Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe

Today, I’m bringing you a truly irresistible, totally cozy, and ridiculously easy sweet treat: the Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls! If you’re looking for that perfect bite of warmth and comfort without spending hours in the kitchen, trust me, this one’s a game-changer. These little beauties take soft white bread, turn it into a pliable vessel for a creamy, dreamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and then bake them until they’re golden and crisp, coated in a glistening, crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. It’s a little bit like the best parts of a classic cinnamon roll and a piece of French toast had a delicious, simple baby—and they’re ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for an easy weekend brunch, a last-minute dessert, or a midnight snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Under 30 Minutes, Seriously: These rolls are the ultimate quick fix when that sweet craving hits. We’re talking about 10 minutes of prep and a quick bake time—minimal waiting, maximum enjoyment!
• A Creamy Surprise: The slightly tangy, sweet cream cheese filling tucked inside stays perfectly soft and luscious, offering a wonderful contrast to the crunchy, sugary crust.
• Pantry Staple Hero: You likely have most of these simple ingredients on hand right now, so you can whip these up anytime without a last-minute trip to the store.
• Irresistibly Sensory: The smell alone, as that warm butter and cinnamon hits your oven, is enough to make your mouth water. That crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, creamy center—it’s just divine.

Ingredients

All you need for these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls is a handful of simple ingredients! Gather up these goodies, and let’s get rolling:

• Soft White Bread: This is our base! Using soft bread is key because it makes flattening and rolling a breeze. Be sure to remove those crusts so they seal up nice and tight.
• Cream Cheese: The heart of the filling. Make sure it’s fully softened (room temperature is your friend!) so you can beat it smooth and lump-free for a truly luxurious interior.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese. It dissolves effortlessly, giving the filling a silky, smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla is a non-negotiable! It deepens the flavor of the cream cheese filling, making it taste like a classic dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Used for the exterior coating. This coarse sugar caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating that wonderful, sugary crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon: The essential spice! This is what gives the rolls that warm, signature aroma and flavor.
• Melted Butter: This is the magic “glue” that allows the cinnamon-sugar mixture to stick perfectly to the bread before it goes into the oven.

Note: The ingredients with precise measurements and nutritional information will be listed right under this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Let’s get this party started! These rolls are so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you go from zero to warm, cozy dessert.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and The Creamy Filling

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (and so none of that precious cinnamon-sugar sticks!). In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk it until it’s perfectly smooth and luscious.

Step 2: Flatten the Bread Slices

This is the fun part! Gently flatten each slice of crustless bread using a rolling pin. We want them pliable, thin, and ready to roll, but be careful not to tear them.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spread about a tablespoon of that beautiful cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the flattened bread slice. Next, roll the bread up tightly, starting from one end, just like you would a jelly roll. Keep the roll firm!

Step 4: Coat in Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk together your granulated sugar and cinnamon. This is your glorious coating! Now, take your cream cheese roll, brush it all over with the melted butter, and then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s completely coated.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place your coated rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp exterior. Let them cool for just a couple of minutes—they’ll be piping hot!—and then devour.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese Step: If your cream cheese isn’t soft and smooth, it will tear the delicate, flattened bread when you try to spread it. Room temperature is essential for a silky filling.
• Roll ’em Tight: When rolling the bread after adding the filling, make sure the roll is tight, like a jelly roll. This helps keep the filling in place and prevents the roll from unraveling during baking.
• Add Extra Butter: When brushing the rolls with melted butter, don’t be shy! The butter is what creates that glorious, crunchy coating when combined with the cinnamon sugar.
• Watch the Time: Because ovens vary, check the rolls at the 12-minute mark. They are done when they are golden and the sugar is caramelized on the outside. You don’t want them to dry out!

How to Serve

These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience and make them truly swoon-worthy, try these pairings!

• Simple Glaze: Whisk together a little powdered sugar and a splash of milk or vanilla extract until smooth, and drizzle it over the warm rolls right before serving.
• Dipping Delight: Serve a small bowl of warm maple syrup or honey alongside them for easy dipping.
• Fruity Freshness: A side of fresh berries—like raspberries or strawberries—provides a lovely, tart counterpoint to the sweet, warm rolls.
• The Ice Cream Trick: Pop a few warm rolls on a plate next to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or frozen yogurt. The combination of warm and cold is out of this world!

Make Ahead and Storage

These rolls are definitely best served fresh and warm, but life happens! Here’s how you can prep and store them.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can prep these ahead of time and freeze them before baking! Assemble the rolls, coat them in butter and cinnamon-sugar, and then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-8 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy them again, reheat refrigerated rolls in a toaster oven or in a conventional oven at 350∘F for about 5-7 minutes until the filling is soft and the exterior is crisp again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can! While soft white sandwich bread is the easiest because it rolls up perfectly, you could try brioche or Texas toast for a richer flavor. The main rule is that the bread must be soft and flexible enough to be easily flattened and rolled without tearing. Whole wheat bread tends to be too coarse and might crack.

2. How can I make these rolls even more indulgent or flavorful?

You can absolutely play around with the filling! Try mixing a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar coating for a more complex spice blend. For the filling, you could add a few mini chocolate chips or a tiny dab of fruit jam (like raspberry or strawberry) right on top of the cream cheese before rolling.

3. Why did my cream cheese filling ooze out while they were baking?

A little bit of oozing is totally normal—that just means you’re cooking with cheese! However, excessive oozing usually happens if the rolls weren’t sealed tightly enough or if they were rolled too loosely. Make sure you are pressing the seam down firmly when you place them on the baking sheet, and roll them as compactly as possible in Step 6.

4. Can I fry these rolls instead of baking them?

You sure can! These also work beautifully when cooked in a pan, much like French toast sticks. After coating them, melt a little extra butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, turning until they are golden brown and crisp all over. This creates a slightly richer, chewier texture!