Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

Introduction

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are soft, sweet, and comforting pastries filled with a creamy center and coated in warm cinnamon sugar. They have the cozy flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with an extra rich cream cheese filling that makes every bite smooth, buttery, and delicious.

This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat with coffee or milk. The rolls are golden on the outside, fluffy inside, and finished with a sweet cinnamon coating that gives them a beautiful homemade bakery-style taste.

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

3/4 cup warm milk

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For Optional Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Stir well so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Add the warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough begins to form. The dough should feel slightly sticky but easy to handle.
3. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes by hand, or 4 to 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until smooth and creamy.
6. In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside.
7. Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
8. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling does not spill out too much when rolling.
9. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 10 to 12 even rolls.
10. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let them rest for another 25 to 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.
12. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
13. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be lightly crisp with a soft, fluffy center.
14. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
15. For an optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls for extra sweetness.
16. Serve the rolls warm while the cream cheese filling is soft and creamy.

Serving Suggestion

Serve these cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls with hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They are also wonderful for brunch with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a simple breakfast spread.

For a more indulgent version, add chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before serving.

Conclusion

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are warm, soft, creamy, and full of comforting homemade flavor. They combine buttery dough, sweet cinnamon, and smooth cream cheese into a treat that feels special without being complicated.

These rolls are perfect for sharing with family, serving to guests, or enjoying as a cozy weekend bake. Would you enjoy them plain with cinnamon sugar or with a sweet vanilla glaze on top?