Delicious Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

These cream cheese cinnamon sugar rolls create a delightfully soft and sweet treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. The creamy filling paired with a tender dough makes every bite irresistibly good. Whether you choose to start from scratch with homemade dough or use refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience, this recipe delivers a comforting bakery-style experience at home.

I first made these on a chilly Sunday morning, and the aroma filled the whole house. Now they are my go-to for weekend brunches since everyone requests them regularly.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry: a convenient shortcut to flaky rolls—use quality dough for the best texture
• Cream cheese softened: adds rich creaminess and tanginess—make sure it is not cold to blend smoothly
• Granulated sugar: for balanced sweetness inside and in the cinnamon sugar coating
• Vanilla extract: enhances the flavor with warm notes—opt for pure if possible
• Ground cinnamon: key for that cozy spicy taste—fresh ground feels more vibrant
• Unsalted butter melted and softened: provides richness and helps with sealing the rolls and coating
• Active dry yeast: essential if making dough from scratch—ensures the dough rises light and airy
• Warm milk around 43 degrees Celsius: activates yeast gently without killing it
• All-purpose flour: sturdy base for dough—sift and measure properly for best results
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
• Large egg: enriches the dough and helps create structure

Instructions

Smoothing the Cream Cheese Filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.

Preparing the Dough Shortcut:

If using refrigerated crescent roll dough, unroll carefully and press the seams tightly so they don’t separate during baking. Cut into equal squares suitable for rolling around the filling.

Making Homemade Dough:

In a bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and sugar. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until the surface becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add flour, salt, the large egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Knead this combination for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic to the touch. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size. Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately half a centimeter thick and cut it into uniform squares.

Filling and Sealing the Rolls:

Place one to two teaspoons of the cream cheese filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over the filling carefully and pinch the edges firmly to seal completely, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.

Baking the Rolls:

Oven Method Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Arrange the filled rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each for expansion. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Air Fryer Method Preheat the air fryer to 175 degrees Celsius. Place rolls in a single layer inside the basket and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the rolls are puffed up and golden on top.

Finishing Touches:

While the rolls are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Immediately toss or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture so that the coating sticks well, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the cinnamon sugar coating after baking. It reminds me of weekend mornings when my family gathered around the kitchen table, sharing fresh rolls and hot coffee. The sweet aroma made those moments feel extra special and cozy.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. If you want to keep them longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month—reheat gently in the oven to bring back the freshness and gooey texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone or ricotta if you prefer a milder flavor but keep the creamy texture. For a dairy-free option try coconut cream or vegan cream cheese alternatives. Ground cinnamon can be swapped with pumpkin spice or cardamom for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea to elevate your breakfast or brunch. These rolls also pair surprisingly well with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey on the side. For a party, place them on a platter with small dishes of jam or nut butter.

These sweet rolls are a comforting treat you can customize to your taste with simple swaps. Enjoy baking and sharing these cozy delights with loved ones.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What dough can I use for these rolls?

You can use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a quick version or prepare a homemade soft yeast dough for a traditional texture.

→ How is the cream cheese filling prepared?

The filling is made by beating softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy.

→ Can these rolls be baked in an air fryer?

Yes, preheat the air fryer to 175°C and cook the rolls for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn golden brown.

→ How do I get a crisp cinnamon sugar coating?

Brush the baked rolls with melted butter while warm, then toss them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy finish.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

The dough can be made in advance, refrigerated, and rolled out when ready to save time on baking day.