1.Crescent Roll Pastries
When it comes to creating quick and delicious baked goods, crescent roll pastries offer one of the most convenient and versatile solutions. Whether you’re in a rush on a weekday morning or planning a cozy weekend brunch, these buttery layers of pre-made dough can transform into countless treats with minimal effort.
Cream cheese crescent rolls filled with cinnamon and sugar are a standout. They combine a rich, creamy center with a golden, flaky exterior and a perfectly spiced coating. In essence, they are the simplified cousin of a cinnamon roll — faster to prepare and requiring far fewer ingredients, but equally satisfying in flavor and texture.
These pastries are also a great example of how store-bought crescent dough can be used creatively beyond its original intent. Historically, crescent dough traces back to the origins of the croissant, and while it has evolved, the concept remains the same: a soft, airy dough that puffs up beautifully when baked. In modern kitchens, it’s now a staple for making everything from savory pinwheels to easy cream cheese rolls like these.
What elevates this specific recipe is its four-ingredient simplicity: refrigerated crescent rolls, cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. This no-fuss combination results in a pastry that is crispy at the edges, soft in the middle, and brimming with warm flavor. And because you’re not dealing with yeast or rising time, these can go from fridge to oven to plate in under 30 minutes.
Thanks to its simplicity and flavor, this recipe has become a popular find on Pinterest, especially among those looking for sweet breakfast pastries or quick make-ahead desserts. The visual appeal of these rolls — spiraled and golden, with cinnamon-sugar crust — also makes them perfect for brunch boards, potlucks, or freezer-friendly holiday prep.
In short, cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent rolls are a must-try. Not only are they easy to make, but they strike the perfect balance between convenience and homemade comfort.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls deliver everything you want in a quick pastry: simplicity, speed, and consistently delicious results. The combination of buttery crescent dough and a sweet, velvety cream cheese center makes them feel indulgent without requiring advanced baking skills. Even beginner bakers can achieve an impressive, golden finish with minimal effort, making this recipe an ideal go‑to for busy mornings or last‑minute gatherings.
Beyond convenience, this recipe stands out because it adapts easily to different flavor additions and serving styles. Many home bakers searching for easy crescent roll recipes turn to visual guides such as this collection on Pinterest for inspiration, and the same flexibility applies here. Whether you swirl in fruit preserves, sprinkle chopped nuts, or add warm spices beyond cinnamon, the base recipe stays reliable. To understand how cinnamon varieties influence aroma and taste, resources like the overview of cinnamon provide helpful context for choosing the right spice.
The cream cheese filling also offers room for experimentation, and learning more about its texture and behavior through guides like the entry on cream cheese can help you customize the richness or sweetness to your preference. If you’re curious about additional dessert ideas using similar ingredients, browsing related boards such as this one for cream cheese desserts on Pinterest can spark new variations without altering the simplicity that makes these rolls so appealing.
3. Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutes
Understanding each ingredient in these cream cheese crescent rolls helps you get the best flavor, texture, and adaptability from the recipe. Though only four core components are required, each plays a specific role—and you have options if substitutions are needed.
3.1 Crescent Roll Dough
The base of the recipe, refrigerated crescent roll dough, creates that signature flaky, golden crust with minimal effort. It’s widely available in stores, with popular options like Pillsbury or generic brands.
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Crescent sheets vs. pre-cut dough: Crescent sheets are ideal if you want a uniform spread without seams, while pre-cut triangles make rolling easier. Either works; just be sure to press the seams together if using a sheet.
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Substitute: In a pinch, puff pastry or biscuit dough can work, but they’ll change the texture. Puff pastry results in more layers and a crispier finish, similar to a classic croissant.
3.2 Cream Cheese Filling
This is what gives the roll its rich, tangy-sweet center. Full-fat cream cheese ensures a smooth texture and balanced flavor.
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Tips for softening: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. You can also gently microwave it for 10–15 seconds if you’re short on time.
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Variations: Add a pinch of salt, a dash of lemon zest, or even a swirl of berry jam to the filling for extra depth. Explore more flavor inspiration on Pinterest under sweet breakfast pastries.
