Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

 Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super soft and fluffy rolls
• Rich cream cheese filling
• Classic cinnamon sugar swirl
• Perfect for make-ahead & freezing
• Bakery-style results at home

 Ingredients

 For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature

 Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

 Cinnamon Sugar Layer

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, very soft

 Optional Cream Cheese Glaze (Highly Recommended)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and salt.
4. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.

 Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix:

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Set aside.

 Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Set aside.

 Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle.
2. Spread soft butter evenly over the dough.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously.
4. Add spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and gently spread.
5. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
6. Cut into 12 even rolls.

 Step 5: Second Rise

• Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
• Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

 Step 6: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden and soft.
• Do not overbake.

 Step 7: Make the Glaze

Whisk all glaze ingredients until smooth.
Drizzle over warm rolls for best flavor.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Use room-temperature cream cheese
• Don’t over-flour the dough
• Warm milk, not hot
• Let rolls cool slightly before glazing

 Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts
• Swirl in chocolate chips
• Add orange zest to the filling
• Use maple glaze instead of vanilla

 Storage & Freezing

• Store covered at room temp: 2 days
• Refrigerate: 5 days
• Freeze baked rolls (unglazed): up to 2 months

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble, refrigerate overnight, bake in the morning.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade gives better texture and flavor.

Why are my rolls dry?
Too much flour or overbaking.