Dreamy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

It was 7:42 a.m. on a Tuesday when Rosa burst into the teachers’ lounge carrying a foil-wrapped tray like it held the Holy Grail. She was already flustered coffee sloshed in her cup, scarf tangled in her bag strap but she unwrapped those rolls like a magician pulling silk scarves from a hat. As soon as the lid came off, the smell of cinnamon sugar made half the room stand up and wander over like it was involuntary. These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls were gone in eight minutes flat.

Three weeks later, the same rolls showed up in a boardroom where I was styling a shoot for a client’s breakfast campaign. Only this time, they were store-bought and lacking the soul of Rosa’s homemade batch. That night, back in my own kitchen, I started tinkering: should the dough be puff pastry or homemade? Could I air fry them for a faster version?

Last weekend, after a community yard sale left me with tired legs and a full heart, I baked a double batch for the neighborhood clean-up crew. The last roll went to a six-year-old named Eli, who took one bite and blinked three times before whispering, “That tastes like a cinnamon cloud.”

These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are exactly that golden, plush, with a molten center of sweet cream cheese and a buttery cinnamon sugar crust that crackles just enough when warm. They’re made for mornings after long nights, bake sales you forgot about until 10 p.m, or any day that just needs a little extra sweetness.

Short Description

These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are buttery, crisp on the outside, and filled with a sweet, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese center

Key Ingredients

For the Filling

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

For the Dough (Shortcut)

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

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

Optional Homemade Dough

• 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

• Rolling pin
• Medium mixing bowl
• Silicone brush
• Baking sheet or air fryer
• Parchment paper
• Measuring spoons & cups

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Shortcut: Roll out crescent dough or puff pastry into a rectangle. If using perforated crescent triangles, pinch seams together to create solid rectangles.
Homemade: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, egg, and butter. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Roll into a rectangle and cut into squares.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of filling into the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pinching. Shape into balls or logs.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place rolls on parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Arrange rolls in a single layer. Air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, brush each roll with melted butter. Toss in a mix of cinnamon and sugar until fully coated.

Troubleshooting Tip:
If dough becomes sticky, dust your hands or work surface lightly with flour. For even air-frying, avoid stacking rolls and work in batches if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth texture with a creamy, spiced center

Quick to prepare using shortcut dough

Easily adaptable for baking or air frying

Crowd-pleasing treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

Freezer-friendly for future cravings

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using cold cream cheese
Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well and can create lumps.
Solution: Always let it soften at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before mixing.

Overfilling the dough
Too much filling can cause leaks during baking or frying.
Solution: Stick to 1–2 teaspoons of filling per roll and seal edges well.

Crowding the air fryer
Rolls may cook unevenly or stick together.
Solution: Cook in batches with space between rolls for even air circulation.

Skipping the butter coating
Butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and creates that signature crunch.
Solution: Brush generously while rolls are still warm.

Forgetting to seal edges
Unsealed rolls can open up and leak filling.
Solution: Press seams tightly and shape gently.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a mug of chai latte or cinnamon-spiced coffee

Drizzle with maple glaze for extra indulgence

Add to a brunch spread with fresh berries and yogurt

Stack in a basket lined with linen for casual family-style sharing

Pack in lunchboxes or picnic baskets as a surprise treat

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: Place cooled rolls in an airtight container. Keep at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Arrange in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to zip-top bags and store up to 1 month.

To reheat (oven): Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes until warmed through.

To reheat (air fryer): Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes for a crispy finish.

To reheat (microwave): Heat for 15–20 seconds, but note the crust will soften.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling will be slightly less rich and creamy. Full-fat offers the best flavor.

2. Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking or air frying.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free dough substitute and ensure all other ingredients are certified GF.

4. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and make sure they’re cooled completely before storing.

5. Can I add toppings or fillings?
Yes! Chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or orange zest pair wonderfully with the base filling.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the cream cheese filling slightly to make assembly cleaner.

Use kitchen scissors to trim any excess dough for an even bake.

For a more pronounced flavor, toast the cinnamon briefly before mixing with sugar.

Add a pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon sugar mix for depth.

Try flavored butters like brown butter or maple butter for coating.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls
Swap cinnamon with 1 tablespoon lemon zest in the filling and use lemon sugar for the coating. Adds a bright, citrusy twist perfect for spring.

2. Chocolate Cream Cheese Rolls
Mix 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and a handful of mini chocolate chips into the filling. Replace cinnamon sugar with plain powdered sugar dusting post-bake.

3. Pumpkin Spice Rolls
Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the filling. Ideal for autumn gatherings or Halloween treats.

4. Raspberry Cheesecake Rolls
Spoon ½ teaspoon raspberry jam alongside the cream cheese filling. Dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a tart-sweet contrast.

5. Savory Herbed Cream Cheese Rolls
Omit sugar and cinnamon. Blend cream cheese with garlic powder, chives, and grated parmesan. Coat baked rolls with olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in watching these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls puff up and turn golden through your oven door. Maybe it’s the scent of warm butter and spice that wraps around your shoulders like a blanket or maybe it’s just the knowledge that something so simple can taste this special.

I’ve shared these with coworkers, neighbors, and even one curious delivery driver who caught a whiff and asked what I was baking. Every batch tells a story of joy shared in the little things: a surprise midweek treat, a brunch table centerpiece, or just a reason to pause and savor the sweet bite of something warm.

So here’s to simple dough, sweet filling, and sugar that sticks to your fingers. May your kitchen always smell like cinnamon and your rolls always come out golden.