Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

That familiar warmth seems to hug every corner of the room, especially when paired with the creamy sweetness of a soft, baked pastry. One quiet morning, I wanted to make something simple but indulgent something that paired perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee and a moment of stillness before the day began.

I reached for a few basic ingredients I always have on hand: cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. The combination promised something delightful creamy, sweet, and perfectly spiced. 

As I whipped the filling and rolled the dough, the kitchen transformed into a little bakery of its own. The anticipation grew as the scent of melting butter and cinnamon filled the air, wrapping around every sense.

When the golden pastries came out of the oven, brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, they shimmered slightly under the light. Each bite was soft and creamy inside, with a crisp, sweet coating that crackled ever so slightly between the teeth.

Short Description

A soft, buttery pastry filled with sweet cinnamon cream cheese and coated in warm cinnamon sugar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy inside an easy treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Key Ingredients

Shortcut Version (with Crescent Rolls or Puff Pastry)

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

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Homemade Dough Option (for traditional bakers)

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Air fryer (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of cream cheese filling into the center of each dough piece. Fold over and seal the edges tightly.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and puffed.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, brush rolls with melted butter, then toss in a mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamonuntil evenly coated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and sweet

Can be baked or air fried

Quick to make with shortcut dough or fully homemade

Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea

Great for breakfast, brunch, or an after dinner treat

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Using cold cream cheese
Solution: Always soften it to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling.

Mistake 2: Overfilling the dough
Solution: Use only 1–2 teaspoons of filling per piece to prevent leaks during baking.

Mistake 3: Not sealing edges properly
Solution: Pinch tightly or use a fork to crimp edges and lock in the filling.

Mistake 4: Overbaking
Solution: Remove when golden brown; they continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Mistake 5: Skipping the butter coating
Solution: The butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds rich flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai.

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Serve as part of a brunch platter with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar before serving for sparkle.

Arrange on a tray for a family style breakfast table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: Keep for 4–5 days if filled with cream cheese.

Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months, then reheat before serving.

Reheating (Oven): Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Reheating (Air Fryer): Heat for 2–3 minutes until crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for up to 2 days before use.

2. Can I use low fat cream cheese?
You can, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.

3. What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Use puff pastry, biscuit dough, or homemade dough instead.

4. Can I add other spices?
Yes! Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice blend beautifully with cinnamon.

5. How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?
Cover them with a clean towel while cooling to lock in moisture.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the dough slightly if it becomes too soft to handle.

For extra flavor, add a small pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon sugar mix.

Brush the baked rolls with a bit of honey or cream glaze for shine.

Try adding a dollop of jam before sealing for a fruity surprise.

For easy cleanup, roll the cinnamon sugar coating in a zip top bag.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Cinnamon Cream Rolls
Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling. Bake as usual for a chocolate twist.

Maple Cream Rolls
Swap vanilla extract for 1 teaspoon maple syrup and coat with maple sugar instead of regular sugar.

Savory Cinnamon Cream Bites
Skip the sugar and cinnamon in the filling and add herbs or garlic powder. Coat with melted butter and Parmesan instead of cinnamon sugar.

Fruit Filled Cinnamon Cream Rolls
Add a small spoonful of apple or strawberry jam along with the cream cheese filling.

Mini Air Fryer Bites
Cut dough into smaller squares, fill lightly, and air fry for 5 minutes for bite sized treats.

Final Thoughts

This cinnamon sugar cream recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite simple, golden, and filled with warm spice. What makes it special is its flexibility: you can prepare it in a few minutes with store bought dough or take your time with homemade dough for that fresh baked feel.

The contrast of the crisp coating and creamy filling creates pure contentment. It’s a small pastry, but it has a way of turning an ordinary day into something quietly special.