Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy roll, swirling with warm cinnamon sugar and a rich, tangy cream cheese filling. These Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls aren't just a treat; they're an experience! Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a truly special dessert, this recipe brings together the best of sweet, spice, and creamy indulgence.
Forget ordinary cinnamon rolls; we're elevating the classic with a luscious cream cheese layer baked right into the spirals. The result is a roll that's exceptionally moist, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Why These Cream Cheese Rolls Are a Must-Try
Our Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls stand out for several delicious reasons:
- Divine Flavor Profile: The balance of sweet granulated sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and the slight tang of cream cheese creates a complex yet comforting taste.
- Unbelievably Fluffy Texture: Crafted with a tender, yeasted dough, these rolls melt in your mouth with every bite.
- Impressive, Yet Achievable: While they look like they came from a professional bakery, the step-by-step process is designed for home bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Equally perfect for a holiday spread or a simple afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Batch
Success starts with quality ingredients and understanding their role. Here's a look at what you'll need to create these heavenly rolls.
The Soft Yeast Dough
The foundation of our rolls is a rich, sweet yeast dough. Warm milk activates the yeast, while sugar provides nourishment, and butter adds incredible richness. Using the right amount of all-purpose flour ensures a dough that's pliable and easy to work with.
For those new to yeast baking or seeking to perfect their technique, understanding how to proof yeast is essential. Check out this helpful guide on how to proof yeast from King Arthur Baking for expert tips.
The Classic Cinnamon Sugar Filling
This beloved filling is a simple yet powerful blend of softened butter, granulated sugar, and a generous dose of ground cinnamon. The butter acts as a binder, ensuring the sweet spice clings to every curve of the dough.
The Decadent Cream Cheese Layer
This is where the magic truly happens! Softened cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract are beaten together to create a smooth, creamy layer that bakes beautifully into the rolls, adding moisture and a delightful tang.
Tips for Baking Flawless Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls
- Don't Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough ample time to rise (both initial and second proofs) is crucial for a light and airy texture. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal.
- Soften Ingredients Properly: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at true room temperature. This makes for a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
- Tight Rolling is Key: When rolling the dough into a log, make sure it's tight and even. This helps create those beautiful, distinct spirals and prevents gaps in the final baked roll.
- Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: For clean slices, use a very sharp knife or, even better, unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls.
Looking for more comforting baked goods? You might also enjoy our recipe for Easy & Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Butter Frosting for another autumnal delight, or perhaps some Apple Cider Cookies: Your New Favorite Fall Treat in Just 30 Minutes! if you're in the mood for something different.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
These Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- Fresh from the Oven: They are undeniably best served warm, straight from the oven, when the dough is at its softest and the filling is gooey.
- Coffee's Best Friend: Pair them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea for the ultimate breakfast or brunch.
- Add Some Crunch: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar filling for an added textural dimension.
- Citrus Brightness: A touch of lemon or orange zest folded into the cream cheese mixture can add a delightful fresh counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Simple Glaze: While the cream cheese is in the roll, a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar whisked with a splash of milk or lemon juice) can be drizzled over the warm rolls for extra shine and sweetness.
We hope you love baking and enjoying these truly irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls as much as we do. They're a testament to the simple joy of homemade baking!
FAQs
What makes these cream cheese rolls so fluffy?
The secret to incredibly fluffy rolls lies in properly activating your yeast with warm milk, allowing sufficient time for two distinct rises until the dough doubles in size, and handling the dough gently to avoid overworking it. A warm, draft-free environment during proofing is also crucial.
Can I prepare Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes to proof slightly before baking as directed. This makes for an easy morning treat!
How should I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls?
For best results, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy them warm and soft again, a quick reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or a few minutes in a low oven works wonders.
Can these cream cheese rolls be frozen?
Yes, both baked and unbaked rolls can be frozen. For baked rolls, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat. For unbaked rolls, freeze after the second rise, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These incredibly fluffy and sweet rolls feature a decadent cinnamon sugar and creamy cheese filling, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
4 - 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Add the slightly cooled melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add 3 cups of the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is manageable but still soft.
Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back slowly when poked.
Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: While the dough is rising, prepare the fillings. For the cinnamon sugar filling, in a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
Step 6: For the cream cheese layer, in a separate bowl, beat together the 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light, fluffy, and completely smooth.
Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
Step 8: Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) on one of the long edges.
Step 9: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cinnamon sugar layer. It doesn't need to be perfectly smooth or separate; a slight swirl is fine.
Step 10: Starting from the long edge opposite the small border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam firmly to seal it.
Step 11: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12-14 equal slices, each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Step 12: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced rolls in the prepared dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
Step 13: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they look puffy and have nearly doubled in size.
Step 14: While the rolls are completing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 15: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil.
Step 16: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving. These rolls are truly best enjoyed warm!
Notes
For an extra touch, you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream) over the warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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