Irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

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Warm, gooey, and swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness, these Irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are the ultimate comfort treat. A golden, slightly crisp pastry encases a lusciously rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. Finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds just the right touch of crunch and spice, each roll is a symphony of texture and flavor that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or indulgent dessert cravings, this treat is the kind that stops conversation with its irresistible aroma alone. Whether served fresh out of the oven or slightly warmed the next day, these rolls are dangerously addictive — soft, creamy, and sugar-kissed, they’re everything you crave in a sweet baked delight.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls Recipe

• Perfectly balanced between creamy and crunchy textures
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home
• Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Easy to make and looks bakery-quality
• Kid-friendly and party-approved

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these rolls just right, you’ll need a few key tools:

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for preparing both the cream cheese filling and the cinnamon sugar coating. Use separate bowls to avoid flavor mixing.
• Rolling Pin: Helps flatten the dough evenly, ensuring consistent texture and roll size.
• Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents spills.
• Parchment Paper: Keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Ideal for making the cream cheese filling ultra-smooth.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for brushing melted butter onto the dough before adding cinnamon sugar.

Each tool plays a vital role — the smoother the filling, the cleaner the roll, and the more evenly baked your cinnamon sugar rolls will be.

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Preparation Tips

Let your cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing — this ensures a silky filling without lumps. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar coating; it caramelizes slightly during baking, adding a delightful crunch. When rolling the dough, go gently and evenly to prevent the filling from spilling out. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temp for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with. Finally, keep an eye on the oven in the last few minutes — you want the rolls golden, not too dark.

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Ingredients for this Irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls Recipe

For the Dough (if homemade):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

(Or use 1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Glaze (for extra indulgence):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If you’re making the dough from scratch, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

If using store-bought dough, allow it to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or whisk. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Set aside.

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Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt the butter. These will be used to brush and coat the dough before and after baking.

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Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Roll the dough (or pastry sheet) into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly brush the surface with melted butter, then spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the cream cheese layer.

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Step 5: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 1 to 1.5-inch thick rolls. You should get about 10–12 rolls, depending on the dough size.

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Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the rolls cut-side up on the sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.

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Step 7: Brush with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, immediately brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top while warm. This adds a gorgeous crunch and finish to the rolls.

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Step 8: Optional Glaze (For a Sweeter Finish)

While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls for an extra layer of sweetness.

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Notes

These rolls taste best when served warm, fresh out of the oven — the cream cheese is perfectly gooey, and the cinnamon sugar topping has the ideal crunch. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can refrigerate the rolled dough (before baking) and bake them fresh the next morning. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheeses or add chopped nuts for extra texture. For a more golden finish, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking instead of butter.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold cream cheese: This can make your filling lumpy and hard to spread. Always soften it to room temperature.
• Overstuffing the rolls: It might be tempting to add more filling, but too much can cause the rolls to unseal or leak.
• Not sealing the dough properly: Make sure the end of the dough log is pinched tightly to prevent unraveling.
• Overbaking: These rolls should be lightly golden. Too much time in the oven will dry out the dough and harden the filling.
• Skipping parchment paper: It prevents sticking and helps achieve an even bake.
• Rolling too tightly: This can squeeze out the filling and prevent the rolls from rising properly.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, microwave for about 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. If you want to freeze them, wrap the unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per roll, approximate):

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use puff pastry instead of homemade dough?

Yes! Puff pastry gives the rolls a flakier, crispier texture. Just make sure it’s thawed and pliable before rolling.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

How do I make these rolls gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if making your own dough, or look for a gluten-free pastry sheet alternative.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them unbaked or baked. For unbaked, wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight before baking.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and non-dairy dough or pastry to make a lactose-free version.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone or a thick vanilla pudding as a filling alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Why did my rolls turn out dry?

They may have overbaked or lacked enough filling. Be sure to watch the oven closely in the final minutes.

Can I add toppings like nuts or fruits?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins work well. Just sprinkle them over the filling before rolling.

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Conclusion

Irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are a magical combination of cozy, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a holiday morning, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these rolls will steal the spotlight. With simple ingredients and a foolproof process, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Once you try them, sharing might just be the hardest part.

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