Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Craving a sweet and easy treat? These cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are the answer! They're incredibly simple to make, using either store-bought crescent dough or a homemade dough. The creamy, cinnamon-spiced filling is perfectly balanced with the buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or satisfying a sweet tooth.

Shortcut Method: Use refrigerated crescent roll dough for super-quick preparation. Simply roll out the dough, fill with the cream cheese mixture, roll up, bake, and coat in cinnamon sugar.

Homemade Method: For a more authentic touch, try the homemade dough. It requires a little more time for kneading and rising, but the result is a soft and fluffy roll that's well worth the effort.

Tips: Seal the edges tightly to prevent filling leakage. Serve warm for the best experience!

Casey
Updated on Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:11:48 GMT
A plate of pastries with a white plate. Pin it
A plate of pastries with a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

This recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls is my absolute go to for when a sweet craving strikes. It creates the most incredible little bites that are part creamy cheesecake, part warm churro, and they come together so fast you can be enjoying them in under 30 minutes.

I first threw these together when friends dropped by unexpectedly, using a tube of crescent dough I had in the fridge. They were such a massive hit that now I make sure to always have the ingredients on hand for a sweet emergency.

Ingredients

  • One package refrigerated crescent roll dough: this is the secret to making them so fast and easy
  • Eight ounces cream cheese: make sure it’s the full fat block style and softened to room temperature for the creamiest filling
  • One quarter cup granulated sugar: for sweetening the filling just enough
  • One teaspoon vanilla extract: this adds a warm bakery aroma and flavor
  • One half teaspoon ground cinnamon: a little spice in the filling makes all the difference
  • One half cup unsalted butter melted: for brushing the rolls so the cinnamon sugar sticks
  • One half cup granulated sugar: for the coating
  • One tablespoon ground cinnamon: for the coating this combination creates that classic churro like crust

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Creamy Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy with no lumps. Set this aside while you handle the dough.
Prepare the Dough:
Unroll your crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. The dough will likely be perforated into triangles. Gently press and pinch the seams together to form a solid rectangle of dough. Then, cut this rectangle into eight smaller, roughly equal squares or rectangles.
Assemble the Rolls:
Spoon about one to two teaspoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each piece of dough. Don’t be tempted to add too much more, or it will ooze out during baking. Carefully fold the dough corners over the filling and roll it into a ball or a small log shape, pinching all the seams tightly to seal the filling inside. This is the most important step to prevent leaks.
Bake the Rolls:
If using an oven, preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the rolls seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and a beautiful golden brown. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the rolls in a single layer for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the rolls are baking, mix the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven or air fryer and are still warm, brush each one all over with the melted butter. Immediately transfer the buttered roll into the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss it gently until it’s generously coated on all sides.
A plate of pastries with one missing. Pin it
A plate of pastries with one missing. | cookingwithcasey.com

My favorite part of this whole recipe has to be the cream cheese filling. It's so simple, but the combination of tangy cream cheese with warm vanilla and cinnamon is just heavenly. When it bakes inside the dough and gets warm and melty, it’s pure comfort.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To bring them back to life, I highly recommend reheating them before serving. A few minutes in a 350 degree oven or about 30 seconds in the air fryer will warm them through, making the filling gooey and the outside perfectly crisp again.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative with these little rolls. If you don't have crescent dough, a sheet of puff pastry works wonderfully, creating a flakier texture. For the filling, you could stir in a spoonful of Nutella for a chocolate hazelnut twist, or fold in some fresh chopped berries for a fruity version. For a savory snack, skip the cinnamon sugar and use a garlic and herb cream cheese instead, then roll the baked rolls in melted butter and grated parmesan cheese.

Homemade Dough vs Shortcut Dough

While using refrigerated crescent dough is the key to getting these on the table in under 30 minutes, making your own dough can be incredibly rewarding. A simple homemade yeast dough will result in a softer, more bread like roll that’s closer to a classic cinnamon bun. If you have the extra hour for the dough to rise, I highly recommend trying it, but for a quick and satisfying treat, the shortcut version is a clear winner and just as delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?

