Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of cinnamon and freshly baked dough filling the kitchen — that familiar, heartwarming aroma that instantly feels like home. These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups take that magic to new heights, combining the cozy sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls with a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling that melts into every golden swirl.

Soft, pillowy, and perfectly spiced, these rolls are the kind of treat that makes mornings feel special and evenings feel indulgent. Each one begins with a tender, buttery dough enriched with warm milk and just a touch of sugar — the kind that bakes up light yet rich, with that irresistible pull-apart texture. Once it rises, the dough is spread with a smooth, velvety cream cheese layer that adds an indulgent creaminess at the heart of every bite.

Then comes the moment every baker loves — sprinkling that deep amber blend of brown sugar and cinnamon, the duo that transforms ordinary dough into something unforgettable. As the rolls bake, the sugar caramelizes slightly, creating ribbons of gooey sweetness that swirl through the tender layers, while the cream cheese filling melts and mingles into a luxurious center.

When they emerge from the oven, puffed and golden, they’re already impossible to resist. But a final drizzle of vanilla glaze — glossy, sweet, and delicate — turns them into something truly heavenly. The glaze seeps lightly into the warm rolls, adding just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering their buttery, cinnamon-swirled perfection.

These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are ideal for slow weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or cozy afternoons when you crave something homemade and comforting. They’re beautiful enough to serve at special gatherings yet simple enough to make just because you feel like baking something wonderful.

Every step of this recipe — from kneading the soft dough to watching it rise, to that first warm bite — feels like an act of comfort and care. The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese is timeless, but here it’s elevated: familiar yet luxurious, nostalgic yet new.

Whether you serve them warm from the oven with coffee on a quiet morning, or plate them up with a swirl of glaze for guests, these roll-ups are more than a pastry — they’re a moment of joy, a pause in the day to savor something tender, sweet, and made with love.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

Recipe by Salma Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, at room temperature

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• For the Filling:

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
• Make the dough: Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed, then gradually add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add up to ½ cup more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains supple.
• Knead and rise: Knead the dough (by hand or mixer) for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
• Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Assemble the roll-ups: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
• Roll and slice: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut into 12 even slices (about 1½ inches thick).
• Second rise and bake: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls just before serving.