Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls Recipe delivers soft, gooey rolls with a rich cream cheese twist. They are wonderfully simple to make and perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet treat. For another fantastic dessert featuring cream cheese, try These delightful Pumpkin Cupcakes are moist and tender and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. The perfect fall treat.

Ingredients

These irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls combine warm, fluffy dough with a sweet cinnamon swirl and rich cream cheese topping for the ultimate homemade treat.

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are about 20% faster than similar recipes, making them perfect for a quick and delicious treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine warm milk (110°F), yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt, then add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2 — Make the Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

For best results, use room-temperature butter to ensure easy spreading without tearing the dough.

Step 3 — Roll and Fill the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge.

Roll the dough tightly from the filled long edge toward the border. Pinch the seam to seal.

Step 4 — Cut the Rolls

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between them to rise.

Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5 — Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Check for doneness by tapping the top—it should sound hollow, and the internal temperature should reach 190°F.

Step 6 — Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.

For a thinner glaze, add a tablespoon of milk. For thicker frosting, use less liquid.

Step 7 — Frost and Serve

Let the baked Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	14g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole wheat flour — Adds fiber and a nutty flavor to your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls.
• Coconut sugar — A lower glycemic index sweetener with caramel notes.
• Greek yogurt cream cheese — Boosts protein while keeping the rolls creamy.
• Almond flour — A gluten-free, lower-carb option for the dough.
• Maple syrup — Natural sweetness with minerals, perfect for the cinnamon sugar filling.
• Vegan cream cheese — Dairy-free alternative for the frosting on your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls.
• Applesauce for butter — Reduces fat and adds moisture with a subtle fruitiness.
• Low-sodium baking powder — Cuts sodium without affecting rise or texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these warm Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a classic breakfast or brunch treat.
• Serve them as a decadent dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Perfect for holiday mornings, special occasions, or as a comforting weekend baking project with family.
• For a beautiful brunch spread, arrange the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls on a tiered stand with fresh berries.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant, finished look that highlights the swirls.
• Enjoy them slightly warm so the cream cheese frosting is soft and the cinnamon sugar filling is gooey.

These serving ideas will help you present your homemade Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls in the most delicious and appealing way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge. Fix: Let it soften at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too tightly. Fix: Roll gently to allow space for the dough to expand, preventing dense, tough Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls.
• Mistake: Adding too much flour while kneading. Fix: Use just enough to prevent sticking; excess flour makes the dough dry and the rolls less tender.
• Mistake: Rushing the rise time in a cold kitchen. Fix: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled for light, fluffy rolls.
• Mistake: Spreading butter that’s too soft or melted. Fix: Use softened butter that holds its shape so the cinnamon sugar layer doesn’t leak out during baking.
• Mistake: Overbaking until the tops are dark brown. Fix: Bake until golden; overbaking dries out the rolls, making them less moist.
• Mistake: Skipping the second proof after shaping. Fix: Always let shaped rolls rise again before baking to ensure they are soft and well-risen.
• Mistake: Spreading frosting on hot rolls. Fix: Wait until rolls are warm, not hot, so the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.
• Mistake: Cutting rolls with a dull knife, squashing them. Fix: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts without compressing the dough.
• Mistake: Not tasting the frosting before applying. Fix: Adjust sweetness by tasting and balancing cream cheese tang with powdered sugar for the perfect finish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap rolls individually and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10-15 minutes.

Always let your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls cool completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are the perfect sweet treat for any morning or special occasion. I hope you love them as much as we do! Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins With Cream Cheese Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls the night before. Assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

How do I store leftover Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls?

Store any leftover Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Thaw and warm them gently before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the frosting?

For the best flavor and texture, we recommend sticking with cream cheese for the frosting in these Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls. Substituting it may alter the classic tangy, creamy consistency that complements the sweet cinnamon filling.