Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are the ultimate sweet comfort food — crisp and flaky on the outside, creamy and gooey in the center, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust that crackles with every bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy morning, a holiday brunch, or a late-night craving, this recipe delivers bakery-quality flavor with minimal effort.
You can make these heavenly rolls with crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a quick 30-minute treat, or go all out with homemade dough for a soft, pillowy finish. As they bake (or air fry!), your kitchen fills with the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon, butter, and vanilla — pure bliss in every swirl.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Dough Options: Choose between crescent roll dough for convenience or homemade dough for a classic touch.
- Oven or Air Fryer Friendly: Perfectly golden and crispy every time.
- Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling: Lightly sweetened with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon.
- Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Adds the perfect crunch and sweetness.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Using shortcut dough means fast, fuss-free baking.
- Great for Parties or Kids: Bite-sized, portable, and mess-free.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prep ahead and bake fresh anytime.
🥐 Ingredients
Shortcut Version (using crescent rolls or puff pastry)
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Homemade Dough Option
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
🍥 How to Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Shortcut Method:
Unroll crescent dough. If it’s perforated, pinch seams together to form solid rectangles. Cut into equal squares.
Homemade Method:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, egg, and butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.
Step 3: Fill the Rolls
Add 1–2 teaspoons of cream cheese filling to the center of each square. Fold over and pinch edges tightly to seal — they should look like mini pillows.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and puffed.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange rolls in a single layer.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Brush warm rolls generously with melted butter, then roll or toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
💡 Pro Tips & Secrets
- Seal tightly: Prevents filling from leaking out.
- Keep dough cold: Easier to shape and seal.
- Don’t overfill: 1–2 teaspoons is perfect.
- Line with parchment: Avoid sticking or mess.
- Air fryer = extra crispiness!
- Serve warm: The cream cheese center is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Add a pinch of salt to your cinnamon sugar for deeper flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the night before, then bake fresh in the morning.
🎨 Tasty Variations
- Nutella Cream Cheese Rolls: Swirl in 1 tsp Nutella per roll.
- Berry Cheesecake Rolls: Add diced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Spoon in a bit of apple pie filling.
- Savory Option: Use garlic herb cream cheese and coat in Parmesan instead of sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free puff pastry.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and crescent dough.
🍽️ How to Serve
- As part of a brunch spread with fruit, coffee, and eggs.
- On holiday mornings (Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving).
- For potlucks, parties, or bake sales — they disappear fast!
- As a snack or dessert with whipped cream or chocolate drizzle.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
- Oven: 325°F for 5–7 minutes
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds (softens coating slightly)
🔢 Nutritional Info (per roll, approx.)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170 kcal | 11g | 16g | 9g | 2g |
🥰 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. What’s the best dough to use?
Crescent roll dough is fastest, puff pastry gives a flaky texture, and homemade dough tastes classic and rich.
3. How do I stop the filling from leaking?
Seal edges tightly and chill the filled rolls before baking if needed.
4. Can I prep them in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate overnight — bake fresh the next morning.
✨ In Summary
These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls combine buttery pastry, sweet cinnamon, and creamy filling for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth treat. Whether you bake or air fry them, they’re golden, gooey, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the breakfast table.