Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, gooey cinnamon sugar cream cheese roll fresh from the oven. Whether you’re craving a simple treat, hosting a weekend brunch, or need an easy dessert for last-minute guests, these rolls deliver the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced. Using store-bought crescent roll dough, this recipe requires minimal effort but brings maximum flavor.

The irresistible combination of cream cheese filling, buttery pastry, and cinnamon sugar coating is what makes these rolls so delightful. These rolls are inspired by easy crescent roll desserts often found on Pinterest, such as those featured on Cream Cheese Desserts – Pinterest and Cinnamon Sugar Recipes – Pinterest. With the rich flavor of real butter, the warmth of ground cinnamon, and the subtle tang of vanilla extract, these rolls will become a staple in your home baking rotation.

As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly customizable. You can explore fruit-filled variations or keep it classic. To understand why this dessert is such a fan favorite, it helps to learn more about the role of key ingredients like cream cheese, which gives the filling its creamy texture, or crescent roll dough, the shortcut that saves you hours of preparation.

🧈 Ingredients breakdown and tips

Making the perfect cinnamon sugar cream cheese roll starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each item plays a critical role in both flavor and texture.

You will need:

• 1 package (8-count) refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 1 block (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Why these ingredients matter:

• Full-fat cream cheese gives the filling its rich, creamy body. According to Wikipedia’s page on cream cheese, it contains at least 33% milk fat, which results in a thick, luscious filling.

• Granulated sugar is used both in the filling and the coating for sweetness and slight caramelization during baking.

• Vanilla extract enhances aroma and depth. Learn more about its role in baking via Vanilla Extract – Wikipedia.

• Melted butter, especially real butter, adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better.

• Ground cinnamon is the star spice. Cinnamon not only adds warmth but also carries antioxidant properties.

Optional Add-Ins:

• A spoonful of mini chocolate chips

• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

• Thin apple or raspberry slices for a fruity variation

For more ideas and visual inspiration, explore Easy Crescent Roll Desserts – Pinterest.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step instructions with pro tips

This recipe is delightfully simple but following these steps carefully will ensure a perfect result every time.

Preheat and Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Make the filling:

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.

• Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Assemble the rolls:

• Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles.

• Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle.

• Roll up each triangle tightly from the wide end to the point, ensuring the filling stays inside.

Butter and coat:

• In a small bowl, melt the butter.

• In another shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

• Brush each roll generously with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Bake:

• Place the coated rolls on the lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Cool and Serve:

• Let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips:

• Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.

• Don’t overfill the dough to prevent leaking during baking.

• Pinch the ends to seal tightly for a more uniform shape.

Internal links to related recipes or guides on your site such as “How to Seal Crescent Dough Properly” or “More Cream Cheese Dessert Recipes” can help improve internal linking strategy and reduce bounce rates.

🍽️ Texture, flavor & serving suggestions

These rolls offer a delicious contrast in textures: the outer shell is slightly crisp thanks to the baked sugar coating, while the inside remains soft and filled with creamy, sweet cheese. The cinnamon sugar coating caramelizes slightly in the oven, giving every bite a warm, buttery crunch.

Flavor Profile:

• Sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese center

• Spiced cinnamon sugar crust

• Buttery, flaky crescent dough base

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve alongside coffee or a warm mug of chai tea

• Drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness

• Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for brunch

Explore visual ideas on Holiday Brunch Ideas – Pinterest for creative plating inspiration.

🧮 Nutrition information

Each roll is a small indulgence, and while they’re not diet food, they’re certainly a treat worth enjoying in moderation.

Approximate nutrition per roll:

• Calories: 240

• Fat: 13g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 3g

Tips to lighten it up:

• Use a light cream cheese version (though texture may vary)

• Reduce the cinnamon sugar coating

• Substitute stevia or monk fruit sweetener for sugar

This breakdown helps readers make informed choices, especially if they’re serving kids or watching their sugar intake.

🍓 Recipe variations & customizations

One of the best things about cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls is their flexibility. You can tailor the base recipe to match seasonal flavors, dietary needs, or simply whatever you have in your pantry.

Delicious Variations:

• Fruit-filled rolls: Add a slice of banana, apple, or raspberry before rolling.

• Chocolate chip rolls: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese.

• Pumpkin spice version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall twist.

• Nutty rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling.

Gluten-Free Alternative:

• Use a store-bought gluten-free crescent dough.

Mini Rolls:

• Cut each triangle in half and make bite-sized mini rolls for parties or potlucks.

Check Quick Breakfast Rolls – Pinterest for more quick and fun adaptations.

🧊 How to store & reheat cinnamon sugar rolls

Proper storage ensures these rolls maintain their soft texture and flavor for days.

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Room Temperature:

• Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in a sealed container.

Freezing:

• Freeze baked rolls by wrapping individually in plastic and placing in a freezer bag.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

These tips ensure longevity without sacrificing taste or texture.

⏰ Make-ahead & meal prep tips

Planning ahead? These rolls are incredibly meal-prep friendly.

Ways to prep in advance:

• Make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

• Assemble the rolls but don’t bake – cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

• Freeze unbaked rolls for up to a month. Just bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Meal prepping desserts is a smart way to save time for weekday treats or weekend hosting.

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid

Even easy recipes have their pitfalls. Avoid these common errors for the best results:

• Overfilling: Too much cream cheese can lead to leaks during baking.

• Using cold cream cheese: Makes it hard to mix and results in a lumpy filling.

• Not sealing the dough properly: Rolls can open in the oven and lose their shape.

• Underbaking: Raw dough inside is never pleasant—always look for golden edges and puffed tops.

These small adjustments go a long way in ensuring consistently perfect results.

Cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. They also freeze well, either before or after baking.

How do you keep cream cheese desserts from becoming runny?
Use full-fat cream cheese and avoid overmixing. Let the rolls cool slightly to allow the filling to firm up.

Are crescent rolls and puff pastry the same?
No, crescent roll dough is yeasty and bread-like, while puff pastry is made by layering butter and dough without yeast.

What’s the difference between granulated and brown sugar in coating?
Granulated sugar gives a crisp texture, while brown sugar creates a more caramelized, slightly chewy surface.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but it will slightly alter the taste and texture. It may also become more watery when baked.

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