Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls 🥐 — Sweet, Buttery, and Irresistibly Creamy!

The Sweet Story Behind Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

If cozy comfort food had a mascot, it would definitely be these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls. Imagine biting into a warm, golden pastry with layers of buttery dough, a creamy vanilla-infused center, and a crispy coating of cinnamon sugar that sparkles in the light. It’s the kind of dessert (or breakfast treat) that feels like a hug from the inside out.

This recipe is as simple as it is divine. With just a few ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen—you can whip up a bakery-worthy pastry in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned dessert lover, these rolls are proof that you don’t need fancy techniques to make something truly delicious.

What’s more? They smell heavenly. As they bake, your kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of butter and cinnamon—a scent that feels like home.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Rolls

What makes these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls so addictive? It’s all about the texture and balance of flavors. Each roll offers the perfect trio: soft and tender inside, slightly crisp outside, and irresistibly gooey in the middle.

The cream cheese brings a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the warm spice of cinnamon and the caramel-like flavor of sugar. It’s like a fusion between a cinnamon roll and a cheesecake—rolled up into one magical bite.

These rolls are also versatile. Want something fancy for brunch? They’re perfect. Need a quick dessert for guests? Done. Craving a sweet midnight snack? Just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’ve got instant comfort.

And let’s not forget the best part: no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise. You’ll be enjoying these golden beauties before you know it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these dreamy rolls to life:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough – This saves time and gives that buttery, flaky texture.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – The creamy, tangy heart of the filling.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling just right.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – For brushing and flavoring.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping) – The base of your cinnamon sugar coating.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The star spice that gives warmth and aroma.

Every ingredient here has a purpose: the dough brings structure, the cream cheese gives richness, and the cinnamon sugar adds crunch and warmth. Together, they create a perfect bite every time.

Kitchen Tools and Prep Essentials

Before you start, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Parchment-lined baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment not only prevents sticking but also helps the rolls bake evenly without burning on the bottom.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Let’s dive into the magic.

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
   In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step takes just about 3 minutes, but it’s where the magic begins—the filling becomes luxuriously soft and fluffy, almost like cheesecake batter.

1. Shape the Crescent Dough
   Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Lay them flat on a clean surface or baking mat.
2. Spread the Filling
   Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each triangle—just enough to cover the surface but not too thick that it oozes out during baking.
3. Roll It Up
   Starting from the wider end, roll each triangle toward the tip, tucking the edges gently to hold the filling inside. You’ll have eight neat little rolls.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
   In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush each roll with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

1. Bake to Perfection
   Place the rolls on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Inside, the filling should be creamy and slightly molten—just like in the photo, melting through those golden layers.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

If you want your Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls to turn out bakery-perfect every single time, here are some foolproof tips that make a huge difference:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can make your filling lumpy and hard to spread evenly. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before using.
• Don’t overfill the dough. A little goes a long way! Too much filling will ooze out during baking, which can make the rolls messy.
• Seal the edges well. Pinch the seams or tuck the sides under slightly to prevent leakage.
• Don’t skip the butter coating. It’s the secret to that golden, slightly crisp outer texture.
• Let them cool slightly. As tempting as it is to bite right in, giving them 5 minutes helps the filling set just enough to get that perfect creamy bite.

If you’re serving these for guests or a special breakfast, you can even dust a little powdered sugar on top for that extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

How to Achieve the Perfect Gooey Center

That luscious cream cheese center is what makes this recipe irresistible. Here’s how to ensure it turns out creamy and smooth every time: