Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. They’re incredibly easy to make, using store-bought crescent roll dough (or puff pastry for a flakier version), making them perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The warm, gooey filling and the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated exterior create a truly irresistible combination.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer (or by hand) until smooth, creamy, and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for the best texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough (or puff pastry) on a lightly floured surface. If using crescent roll dough, separate it into the pre-cut triangles. If using puff pastry, cut it into squares (approximately 3×3 inches).
Step 4: Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) onto the wide end of each triangle (or in the center of each puff pastry square). Gently spread the filling, leaving a small border. Roll the dough from the wide end towards the point (or fold the puff pastry over to create a triangle), ensuring the filling is enclosed.
Step 5: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Dip each roll into the melted butter, coating all sides. Then, immediately roll the buttered roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step 6: Bake: Place the coated rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, preventing it from being too runny.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: The recipe uses pre-made dough, which significantly cuts down on preparation time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese is a classic for a reason – it’s simply delicious.
- Versatile: These rolls can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding nuts, raisins, or different spices to the filling or topping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
- Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon.
Tips:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the rolls, as the filling may leak out during baking.
- Even Coating: Make sure to evenly coat the rolls with butter and cinnamon sugar for the best flavor and texture.
- Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Nutrition Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls are a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their warm, gooey filling and crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of dough?
- Yes, you can! While the recipe calls for crescent roll dough or puff pastry, you could also use biscuit dough or even homemade dough if you prefer. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of dough you use.
- Can I add nuts to the filling?
- Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cream cheese filling. Simply mix them in with the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract (use half the amount, as it’s stronger) or simply omit it. The rolls will still be delicious without it.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the best texture. If you do refrigerate them, add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze these rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze these rolls before baking. Assemble them as directed, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
