Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

Why Make This Recipe

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. The combination of soft, fluffy dough and sweet cream cheese filling makes these rolls irresistible. Plus, the method of coating them in cinnamon sugar after baking adds an extra layer of sweetness that is hard to resist.

Making these rolls is not just about enjoying a delicious treat, but also about the experience of baking. The process fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. These rolls are also versatile. You can serve them on special occasions, family gatherings, or just as an everyday indulgence. When you make them yourself, you can adjust the sweetness and flavors to suit your taste.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

Creating these delectable rolls is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these clear steps to bring this delightful recipe to life in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For these Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for dough)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for dough)

Directions

Follow these steps to make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls:

1. Make the Filling:
   Start by preparing the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Use a mixer or a fork to beat everything together until smooth and creamy. Once done, set this filling aside for later use.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   If you choose to use store-bought dough, roll it out gently on a floured surface and cut it into squares. If you prefer making dough from scratch, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 2 tbsp of sugar in a bowl and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Then, in a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Mix everything together and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. This might take about an hour. Once it’s ready, roll out the risen dough and cut it into squares.

3. Fill the Rolls:
   Place 1-2 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can make it difficult to seal. Once filled, fold over the dough to cover the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly. You want to ensure there are no openings for the filling to escape during baking.

4. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Arrange the filled rolls on the baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them to expand while baking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

5. Coat the Rolls:
   Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and brush them generously with melted butter. Then, prepare a coating by mixing together 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Toss the warm rolls in this cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. This step gives the rolls a delectable sweetness on the outside that complements the creamy filling inside.

6. Serve Warm:
   Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are best enjoyed warm straight from the oven. Serve them alongside your favorite beverage—coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk pairs perfectly with these delightful rolls.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

These rolls can be presented in various ways to enhance both the taste and the experience. Here are a few ideas:

• With Beverages: Serve your rolls warm with coffee or tea. The warmth of the rolls complements the beverage, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack combination.
• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them throughout the day as a sweet pick-me-up.
• At Breakfast or Brunch: Present them on a platter at brunch gatherings, offering guests a delicious option that everyone will love.
• With Toppings: Consider serving with a drizzle of icing or additional cream cheese frosting for an even sweeter treat.
• Family Style: Place the warm rolls in a bowl or tray in the center of the table for family-style serving. This encourages everyone to dive in and share!

How to Store Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

If you have any leftover rolls (which is unlikely!), you will want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here’s how to do that:

• Cooling: Allow the rolls to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
• Refrigerator Storage: Pizza rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
• Reheating: When you are ready to enjoy a roll, reheat the rolls gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

Tips to Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls

Achieving the perfect Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls requires a few considerations. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out wonderfully:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise in your dough. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet before using.
• Softened Cream Cheese: For a smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help it blend better with the sugar and vanilla.
• Don’t Overfill: When filling the rolls, be cautious not to overstuff them. This could lead the filling to leak out during baking.
• Right Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the rolls to ensure they bake evenly.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices in your filling, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create unique flavor profiles.

Variations

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes. Here are some delicious variations:

• Nutty Variation: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese filling for some added crunch and flavor.
• Fruit Addition: Incorporate fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, or raisins into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mixing in some mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling can elevate your rolls to a whole new level of indulgence.
• Different Flavors: Consider using flavored cream cheese varieties, such as strawberry or pumpkin, for unique flavor combinations.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! While crescent roll dough or puff pastry works great, you can use homemade dough if you prefer. Just ensure the dough is soft and easily manageable.

2. How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls and store them unbaked in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

3. Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls after baking. Just let them cool completely, wrap them well, and freeze. When you are ready to eat, thaw and reheat them.

4. What toppings go well with these rolls?

These rolls are excellent on their own or topped with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. You could also sprinkle extra cinnamon or drizzle with chocolate.

5. How can I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use plant-based butter to make these rolls suitable for a dairy-free diet.

By following the steps and suggestions above, you will create delightful Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls that are sure to become a favorite in your household. The delightful mix of creamy, sweet filling and soft, fluffy dough will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy your baking adventure!

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