Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese

These cinnamon-sugar cream cheese rolls are an easy way to bring warm, bakery-style pastries to your table without the fuss of making dough from scratch. Soft crescent roll dough wrapped around a sweet vanilla cream cheese filling gets brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. After a quick bake, you get a golden crust with a creamy center that makes a perfect brunch treat or dessert. They come together fast and satisfy cravings for something sweet, buttery, and comforting.

I first made these for a cozy weekend breakfast, and my kids devoured them before I could even grab a cup of coffee. Now they ask for them at sleepovers and holidays, making these rolls a fast favorite in our household.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: fresh packages rise well and have a flaky texture avoid any with tears or dry spots
• Cream cheese: softened block style cream cheese creates a creamy yet firm filling
• Granulated sugar: helps sweeten the filling and creates that signature crunchy cinnamon crust fine white sugar works best for even coating
• Vanilla extract: adds a classic bakery aroma and brightens the cream cheese flavor opt for pure vanilla when available
• Melted butter: brushing the rolls with butter ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks while adding richness unsalted lets you control overall saltiness
• Ground cinnamon: the defining spice of this recipe use fresh, fragrant cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the oven rack in the center position to bake the rolls evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the rolls don’t stick and cleanup is easier.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with one quarter cup of sugar and the vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer for the smoothest texture, beating until there are no lumps. Smooth filling means a lighter feel in the final bite.

Shape the Crescent Dough:

Open the crescent roll package and gently separate it into eight triangles. Press along any perforated seams with your fingers to seal them, helping the rolls keep their shape and filling during baking. Arrange the triangles on a clean surface for filling.

Fill the Dough:

Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Spread gently about one third of the way up the triangle but avoid overfilling or the cheese can leak out while baking.

Roll the Crescents:

Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly towards the point, making a neat swirl. Pinch the ends lightly to seal in the filling and prevent leaking.

Butter the Rolls:

Brush each roll all over with melted butter. This step is key to getting the cinnamon sugar to stick and to achieve a beautiful golden finish after baking.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:

In a shallow bowl, combine half a cup of granulated sugar and one tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Roll each buttered crescent evenly in the mixture, pressing lightly so the sugar clings to the surface for that perfect crunchy coating.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the rolls on the lined baking sheet with some space between each for expansion. Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until the rolls puff up and turn golden brown. Watch carefully to ensure even browning.

Cool and Serve:

Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Serve while warm for the best gooey cream cheese center and tender texture. The filling will set slightly as the rolls cool down.

Crescent roll dough is a true shortcut that transforms this recipe into a quick and impressive treat. I love the way the dough bakes up around the tangy cream cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. One of my favorite moments is having my daughter help roll these up while standing on a chair—our little shared tradition on chilly weekend mornings.

How To Store Your Rolls

Once baked, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, heat individual rolls in the microwave for about ten seconds to bring back their fresh baked softness.

Ingredient Swaps and Extras

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry, but note the texture will change slightly. For a more decadent filling, try stirring in some chocolate chips with the cream cheese or add a bit of orange zest for a citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are lovely alongside a big mug of coffee or hot chocolate. For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel or vanilla glaze. Pairing them with fresh berries also creates a bright and colorful brunch spread.

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. These easy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese rolls are a simple treat that feels special with minimal effort.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, homemade dough can be used, but crescent rolls offer a lighter, flaky texture and save time.

→ Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

Warm in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes to keep the crust crisp and filling creamy.

→ Can I add nuts or fruit to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or diced fruits like apples add texture and flavor.

→ Do these rolls need refrigeration after baking?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days to keep fresh.