Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe – Sweet Morning Joy

Warm, gooey cinnamon cream cheese rolls dance with decadent flavors that promise pure comfort.

Soft dough swirls around a rich cream cheese filling, creating an irresistible center that melts in your mouth.

Sweet spices weave through each delicate layer, promising a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.

The aroma of freshly baked pastry will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Delicate spirals of dough promise a texture that’s both tender and indulgent.

Golden-brown edges hint at the deliciousness waiting inside these rolls.

Bake these rolls and watch as your morning transforms into a celebration of simple, sweet pleasures.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade dough instead of pre-made rolls?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade yeast dough. Just ensure the dough is soft and pliable before filling and baking.

  • How deep should I cut the X into the rolls?

Cut about two-thirds deep into each roll, creating a pocket for the cream cheese filling without cutting completely through.

  • Can I prepare these rolls in advance?

You can assemble the rolls the night before, cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast treat.

  • What type of cream cheese works best?

Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest and richest filling consistency.

Why Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls Steal Hearts

  • Customize with Ease: Personalize these rolls by experimenting with different spices or adding nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunch parties, or weekend family treat that everyone will love and devour.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these delightful rolls in minimal steps, requiring basic baking skills and simple ingredients from your pantry.
  • Indulgent Breakfast Upgrade: Transform ordinary rolls into a decadent morning experience with rich cream cheese filling and warm cinnamon notes.

Gather What You Need For Cream Cheese Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Rolls: Soft, pillowy base for the sweet and creamy filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy cheese that creates a rich and luscious filling.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, tender texture.
Spices and Sweeteners:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spices that provide a deep, comforting flavor profile to the rolls.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the cream cheese filling and provides structure to the mixture.

Create Magic: Making Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice and Prepare Rolls

Cut an X-shaped pocket about two-thirds deep into the center of each roll to create space for the filling.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Stir until smooth and fragrant.

Drizzle this mixture evenly over the prepared rolls.

Step 4: Whip Cream Cheese Filling

Beat cream cheese in a separate bowl until silky smooth.

Gradually fold in granulated sugar and beaten egg until creamy and well blended.

Step 5: Fill Rolls with Cream Cheese

Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner, carefully pipe the cream cheese filling into the X-shaped cuts of each roll, distributing evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and the filling is set.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy them warm for a decadent cinnamon and cream cheese treat.

Secrets For Fluffy, Swirled Cream Cheese Rolls

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before whipping to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to make an X-cut in rolls, ensuring consistent depth for even filling distribution.
  • Fill rolls gently and avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during baking and maintain a clean presentation.
  • Watch rolls closely during last few minutes of baking to achieve golden color without scorching the edges.
  • Lightly toast ground cinnamon and nutmeg in a dry pan before mixing to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavors.

Mix Up Your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Style

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version that maintains a rich, creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional rolls with gluten-free bread dough or pre-made gluten-free cinnamon rolls to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Reduced Sugar Variation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and granulated sugar, cutting down on overall sugar content while preserving the sweet cinnamon flavor.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the filling mixture for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a more substantial breakfast treat.

Serve Cream Cheese Rolls With A Twist

  • Breakfast Bliss Companion: Pair these rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed chai tea to enhance the warm cinnamon flavors.
  • Morning Fruit Fusion: Top the rolls with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to add a vibrant, tangy contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.
  • Sweet Drizzle Delight: Finish with a light glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a splash of vanilla extract, creating an extra layer of sweetness that complements the rolls' warm spices.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Serve these rolls as a star attraction during weekend gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy the indulgent combination of creamy cheese and aromatic cinnamon.

Keep Your Cream Cheese Rolls Soft & Fresh

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed, avoiding overheating to maintain soft texture.
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Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cinnamon cream cheese rolls deliver a symphony of sweet comfort from classic bakery traditions. Warm, gooey pastry layers melt with rich cream cheese and spicy cinnamon, promising delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s brand preferred)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)

Butter and Sugar:

  • 1/3 cup butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (melted for greasing)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Spices:

  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Position the rolls in the prepared dish, carefully creating a deep X-shaped incision in each roll, cutting approximately two-thirds through.
  3. Craft a luxurious topping by whisking together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined and glossy.
  4. Drizzle the aromatic sugar mixture evenly across the prepared rolls, allowing the flavors to cascade into the X-shaped openings.
  5. Prepare the cream cheese filling by whipping the cream cheese until silky smooth and gently incorporating granulated sugar and beaten egg into a uniform mixture.
  6. Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or zip-top bag with a snipped corner, then methodically fill each roll’s X-cut with the creamy mixture.
  7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and set fillings.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to rest briefly, letting the flavors meld and slightly cool before serving.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth consistency.
  • Avoid overfilling rolls to prevent spillage during baking and ensure even cooking.
  • Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and preventing rolls from sticking to the baking dish.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cinnamon and nutmeg to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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