Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe

There are few things in life more comforting than the combination of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and a creamy, tangy filling. Today, I’m bringing you a true game-changer: Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls! These little dessert wonders take all the best parts of a cinnamon roll—that warm, crisp exterior and lush center—and make them ridiculously easy. Using simple white bread, we skip the lengthy yeast proofing and kneading process, meaning you can have these warm, golden-brown treats ready in just over 30 minutes. Perfectly crisp on the outside, gooey with cream cheese on the inside, and coated in a sweet, fragrant cinnamon-sugar hug, this one is an absolute must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Trust me, you’re going to be obsessed with these rolls. Here’s why this recipe is a true game-changer:

• ⚡️ Lightning Fast: Seriously, we’re skipping all the heavy lifting of traditional cinnamon rolls. Ready in just over 30 minutes from start to finish!
• ✨ The Perfect Texture: You get the best of both worlds—a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a lush, smooth cream cheese filling that just melts in your mouth.
• 💰 Budget-Friendly: We’re using basic pantry staples like bread and cream cheese, making this an easy, affordable sweet treat for any day of the week.
• 👭 Friend-Approved: These are a fantastic appetizer-style dessert. They are easy to serve, easy to eat, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

All you need for this incredible recipe are a few pantry staples, about 15 minutes of prep time, and a heart ready for some serious comfort food! But first, gather up these must-haves:

• White Bread: This is our secret shortcut! Choose a standard, soft white bread. We’ll be removing the crusts and flattening it to create a pliable, easy-to-roll base for our filling.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure it is thoroughly softened! This creates that wonderfully smooth, tangy, and rich filling that holds the entire roll together.
• Granulated Sugar (for filling): A little sweetness mixed into the cream cheese to balance the tanginess and make it dessert-ready.
• Vanilla Extract: The ultimate flavor enhancer! Just a splash of vanilla deepens the warmth and complexity of the cream cheese filling.
• Melted Butter: This is key for the coating! Brushing the rolls with melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly and ensures a beautifully golden and crisp exterior while baking.
• Granulated Sugar (for coating): This provides the sweet, crunchy texture on the outside.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! This gives the rolls that classic, warm, fragrant, and inviting flavor we all know and love.

Note: The exact ingredients and measurements needed for this recipe will be right under this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

This recipe is so easy, it almost feels like cheating. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a tray of these glorious rolls ready in no time!

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment paper makes cleanup a dream, which is what we all want!

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the 3 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the texture is silky smooth and perfectly creamy—no lumps allowed!

Step 3: Mix the Coating Magic

In a separate, small bowl, combine the 21​ cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir. This is the fragrant, sweet dust that turns these rolls into cinnamon sugar heaven! Set it aside.

Step 4: Flatten the Bread

Grab a rolling pin and place a slice of bread on your counter (after removing the crusts!). Roll each piece out until it is thin and pliable, almost like a very flat tortilla. This allows for a tight, beautiful roll.

Step 5: Spread and Roll

Spread about 1 tablespoon of your luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over each flattened slice of bread, stopping just short of the edges. Then, roll up each bread slice tightly, starting from one short end, until you have a perfect, compact log.

Step 6: Coat and Prepare for Baking

Dip your pastry brush into the melted butter and generously brush the entire surface of each roll. Then, immediately roll it through your cinnamon-sugar coating until it’s fully covered in that glorious spice mix.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the rolls on your prepared baking sheet with the seam-side down. Pop them in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they are a beautiful, light golden-brown and delightfully crisp.

Step 8: Cool and Devour

Let the rolls cool on the pan for just a few minutes—they are best served warm! Dive in, or let them cool completely to serve at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

A few little insider tips to make sure your rolls come out absolutely perfect every time:

• Soften the Cream Cheese Completely: This is crucial! If your cream cheese is cold, the filling will be lumpy. Let it sit on the counter for at least an hour before mixing for that signature smooth texture.
• Roll the Bread Thinly: The thinner the bread, the more turns you get, resulting in a crispier crust and a more compact roll that holds its shape beautifully.
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Be generous! The melted butter is what creates the wonderful crispiness and ensures the cinnamon-sugar coating adheres beautifully to the rolls.
• Try a Glaze: While delicious plain, for an extra treat, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice right before serving!

How to Serve

These rolls are designed for easy snacking, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• Brunch Basket: Serve them warm alongside coffee or tea as a sweet, quick-grab item for a casual brunch or breakfast.
• Dessert Dippers: Serve them with a small bowl of caramel sauce or melted chocolate for dipping—heaven!
• Holiday Platter: Arrange them on a platter with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, beautiful holiday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (a big if!), place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

I recommend enjoying these fresh, but if you must freeze, place the baked and cooled rolls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

They taste best reheated! Pop them back into a 350∘F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and the inside is warmed through.

FAQs

1. What kind of bread works best for these rolls?

A standard soft white sandwich bread works best because it flattens easily and doesn’t crack when rolled. While you could try whole wheat, it tends to be tougher and less pliable, so stick to the soft white bread for the best results!

2. Can I use a low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

You certainly can, but I recommend sticking to the full-fat cream cheese for the most luxurious and creamy texture. Low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese tends to have more water content and may not provide that rich, smooth filling you’re looking for.

3. Is there a way to add extra flavor to the filling?

Absolutely! For an added twist, try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon, or try adding some finely grated orange zest to the cream cheese for a bright, citrusy note.

4. Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls, brush them with butter, and coat them in cinnamon sugar. Then, place them on the baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pull them out and let them come to room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as directed!