How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll Ups

If you’re looking for a quick and irresistible treat, these cinnamon sugar cream cheese roll ups check every box. They’re buttery, gooey, and slightly crisp with every bite — combining the warm spice of cinnamon with the creamy tang of sweetened cream cheese. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, they’re guaranteed to please a crowd with minimal effort.

One of the biggest reasons to love these roll ups is how easy they are to prepare. Using pre-made crescent dough means there’s no need to fuss with homemade pastry. In less than 30 minutes, you can go from ingredients to warm, golden-brown rolls. The filling comes together in a single bowl, and the coating is a simple mix of pantry staples — sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Recipes like this one align with trending easy baked cinnamon treats that require minimal prep but deliver big flavor.

What really sets these apart is the cream cheese filling. It’s whipped with vanilla extract and powdered sugar to create a rich, cheesecake-like texture that melts into the dough during baking. It gives these rolls a depth that’s more indulgent than your standard cinnamon roll. You’ll find similar creamy fillings in recipes for cheesecake crescent bars or sweet cream pastries, making this recipe feel both familiar and elevated. Even a quick look at how cream cheese is used in sweet applications shows its wide appeal in baked goods.

Texturally, these rolls are everything you want in a comfort food: crisp on the outside thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating, and soft and creamy inside. After baking, you can finish them with a simple glaze — just powdered sugar and a splash of milk — for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re inspired by similar brunch desserts on Pinterest, you’ll see why these are such a hit.

From a practical perspective, they’re incredibly versatile. You can:

• Serve them warm or cold

• Make them ahead and reheat

• Customize the filling with spices like nutmeg or mix-ins like mini chocolate chips

• Offer them with coffee for a sweet breakfast pairing

Whether you’re hosting brunch, making treats for a potluck, or satisfying a sweet tooth at home, these cinnamon sugar roll ups are a fast favorite that delivers bakery-style results with pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these cinnamon sugar cream cheese roll ups, you only need a handful of simple ingredients — most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a key role in giving these treats their soft texture, sweet flavor, and irresistible aroma. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

For the Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  This is the base of the filling. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness. For best results, let it soften at room temperature so it blends smoothly. Learn more about the uses of cream cheese in baking to understand why it works so well in desserts.

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this sweetens the filling without making it grainy. Its fine texture keeps the filling smooth and light.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  A dash of vanilla deepens the flavor and gives the filling a warm, comforting aroma. You can substitute with almond extract or maple syrup for a twist.

For the Rolls:

• 1 can crescent roll dough
  Crescent dough is flaky, buttery, and bakes quickly. It’s a major time-saver that gives the roll ups their signature soft, layered texture. You can read more about crescent roll dough to explore alternative uses and varieties.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  This adds sweetness and forms part of the cinnamon sugar coating. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a golden crust.

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  The key spice in this recipe, cinnamon provides warmth and a comforting bakery-style aroma. It pairs beautifully with sugar and cream cheese.

• 2 tbsp melted butter
  Melted butter is brushed onto each roll before baking to help the cinnamon sugar stick and to promote browning. It also adds a rich flavor.

For the Topping (Optional):

• Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
  This gives the rolls a sugary crunch on top and boosts that cinnamon aroma.

• Optional glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk)
  A quick glaze can be drizzled over the rolls for extra sweetness and visual appeal. You can find inspiration for glaze designs on Pinterest’s dessert topping ideas.

Together, these ingredients create a soft, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love. You can even check out related party appetizer ideas for more ways to use crescent dough in sweet or savory dishes.

Tools and Equipment

Before you dive into making these cinnamon sugar cream cheese roll ups, it’s helpful to gather a few basic kitchen tools. These ensure your prep is smooth, your rolls come out perfectly baked, and cleanup is quick. You likely already have everything you need, which is part of what makes this recipe so accessible.

• Baking sheet
  A standard baking sheet is essential for baking the roll ups evenly. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

• Parchment paper
  This not only keeps your rolls from sticking but also helps with even browning. It’s especially useful when working with buttery dough like crescent rolls.

• Mixing bowls
  You’ll need a medium-sized bowl for the cream cheese filling and a smaller one for the cinnamon sugar mix. Having separate bowls makes the process more efficient and mess-free.

• Hand mixer or whisk
  A hand mixer makes it easier to combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a smooth, creamy texture. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do.

• Pastry brush
  This tool is perfect for brushing melted butter onto each roll. A pastry brush helps distribute the butter evenly, ensuring that the cinnamon sugar sticks and bakes into a crisp coating.

• Spoon or small spatula
  You’ll use this to spread the cream cheese filling evenly across each crescent triangle. A butter knife can also work in a pinch.

• Cooling rack (optional)
  While not required, placing your baked roll ups on a cooling rack prevents sogginess and keeps the bottoms crisp.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll Ups – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these cream cheese roll ups is quick, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. With pre-made dough and a simple filling, you’ll have warm, golden treats ready in under 30 minutes. Here’s how to make them from start to finish.

• Preheat your oven
  Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

• Prepare the cream cheese filling
  In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Mix until smooth using a hand mixer or whisk. This mixture should be creamy and spreadable, with no lumps.

• Unroll and separate the dough
  Open your can of crescent roll dough and gently separate it into individual triangles. Lay them flat on your parchment-lined sheet or clean surface.

• Spread the filling
  Using a spoon or small spatula, spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese mixture over each triangle. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow while baking.

• Roll up the dough
  Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough toward the pointed tip to form crescent shapes. Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

• Brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar
  Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

  • Brush each roll with melted butter using a pastry brush.

  • Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar to coat the tops. This creates the crisp, sweet crust.

• Bake until golden
  Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes to avoid over-baking.

• Cool and glaze (optional)
  Let the rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet or a cooling rack.
  For a finishing touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made by mixing:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon milk
    Add more milk for a thinner drizzle if desired. You can find more glaze ideas on Pinterest if you want to customize it.

By following these steps, you’ll create warm, gooey, cinnamon-coated roll ups that taste like they came straight from a bakery. They’re perfect for serving fresh, and you can easily double the batch for larger crowds or events.