cut into equal portions using a sharp knife or dough cutter.
Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar together. Brush each roll lightly with melted butter, then dip the tops into the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will give the rolls their signature golden crust and sweet, spiced flavor.

Bake the rolls: Arrange the prepared rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for them to expand. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. The aroma of cinnamon sugar will fill your kitchen as they bake.
Cool and serve: Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot right out of the oven, so a short resting period ensures the perfect temperature for enjoying them warm.

Variations & substitutions

One of the best things about these rolls is how customizable they are. Here are a few ways to change things up:

Fruit-filled: Add a spoonful of raspberry or strawberry jam with the cream cheese for a fruity twist.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling before rolling up the dough.

Chocolate swirl: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a decadent treat.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free dough alternative to make this recipe accessible for everyone.
Spiced sugar coating: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra warmth.

💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
Don’t overfill the rolls—too much filling will leak out while baking.
Seal the edges of the dough tightly to keep the filling inside.

If your rolls brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
For extra gooeyness, drizzle a glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the warm rolls.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they also store quite well. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

If you’d like to make them ahead, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake them fresh. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas & pairings

These rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as part of a breakfast spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit, or pair them with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea. They also make a lovely dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For holiday gatherings, place them on a platter alongside fresh berries for a beautiful and festive presentation.

FAQ

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese works best for this recipe.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble them and store in the refrigerator overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
If you’re using parchment paper, you don’t need to grease it. Otherwise, lightly butter or spray your baking sheet.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Simply use a larger baking dish or two separate sheets.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

Final thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a bakery-worthy treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, serve them at a family brunch, or bring them to a holiday party, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, golden rolls filled with creamy vanilla cream cheese and coated in cinnamon sugar. A quick, comforting treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can crescent roll dough (8 oz)

1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture onto each triangle.
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, sealing the edges gently.

Brush rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
Place on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

For extra indulgence, drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American