Imagine the cozy aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen. Now picture pulling out a pan of golden, fluffy rolls—each swirled with tangy cream cheese and drizzled with sweet glaze. These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are the love child of a cinnamon roll and a cheese Danish, creating a pastry so indulgent it feels like it came straight from a bakery.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes, this recipe is surprisingly approachable—and oh so rewarding.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cream cheese in every bite – swirled inside, not just on top.
- Pillowy soft dough – enriched for the perfect fluffy texture.
- Balanced flavor – tangy cream cheese cuts through sweet cinnamon sugar.
- Show-stopping results – impressive enough to wow guests, simple enough to make at home.
🥘 Ingredients
For the Sweet Dough
- ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Activate yeast – In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix – Add egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix on low with a dough hook, then knead on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or knead by hand 8–10 minutes.)
- First rise – Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
- Cream Cheese: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Layer – Spread butter evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Spread cream cheese filling in a thin, even layer.
- Roll & cut – Roll dough tightly from the long side. Seal seam. Slice into 12 rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
Step 4: Second Rise & Bake
- Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 22–28 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
- Let rolls cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
- Serve immediately—soft, gooey, and irresistible.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Milk temp matters – Warm, not hot, to activate yeast.
- Room temp dairy – Cream cheese and butter spread more easily.
- Cut cleanly – Use floss or a serrated knife to avoid squishing.
- Don’t over-bake – Rolls should be golden but soft in the center.
- Make-ahead magic – Assemble, refrigerate overnight, rise 30 minutes in the morning, then bake.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
A: Yes! Mix it directly with flour; rise times stay similar.
Q: My kitchen is cold. How can I help the dough rise?
A: Place covered dough in a turned-off oven with the light on or on top of a warm appliance.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep covered at room temp up to 2 days, or freeze unglazed rolls up to 3 months.
Q: Do I need a stand mixer?
A: Nope—mix with a spoon, then knead by hand until elastic.
🍴 Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are everything you love about cinnamon rolls—with a creamy, tangy twist. Soft, fluffy, and drizzled with glaze, they’re a true showstopper that’s easier to make than you’d think.
✨ Bake them once, and they’ll become your new brunch, holiday, and weekend favorite.
