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Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filled Rolls

These delicious rolls are filled with a creamy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese mixture, perfect for slow mornings or holiday brunches.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it's fully softened for easy mixing.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Rolls
  • 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry Can substitute with homemade dough.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted For brushing on rolls.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Homemade Dough (optional)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast Approximately 1 packet.
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for homemade dough)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for homemade dough)

Method
 

Make the Filling
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the fridge.
Shortcut Method (Using Refrigerated Dough)
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Unroll the crescent dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Pinch any seams together if using crescent dough.
  3. Cut the dough into equal squares, about 2 to 3 inches each.
  4. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
  5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Homemade Dough Method
  1. Warm the milk to about 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar over the milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, beaten egg, and softened butter. Mix to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Let it rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour or until doubled.
  4. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle and cut into squares. Add filling as before, fold, and seal.
  5. Bake or air fry as in the shortcut method.
Finish and Coat
  1. Brush the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
  2. Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a bowl and roll the warm rolls in it.

Notes

Best served warm with coffee or tea. Store in an airtight container and warm gently before serving if stored in the fridge.