1. Introduction: A Sweet Shortcut to Pastry Bliss
There’s something undeniably magical about warm, cinnamon sugar pastries—especially when they’re filled with rich, creamy goodness. These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls deliver all the flavor and texture of a bakery-style treat with the ease of a few simple ingredients. Flaky on the outside, gooey in the middle, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, they’re a perfect quick-bake recipe for busy mornings, cozy evenings, or last-minute guests.
Thanks to crescent roll dough, you don’t need to spend hours making pastry from scratch. These rolls come together in under 30 minutes and require only a handful of pantry staples. The soft center features a sweetened cream cheese filling, which pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden exterior. For a more in-depth look at this versatile dairy product, the Wikipedia article on cream cheese offers a detailed overview of its origins and common culinary uses.
Crescent dough’s signature buttery layers give these rolls their delightful texture. It’s one of the most popular shortcuts in modern baking and frequently featured in easy crescent roll recipes on Pinterest, where viral trends turn store-bought dough into endless dessert variations. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a sweet snack, this recipe fits right into the movement toward effortless yet impressive home baking.
What makes these rolls even more irresistible is the final touch—a dip in melted butter followed by a generous roll through cinnamon sugar. This classic flavor pairing has been beloved for centuries and is widely celebrated in recipes from churros to snickerdoodles. To explore the history and culinary role of this warm spice, visit Wikipedia’s page on cinnamon. Combined with granulated sugar, it creates a crisp, sweet shell that complements the creamy filling with every bite.
In the sections ahead, you’ll discover how to make these cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls step-by-step, learn variations and pro tips, and get storage solutions to keep them fresh. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast pastry, a quick weeknight dessert, or a fun baking activity with kids, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite.
2. Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls check every box for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dessert—or even breakfast. Whether you’re short on time or craving something cozy and sweet, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Quick and easy: With crescent roll dough as the base, there’s no need for homemade pastry or dough rising. You can go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute guests or spontaneous dessert cravings.
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Delicious flavor and texture combo: The outer layers are crisp and golden thanks to the butter and cinnamon sugar coating, while the inside remains soft, warm, and rich with sweet cream cheese filling. It’s that ideal mix of flaky, creamy, and sugary all in one bite.
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Crowd-pleaser: These rolls are kid-approved, party-ready, and perfect for sharing. Whether served at brunch, holiday gatherings, or as a cozy weeknight treat, they disappear fast. You’ll find countless spins on similar recipes in cinnamon sugar treats on Pinterest, where sweet rolls and easy crescent bakes are loved by home bakers everywhere.
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Customizable: You can easily add different flavors or fillings to suit your taste—think jam, chocolate chips, or even a pumpkin spice twist. This adaptability makes the recipe part of the broader trend of shortcut desserts, often explored in viral crescent roll desserts on Pinterest, where bakers turn classic ingredients into something new and exciting.
Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting brunch, or just treating yourself, these cream cheese crescent rolls offer the perfect balance of ease and indulgence.
3. Ingredient Breakdown & Alternatives
Understanding the ingredients in these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls helps you make the most of their flavor and explore creative substitutions. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crispy.
3.1 Inside the Filling
The filling is what gives these rolls their creamy center and rich flavor. It’s simple but indulgent:
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Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the filling. Its tangy richness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cinnamon coating. It melts slightly during baking, giving a warm, velvety texture. Learn more about the versatility of this ingredient in the Wikipedia article on cream cheese.
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Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Just enough to lightly sweeten the cream cheese. You can adjust the amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy center.
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Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor. For more about how this common baking ingredient is made and used, check the Wikipedia page on vanilla extract.
You can also customize the filling:
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Add a spoonful of fruit preserves or jam.
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Use brown sugar or maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
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Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
These variations are often featured in cream cheese dessert ideas on Pinterest, showing how versatile this base can be.
3.2 The Dough
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Crescent roll dough (1 can): Pre-made crescent dough is the ultimate shortcut. Its buttery, layered texture bakes into a golden, flaky crust in minutes. Technically a type of laminated dough, it mimics traditional pastries without the labor. You can learn more about this style of dough in the Wikipedia article on croissants, as crescent rolls are based on the same method.
Alternate options:
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Use puff pastry sheets for an extra flaky, bakery-style version.
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Homemade dough works too, though prep time will increase.
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Biscuit dough can create a thicker, breadier texture.
Explore trending ideas using pre-made dough by checking out easy crescent roll recipes on Pinterest, where bakers turn tubes of dough into everything from desserts to appetizers.
3.3 The Cinnamon Sugar Coating
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Melted butter (¼ cup): Brushed on after baking, it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
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Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Provides sweetness and a slight crunch when combined with butter and cinnamon.
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Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Warm, aromatic, and key to the roll’s flavor identity. For background on this globally loved spice, visit Wikipedia’s cinnamon article.
This finishing layer turns the rolls into something resembling a cinnamon donut or churro, giving them a craveable crunch on the outside and warm softness inside.
3.4 Substitutions
Don’t have exactly what’s listed? Try these easy swaps:
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Cream cheese: Use Neufchâtel for a lighter version, or mascarpone for a richer one.
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Sugar: Replace with brown sugar for caramel-like depth, or use coconut sugar as a natural alternative.
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Add-ins: Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or raisins with the filling.
For more substitution ideas and sweet roll hacks, explore cinnamon sugar treats on Pinterest, where bakers showcase their spins on this classic combo.
