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Cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are the kind of treat you can throw together on a busy morning or offer for a last minute sweet craving. With just a handful of common ingredients and a few simple steps you get warm gooey rolls packed with tangy cream cheese and covered in a buttery cinnamon sugar coating. They remind me of the times my mom would let me help roll up the dough on lazy weekend mornings when the smell of cinnamon would fill the whole kitchen.
These rolls became my lifesaver when I needed something comforting in a pinch and now they always disappear from the plate before they can even cool.
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough or puff pastry: this is your shortcut for a flaky and tender base look for brands with buttery layers for the best taste
- Cream cheese: softened to ensure it blends smoothly with sugar and makes a silky filling buy full fat for a rich result
- Sugar: gives the filling sweetness and also adds crunch to the outside use regular granulated sugar or even a touch of brown sugar for extra flavor
- Vanilla extract: deepens the aroma and rounds out the tang of the cream cheese choose pure vanilla for the best result
- Ground cinnamon: this brings the cozy spice and should be fresh for boldness try to select Ceylon cinnamon if available
- Melted butter: helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds that bakery finish use unsalted to control the saltiness
Instructions
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine softened cream cheese with sugar vanilla and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Beat until very smooth and creamy so there are no lumps left. A hand mixer makes this quick if you like
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll your crescent dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Pinch or press the seams to form small rectangles with no gaps. Take your time so the filling will not leak while baking
- Fill and Fold:
- Spoon about one to two teaspoons of cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle. Gently fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges closed tightly. Make sure all seams are sealed so the cheese stays put
- Bake or Air Fry:
- Arrange the filled rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for twelve to fifteen minutes until golden brown. For air fryer version cook at three fifty degrees for six to eight minutes watching for a deep golden color
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the rolls are still warm brush each one generously with melted butter. Immediately roll each in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar making sure every side is covered for a sweet crunchy crust
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One of my favorite tricks is doubling the cinnamon sugar and saving some to sprinkle on toast. It takes me back to when my little brother and I would sneak tastes of the sugar bowl while these were in the oven.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat just pop them into a warm oven or air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up. If freezing let them cool fully and freeze in a single layer then transfer to a bag for up to one month.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have crescent roll dough puff pastry makes a just as delicious and even flakier swap. For a dairy free version try non dairy cream cheese and plant based butter. You can also experiment with adding a grated apple or finely chopped nuts to the cream cheese for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm dusted with extra cinnamon sugar or with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for a drizzle. They pair perfectly with coffee tea or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These also work wonderfully as a brunch buffet treat that everyone can grab and go.
Cultural Backstory
Cinnamon sugar and cream cheese are beloved in many American kitchen traditions and these little rolls feel like a cross between a classic cinnamon roll and a fast cream cheese Danish. They are a shortcut treat inspired by generations who love baking but value a quick fix for sweet cravings.
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Once you pull these from the oven the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around. Enjoy every warm bite—these are sweet little moments made easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry works well and delivers a flakier, crisper texture while maintaining the rich flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Seal the edges of each roll tightly and press firmly to ensure the cream cheese stays inside while baking.
- → What’s the best way to coat the rolls in cinnamon sugar?
Brush the rolls with melted butter while still warm, then immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture for best adhesion.
- → Can these rolls be made ahead?
Yes, assemble and chill the unbaked rolls in the fridge. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → Are there variations for the cream cheese filling?
Try blending in fruit preserves or citrus zest to add new flavors to the creamy filling.