The key is to seal the edges of the dough tightly after adding the filling. Pinch the edges firmly to create a secure closure.

→ Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, puff pastry works wonderfully! Just be sure to roll it out thinly and cut it into squares or rectangles before adding the filling.

→ How long can I store leftover rolls?

Leftover rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ What other fillings can I use besides cream cheese?

Get creative! Nutella, berry mixtures, or apple pie filling are all delicious alternatives. You can even make a savory version with garlic herb cream cheese and parmesan!

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before, place assembled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let cool completely before freezing.

→ What's the best way to reheat the rolls?

For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not be as crispy.

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Irresistible cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls, part cheesecake, part churro. Easy with crescent dough or homemade!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American Dessert

Yield: 8 Servings (8 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Filling and Coating

01 Softened cream cheese (227g)
02 Granulated sugar (50g)
03 Vanilla extract (5ml)
04 Ground cinnamon (2.5ml)
05 Melted unsalted butter (113g)
06 Granulated sugar for coating (100g)
07 Ground cinnamon for coating (15ml)

→ Dough (Choose One)

08 Refrigerated crescent roll dough (227g) or puff pastry sheet (227g)

→ Homemade Dough (Alternative)

09 Active dry yeast (7g)
10 Warm milk (120ml, 43°C)
11 Granulated sugar (25g)
12 All-purpose flour (300g)
13 Salt (2.5g)
14 Large egg
15 Softened unsalted butter (45g)

Instructions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 50g granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 2.5ml ground cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, then set aside.

Step 02

If utilizing refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry, unroll it onto a clean surface. For crescent dough supplied as triangles, firmly pinch the edges together to create small rectangles, facilitating easier filling.

Step 03

For homemade dough, first combine the warm milk, yeast, and 25g granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Subsequently, incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly to achieve a soft dough. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it develops a smooth consistency. Permit the dough to rise in a warm environment for 1 hour, or until its volume has visibly doubled. Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangular shape and cut it into individual squares.

Step 04

Carefully place approximately 5ml to 10ml (1-2 teaspoons) of the prepared cream cheese filling into the center of each individual dough piece.

Step 05

Gently fold the dough over the filling and shape it into a compact ball or log. Ensure all edges are pinched tightly and sealed completely to encapsulate the filling within the dough, preventing any leakage during the cooking process.

Step 06

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the assembled rolls uniformly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls achieve a golden brown hue and are cooked through.

Step 07

As an alternative cooking method, preheat an air fryer to 175°C (350°F). Place the rolls in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate space between each to allow for even cooking. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, monitoring closely for a golden appearance and desired doneness.

Step 08

While the rolls are still warm from baking, generously brush them with the melted butter. In a separate shallow dish, combine the 100g granulated sugar with 15ml ground cinnamon. Carefully toss the buttered rolls in this cinnamon sugar mixture until each is evenly and thoroughly coated.

Notes

  1. To prevent cream cheese from leaking during baking, ensure all dough edges are sealed tightly around the filling.
  2. Crescent roll or puff pastry dough is easier to handle and shape when thoroughly chilled.
  3. Avoid overfilling each roll; a teaspoon of cream cheese filling is typically sufficient to prevent bursting.
  4. Serve these rolls warm for the most enjoyable, creamy experience.
  5. Store any leftover rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving for best results.
  6. For a chocolatey variation, add a spoonful of Nutella to the cream cheese filling.
  7. Create a fruity version by mixing fresh or frozen berries into the cream cheese filling.
  8. For an apple cinnamon twist, spoon apple pie filling inside with the cream cheese.
  9. To make savory rolls, use garlic herb cream cheese and coat them in grated Parmesan cheese instead of cinnamon sugar.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Air fryer (optional)
  • Shallow dish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 4 g