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Substitute: Light cream cheese works but may be thinner. Avoid whipped cream cheese as it can make the filling too airy and unstable during baking.
3.3 Cinnamon Sugar Topping
This classic mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon creates the signature golden crust on top.
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Choosing your cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is lighter and floral, while Cassia (the more common grocery-store kind) is stronger and spicier. Wikipedia’s cinnamon page explains the differences in depth.
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Tip: Mix a touch of brown sugar with white sugar for a caramelized finish.
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Substitute: Coconut sugar or maple sugar can offer a twist, but expect a different taste and slightly altered baking behavior.
3.4 Optional Add-ins
While the base recipe shines on its own, these optional ingredients let you customize for special occasions or flavor profiles:
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Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch
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Fruits: Add thin apple slices or a dollop of fruit preserves inside
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Chocolate: Mini chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top
For visual inspiration, browse homemade cinnamon sugar mixes and see how others elevate simple recipes.
These ingredients form the core of an incredibly simple recipe that’s open to creative twists without compromising its ease. By understanding each component, you’ll be ready to bake rolls that are both foolproof and flavorful.
4. Equipment You’ll Need
One of the greatest advantages of making cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent rolls is the minimal equipment required. You don’t need a mixer, rolling pin, or any special baking tools—just a few basic kitchen essentials.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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Baking Sheet: A standard flat baking sheet is perfect. Lining it will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
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Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: These help avoid sticking and ensure the crescent rolls bake evenly. Parchment also promotes a crisp bottom crust.
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Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl works well for mixing the cream cheese filling. If you’re using add-ins like fruit or spices, a slightly larger bowl may help prevent overflow.
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Spatula or Spoon: Use these to mix the filling until smooth and creamy. A silicone spatula helps scrape every bit from the bowl.
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Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing melted butter over the rolls before adding the cinnamon sugar topping. This step enhances browning and flavor.
Each tool has a specific purpose, and while you can improvise with what you have, these basics ensure that your rolls turn out perfectly golden, crisp, and creamy every time. For more kitchen baking tips, explore freezing and baking techniques to learn how tools and temperature affect results.
5. Step-by-Step Instructions (with Tips)
Making cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls is a straightforward process that delivers impressive results with minimal time and effort. Here’s how to do it step-by-step, with tips to ensure each roll bakes up perfectly.
5.1 Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
Using parchment or a reusable mat is a small step that makes a big difference, especially when working with sugar, which can caramelize and stick.
5.2 Make the Filling
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In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Mix until smooth and creamy. For the best texture, use a spatula or hand mixer.
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to blend easily. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling, so don’t skip this step.
5.3 Assemble the Rolls
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Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines.
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Spread a thin layer of cream cheese filling on each triangle, covering from the wide end to the tip.
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Roll each triangle up from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape.
Don’t overfill, or the filling may leak during baking. You can seal the edges slightly with your fingers for a neater appearance.
5.4 Add Topping
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In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
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Brush the tops of each roll with ¼ cup of melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mix.
This topping creates the golden, crispy crust that’s the signature of this pastry. Try using different sugar blends like the ones found in Pinterest’s cinnamon sugar ideas for more inspiration.
5.5 Bake to Perfection
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Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
Watch closely during the final minutes. The sugar topping can go from golden to burnt quickly, especially near the edges.
5.6 Let Cool & Serve
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Let the rolls cool slightly on the pan before serving.
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Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
When served warm, the cream cheese filling stays soft and smooth, perfectly complementing the crispy exterior. For extra indulgence, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
6. Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
These crescent cream cheese rolls are perfect for making ahead, storing, and reheating. Their structure holds up well, even after freezing, making them ideal for batch baking.
6.1 Room Temp or Fridge?
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
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They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keep in mind that refrigeration may slightly change the texture, making the dough firmer and the filling denser.
6.2 Freezing Tips
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To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble them fully, place on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
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For baked rolls, let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then freeze.
Visit the Freezing of Food page to understand how temperature impacts baked goods.
