Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are a decadent treat that combines the soft, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and they’ll fill your home with the most delicious aroma as they bake!
Here’s how to make Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup milk (warm, around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional but delicious!):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk, melted butter, salt, and egg. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Once it begins to form a dough, knead for about 5-7 minutes (or use the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- While the dough is rising, make the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set this aside.
6. Shape the Rolls:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the buttered dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
7. Roll and Slice:
- Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log.
- Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces (use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing them).
8. Second Rise:
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Leave a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
9. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pressing on the center of a roll—if it springs back, they’re ready.
10. Glaze the Rolls:
- While the rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are baked, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
11. Serve:
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These cinnamon sugar cream cheese rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they also keep well for a few days in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls:
- Dough Rising Tip: If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in the oven with the light on or in a warm, draft-free area. Another trick is to heat a cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes, then place the bowl with the dough inside (be sure to take out the hot water first).
- Substituting the Filling: If you’re not into cream cheese, you can skip the cream cheese filling and just make regular cinnamon rolls with butter and cinnamon-sugar filling. However, the cream cheese layer adds a wonderful richness and texture!
- Freezing the Rolls: You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise and freeze them. Just let them rise in the baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze them after baking and glaze them later.
- Add a Twist: You could add raisins or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture and flavor.
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced goodness. They’re soft, gooey, and perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re having them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, they are sure to be a hit! Would you serve these with any additional toppings, like whipped cream or extra cinnamon?
