Description
These Irresistible Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a luscious cream cheese filling and a classic cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these homemade rolls are easy to make from scratch, featuring a buttery glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare Dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead the dough by hand or stand mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. If using store-bought dough, allow it to rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In another bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Melt the butter separately.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter. Spread the cream cheese filling over the buttered dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into slices approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolls cut-side up, spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish Rolls: While still warm, brush the baked rolls with additional melted butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor and shine.
- Optional Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls to add a sweet, creamy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.
- You can use store-bought pizza or bread dough as a shortcut if desired.
- For a richer dough, substitute some milk with cream or add more butter.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Roll slices can be spaced close together on the baking sheet; they will expand during baking.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft texture.
