Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Ingredients

You can make these rolls two ways: with shortcut crescent roll dough for convenience or with homemade dough for extra bakery-style fluffiness.

Shortcut Version (with Crescent Rolls or Puff Pastry)

• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry sheet)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Homemade Dough Option

If you’d like to go all out:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.

2. Set aside while preparing the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• Shortcut method: Roll out crescent roll dough. If using triangles, pinch edges to make small rectangles.

• Homemade method:

  1. Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Add flour, salt, egg, and butter. Mix into a soft dough.

  3. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth, then let rise 1 hour until doubled.

  4. Roll into a rectangle and cut into squares.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Place 1–2 teaspoons of cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough piece.

2. Fold over and roll into a ball or log, pinching edges tightly so the filling stays inside.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes until golden.

• Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cook rolls in a single layer for 6–8 minutes.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

1. While rolls are still warm, brush with melted butter.

2. Toss in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes (10 minutes with shortcut dough)

• Rising time (if homemade dough): 1 hour

• Baking/Air frying: 12–15 minutes

• Total time:

  • Shortcut version: ~30 minutes

  • Homemade dough: ~1 hr 45 min

Tips for Success

• Seal edges tightly: Prevents cream cheese from leaking.

• Work with cold dough: Crescent/puff pastry is easier to shape when chilled.

• Don’t overfill: A teaspoon of filling per roll is enough.

• Best when fresh: Serve warm for maximum creaminess.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3 days; reheat before serving.

Variations

• Nutella Cream Cheese Rolls – Add a spoonful of Nutella to the filling.

• Berry Cheesecake Rolls – Mix fresh or frozen berries into the cream cheese.

• Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Spoon apple pie filling inside with the cream cheese.

• Savory Cream Cheese Rolls – Use garlic herb cream cheese, then coat in parmesan instead of cinnamon sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a breakfast pastry with coffee or tea.

• Make them the centerpiece of a brunch board with fruit and yogurt.

• Offer them as a holiday dessert dusted with powdered sugar.

• Pair with caramel sauce or cream cheese glaze for dipping.

Calories & Nutrition (per roll, using crescent dough, makes 8)

• Calories: ~230

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 14g

• Sugar: 11g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are the perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came from a bakery. They’re versatile, customizable, and can be enjoyed any time of day.