Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Fluffy Rolls

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Introduction

When it comes to homemade baked treats, few things rival the comfort of freshly baked rolls. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the anticipation as they bake to golden perfection, and the first warm bite are simply irresistible. Now imagine taking those pillowy soft rolls and filling them with a luscious sweet cream cheese center, then rolling them in cinnamon sugar until they glisten with a caramelized crust.

That’s exactly what these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Fluffy Rolls are: a cross between a classic cinnamon roll, a cheesecake pastry, and a sugared doughnut. They combine the best of three worlds – soft bread, tangy cream cheese filling, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a holiday treat, these rolls are easy to make but taste like they came straight from a bakery. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, they are guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes (if making yeast dough)
  • Cook time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
  • Servings: 12 rolls

 Ingredients

For the Dough (Fluffy Roll Base):

  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115 g) melted butter

 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the egg, softened butter, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook, until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Set aside in the refrigerator until dough is ready.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal portions.
  2. Flatten each piece into a small disk.
  3. Spoon about 1 tbsp of cream cheese filling into the center.
  4. Pinch edges tightly to seal and roll into a ball.
  5. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Second Rise

  1. Cover rolls loosely with a towel.
  2. Let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  1. In one bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar.
  2. In another bowl, melt butter.
  3. Dip each warm roll lightly in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until coated.

 Tips for Perfect Fluffy Rolls

  • Warm liquid is key: Ensure milk is warm but not hot (110°F/43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Seal the filling well: Pinch dough tightly so the cream cheese doesn’t leak during baking.
  • Don’t overbake: Rolls should be golden, soft, and fluffy, not dry.
  • For extra indulgence: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce.
  • Shortcut option: Use canned biscuit dough or crescent roll dough if you want a quicker version.

 Variations

  1. Nutella Cream Cheese Rolls – Replace some filling with Nutella for a chocolate twist.
  2. Pumpkin Spice Rolls – Add ½ tsp pumpkin spice to cinnamon sugar for fall flavors.
  3. Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls – Mix lemon zest into cream cheese filling for a fresh citrusy version.
  4. Stuffed Doughnut Style – Deep-fry instead of baking, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
  5. Glazed Rolls – Top with powdered sugar glaze instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar.

 Storage & Reheating

  • Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Fridge: Keep up to 5 days (reheat before serving).
  • Freezer: Freeze unbaked shaped rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and bake when needed.
  • Reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

 Serving Suggestions

These rolls are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by pairing with:

  • A hot cup of coffee or latte
  • A glass of cold milk
  • Fresh fruit for balance
  • Whipped cream or ice cream for dessert

 Calories & Nutrition (Per Roll, Approx.)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the pillowy softness of homemade rolls with the indulgence of cheesecake filling.
  • Rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
  • Perfect for holidays, special breakfasts, or cozy weekends.
  • Can be made from scratch or with shortcuts depending on time.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Fluffy Rolls are a decadent yet approachable homemade treat that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery and bring smiles to anyone who tastes them. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these rolls are easy to master and endlessly customizable.

They’re soft, sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible – the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition. Once you try them warm from the oven, coated in that sparkling cinnamon sugar, you’ll understand why they deserve a place in your baking repertoire.

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