These simple ingredients come together in a way that’s greater than the sum of its parts, making these rolls a go-to treat you can whip up anytime with ingredients you likely already have.
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Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll Ups the Easiest Crescent Roll Dessert
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are an irresistibly easy treat made with flaky crescent roll dough, a sweet cream cheese filling, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. Baked until golden and coated while warm, these rolls deliver everything you want in a quick dessert: creamy centers, crisp exteriors, and comforting flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple pantry staples, they’re perfect for brunch, parties, or late-night cravings. Customize them with fruit, chocolate, or seasonal spices, and enjoy a warm, bakery-style pastry with zero fuss.
Ingredients
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1 can crescent roll dough
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
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¼ cup melted butter
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
Roll up each crescent from the wide end to the tip, encasing the filling, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow bowl.
Once the rolls are done baking, brush them with melted butter while still warm, then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Serve warm.
Notes
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Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
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Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing.
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Don’t overfill—1 teaspoon of filling is plenty per roll.
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Bake seam-side down to reduce filling leaks.
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For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese and reduce sugar.
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Freeze unbaked rolls for a make-ahead option.
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Best enjoyed warm but still tasty at room temp.
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Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a crisp finish.
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Consider dipping in glaze for extra indulgence or dust with powdered sugar.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
4.1 Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease the baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture will serve as the sweet filling that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon sugar exterior. Many similar fillings appear in cream cheese dessert ideas on Pinterest, showcasing just how versatile and popular this base is in quick pastries.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the pre-cut triangles. Each triangle will be rolled up with the filling to form the perfect handheld treat. For reference, crescent dough is modeled after laminated pastry dough used in croissants, as explained in the Wikipedia article on croissants.
4.2 Assemble and Bake
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill—it may cause the filling to leak during baking.
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the narrow point, encasing the filling inside. Tuck in the ends slightly to help contain the mixture, then place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. The rolls should puff up slightly and turn beautifully crisp on the outside. Their scent—thanks to the vanilla and baking dough—will fill your kitchen with that classic cinnamon sugar bakery aroma.
4.3 Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This classic coating is also featured in countless cinnamon sugar treats on Pinterest, often used for doughnuts, churros, and pastries.
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush each one generously with melted butter while still warm. Then, roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. The butter helps the sugar stick while adding richness to each bite.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture—the contrast between the crisp sugary coating and the warm creamy center is what makes these rolls unforgettable.
5. Tips for Perfect Rolls
To get bakery-style results every time, follow these tips:
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Don’t overfill: A heaping teaspoon of cream cheese mixture is enough. Overfilling causes leakage.
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Seal edges slightly: Pinch the dough ends to help enclose the filling during baking.
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Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
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Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm: The warmth helps the coating stick and enhances flavor.
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Add texture: For crunch, toss in a few finely chopped pecans or walnuts before rolling.
These tips mirror techniques seen in easy crescent roll recipes on Pinterest, where at-home bakers share hacks for upgrading classic tube dough into something truly special.
6. Fun Variations to Try
While the original version is delicious, you can easily customize these cream cheese crescent rolls to suit your taste or seasonal theme:
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Jam-filled: Add a small dollop of raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam on top of the cream cheese mixture before rolling for a fruity surprise.
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Pumpkin spice: Mix a teaspoon of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the cream cheese filling for a fall twist.
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Nutella or peanut butter swirl: Combine with the cream cheese or replace it for a chocolatey or nutty option.
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Savory version: Skip the sugar and cinnamon. Fill with cream cheese and herbs, garlic, or even chopped bacon.
You’ll find many of these twists featured in viral crescent roll desserts on Pinterest, showing how easily this base recipe adapts to new flavors.
7. Serving Suggestions
These rolls are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them:
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For breakfast or brunch with coffee, tea, or milk.
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As a sweet snack for kids’ lunchboxes or after-school treats.
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As a holiday pastry, arranged on a platter and dusted with powdered sugar.
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With a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a quick dessert.
They also make a great addition to holiday breakfast pastries, a trend seen in Pinterest holiday breakfast pastries, especially for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or weekend brunch tables.
8. Storage and Reheating Tips
To store and enjoy your rolls beyond the day they’re made:
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigeration: Extend shelf life to 4 days, but reheat for best texture.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly.
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Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked rolls on a tray. Once solid, store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
These storage methods are commonly used in other crescent roll-based treats, as seen in crescent roll desserts on Pinterest, where make-ahead convenience is key.
9. Crescent Roll Dessert Trends
Crescent roll desserts have exploded in popularity, thanks to social media and home bakers seeking shortcuts that still deliver wow-factor results. Recipes like these cream cheese rolls ride the wave of this trend by combining store-bought convenience with homemade appeal.
Some current trends include:
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Viral TikTok bakes using crescent rolls with creative fillings like s’mores, cookie dough, or caramel apples.
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Crescent ring desserts, where crescent triangles are layered into a circle and filled with fruit or cream cheese mixtures.
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Mini crescent pies baked in muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
Explore more inspiration by browsing crescent roll desserts on Pinterest, where ideas are shared daily by food bloggers and home chefs alike.
10. FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the rolls up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake fresh for best results.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes. It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Freeze on a tray, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes.
Do I have to use crescent dough?
No. You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture or homemade dough if you prefer. Crescent dough is just the most convenient option.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes. You can use mascarpone, ricotta, or a thick custard. Even Nutella or jam works as a filling alternative.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Avoid overfilling, and gently pinch or fold the edges to seal. Bake seam-side down to reduce leakage.
