Hey there, friends! If you’re like me, nothing feels cozier than the aroma of baked goods wafting through the house. In this recipe, I’m excited to share how to make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls. Imagine buttery, flaky rolls filled with sweetened cream cheese goodness, topped with a heavenly cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s the simplest way to turn an ordinary day into something magical, perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Let me tell you why this recipe is a must-try! First off, these rolls are incredibly easy to whip together. You can choose to use refrigerated crescent roll dough or go for homemade dough, providing you with flexible options based on how much time you have. Secondly, who doesn’t love the classic combination of cream cheese and cinnamon? The filling is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, making each bite a delightful experience.
Additionally, these rolls are highly shareable. Whether you’re having a brunch with friends or a cozy family gathering, they are sure to impress. Plus, they are versatile! You can customize the filling or the spices to suit your taste. There’s just something soulful about baked goods that can lift your spirits, which is why this recipe is worth making!
Step-by-Step: Making Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s break down the process into easy steps, so you can enjoy your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls without any hassle!
Ingredients:
Here’s what you need to gather:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for dough)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for dough)
Directions:
Start by preparing your cream cheese filling. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Set this delicious mixture aside.
If you’re opting for the shortcut with refrigerated dough, roll out the crescent dough and pinch the seams to form rectangles. Cut these rectangles into squares. For those who want to make their dough from scratch, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl and let it sit until it becomes foamy. Then add the flour, salt, egg, and 3 tbsp softened butter. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, then let it rise for 1 hour. Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut it into squares.
Once your squares are ready, spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal them.
For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. If you prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cook the rolls in a single layer for 6 to 8 minutes.
After baking, brush the warm rolls with melted butter and toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will give them that irresistible coating.
Best Ways to Serve Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Once your delicious rolls have come out of the oven and cooled just a bit, it’s time to serve! These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are divine on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving:
With Fresh Fruit: Consider adding a side of fresh berries or slices of bananas to balance the sweetness and add a pop of color to your plate.
Coffee Pairing: These rolls pair exceptionally well with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite warm beverage. The comforting flavors enhance the roll experience.
Frosting Drizzle: For an extra special touch, you can make a quick frosting using powdered sugar and milk to drizzle on top. It adds a creamy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
How to Store Leftover Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
If you have some rolls left (which is a big “if” because they’re so delicious!), you can store them easily. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Cover: Place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerate: If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, consider refrigerating them. They will last for about 3 to 5 days that way. Simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds before enjoying.
Freeze: For even longer storage, you can freeze them! Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-friendly bag. They can last up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Let’s share some of my favorite tips to help you create the best Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls:
Don’t Skip the Rising Time: If you’re making homemade dough, allowing for the proper rise time is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or mix-ins to the cream cheese filling! Add raisins, chopped nuts, or even a splash of lemon zest for a zesty twist.
Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast ensures your rolls will rise nicely, giving them the airy, delicate texture that makes them so irresistible.
Creative Twists on Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
Chocolate Swirl: Add a layer of chocolate spread (like Nutella) along with the cream cheese filling for a decadent treat.
Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into your cream cheese filling during the fall season for a festive touch.
Savory Style: Swap out the sugar and cinnamon for garlic, herbs, and cheese to create a savory version that works wonderfully as an appetizer.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought cream cheese frosting can save you some time, and it tastes fantastic. Just use it in place of the cream cheese filling.
2. How can I tell if my rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and smell heavenly! You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, they are ready.
3. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Then, shape and bake the next morning for fresh rolls.
There you have it, my friends, your guide to making delightful Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls that will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!
Print
Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fluffy rolls filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for dough)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating together softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- For refrigerated dough, roll out the crescent dough, pinch seams to form rectangles, and cut into squares. For homemade dough, combine warm milk, yeast, and 2 tbsp sugar; let sit until foamy. Then mix in flour, salt, egg, and 3 tbsp softened butter. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then let rise for 1 hour, roll into a rectangle, and cut into squares.
- Spoon 1-2 tsp of cream cheese filling into the center of each square, fold over and pinch edges to seal.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place rolls on baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. For air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter and toss in sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Notes
These rolls are best served warm with fresh fruit or a cup of coffee. Consider drizzling with a simple frosting for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg