Introduction

These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are a delightful treat combining a buttery pastry with a sweet cinnamon coating and a creamy, dreamy filling. Whether you choose the shortcut method with crescent rolls or make your own dough from scratch, these rolls are easy to prepare and perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or snacks.

The image shows four cinnamon rolls on a white plate with a white marbled background. The rolls have three visible layers: the outer layer is golden brown dough covered in cinnamon sugar crystals giving a crunchy texture, the middle layer is a softer light yellow dough, and the inner layer is creamy white frosting tucked inside the spiral. The rolls look soft with a slightly crispy top due to the sugar. One cinnamon roll in the front is cut open to show the thick creamy filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Shortcut Version (using crescent rolls or puff pastry):

1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Homemade Dough Option:

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the dough:
- Shortcut Method: Unroll the crescent dough. Pinch perforations together to form solid rectangles, then cut into equal squares.
- Homemade Method:
  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  5. Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.
Step 3: Place 1–2 teaspoons of cream cheese filling in the center of each dough square. Fold over and pinch edges tightly to seal, shaping them into mini pillows.
Step 4: Bake or air fry the rolls:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Arrange rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Arrange rolls in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: While warm, brush rolls generously with melted butter, then toss or roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Tips & Variations

Seal edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
Keep dough cold to make shaping and sealing easier.
Avoid overfilling; 1–2 teaspoons of filling per roll is just right.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and mess.
For extra crispiness, try using an air fryer.
Add a pinch of salt to your cinnamon sugar mixture for deeper flavor.
Make ahead by assembling the rolls the night before and baking fresh in the morning.
Nutella Cream Cheese Rolls: Swirl 1 teaspoon of Nutella into each roll before sealing.
Berry Cheesecake Rolls: Add diced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the cream cheese filling.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Spoon a bit of apple pie filling into the center along with the cream cheese.
Savory Option: Use garlic herb cream cheese and coat the rolls in grated Parmesan instead of cinnamon sugar.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free puff pastry.
Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and vegan crescent dough.

Storage

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Microwaving for 15–20 seconds is also an option but may soften the cinnamon sugar coating slightly.

How to Serve

A close-up view of four cinnamon rolls on a white plate, each roll showing multiple layers of soft, golden-brown dough spiraled tightly with a thick coating of cinnamon sugar crystals on the surface giving a textured, slightly crunchy appearance. The front roll is cut open revealing an inner layer of smooth, creamy white frosting visible near the center, contrasting with the darker cinnamon-coated layers. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture surface beneath the plate, giving a clean and light feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the rolls for 6–8 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.

What’s the best dough to use?

Crescent roll dough is the quickest option, puff pastry provides a flaky texture, and homemade dough offers a classic, rich flavor. Choose based on your time and taste preferences.