6.3 Reheating Instructions
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Microwave: 15–20 seconds for a soft texture.
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Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the exterior crispy.
Avoid over-microwaving, as it can make the cream cheese filling too hot and melt the structure.
7. Variations and Customizations
While the classic version of these rolls is delicious as-is, the recipe is versatile enough for countless flavor combinations. This makes it a great base for experimentation, especially when inspired by other easy crescent roll recipes.
7.1 Fruity Additions
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Add a spoonful of apple pie filling, raspberry jam, or blueberry preserves before rolling.
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These add both color and flavor and can turn the rolls into a more dessert-style pastry.
7.2 Nutty Twists
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Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
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Toast the nuts slightly for a deeper flavor.
7.3 Dessert Versions
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Drizzle baked rolls with melted chocolate or cream cheese glaze.
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Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
Check out visual variations of these ideas on this Pinterest cream cheese dessert board.
7.4 Savory Cream Cheese Rolls (Alternate Flavor)
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Replace sugar and cinnamon with garlic powder, chopped herbs, and parmesan for a savory option.
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Perfect for brunch boards or as a side with soups.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—sweet or savory, simple or filled, you can adapt it to fit your tastes or the season.
8. Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but how you serve them can elevate the experience even further.
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Breakfast Pairings: Serve alongside a cup of coffee, hot tea, or spiced chai for a comforting morning treat.
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Brunch Boards: Arrange with fresh fruit, yogurt, muffins, and croissants for a visually stunning spread.
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Dessert Style: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle for an elegant end to a meal.
For more serving inspiration, check out this board on sweet breakfast pastries to see how others present similar dishes.
These rolls are also ideal for potlucks and family gatherings—easy to transport and universally loved.
9. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even simple recipes come with common pitfalls. Here’s how to fix them:
9.1 Filling Leaks Out
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Don’t overfill and avoid spreading the cream cheese too close to the edges.
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Pinch the seams slightly to help seal the dough.
9.2 Dough Doesn’t Brown Evenly
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Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking.
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Make sure rolls are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
9.3 Soggy Bottoms
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Use parchment paper and avoid over-brushing with butter.
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Place the tray on the middle rack and avoid overcrowding.
For more insights into crescent roll behavior, the baking techniques in croissants can provide context on dough textures and baking outcomes.
10. Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
Each roll contains:
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Calories: ~180
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Fat: ~10g
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Carbohydrates: ~18g
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Sugar: ~9g
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Protein: ~3g
These estimates will vary slightly depending on the brand of crescent dough and any added fillings or toppings. For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and less sugar in the topping.
11. FAQs
Q1: Can you make these cinnamon cream cheese rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls ahead and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh in the morning. Alternatively, freeze and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Q2: What other fillings can I use with crescent roll dough?
Try fruit preserves, Nutella, pumpkin puree, or lemon curd. Crescent roll dough is incredibly versatile, as seen in many Pinterest crescent dough recipes.
Q3: Are crescent rolls and puff pastry the same?
No. While both are flaky, crescent roll dough contains leavening agents and is softer. Croissant dough is laminated, like puff pastry, for layered flakiness.
Q4: How do I keep the rolls from unrolling while baking?
Roll tightly from the wide end and press the tip gently into the dough to seal. Brushing with a bit of melted butter can also help hold the seam.
Q5: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less creamy. Avoid whipped cream cheese, as it tends to lose structure when baked.
PrintCinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls The Easiest Crescent Pastry for Breakfast or Dessert
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are buttery, golden crescent rolls filled with a sweet vanilla cream cheese center and topped with crispy cinnamon sugar. With only four ingredients, they’re the perfect no-fuss pastry for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Ready in under 30 minutes and freezer-friendly, they’re a delicious solution for busy mornings or make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over each triangle.
Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
Brush each roll with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
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For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese and let it soften fully before mixing.
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Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent leaking during baking.
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Try using brown sugar or a sugar blend for deeper flavor in the topping.
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To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate or freeze unbaked rolls.
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Serve warm with coffee or dessert toppings like glaze or ice cream.
