Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite lazy Sunday trick – these insanely delicious cream cheese cinnamon rolls that come together in minutes! I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “I-need-something-sweet-now” moments when I had puff pastry in the fridge and a serious craving. The magic happens when rich cream cheese meets that warm cinnamon sugar swirl, all wrapped up in flaky pastry layers. What I love most? No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise – just pure, buttery goodness ready in about 30 minutes flat. These have become my go-to when friends pop over unexpectedly or when I want to treat myself to something special without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never look at cinnamon rolls the same way again!
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Listen, I know you’re going to adore these rolls as much as I do—they’re basically happiness wrapped in flaky pastry! Here’s why:
- No yeast, no problem: Skip the fuss of waiting for dough to rise—this recipe starts with trusty puff pastry that’s ready when you are
- Creamy dreamy filling: That luscious cream cheese layer makes every bite richer than your average cinnamon roll
- Brunch superstar: They look fancy but take barely any effort—perfect for impressing sleepy guests on Saturday mornings
- Golden-brown magic: That moment when they puff up in the oven? Pure baking joy!
Seriously, these rolls check all the boxes—easy, fast, and ridiculously delicious. You’re welcome!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need for these heavenly rolls—and trust me, every single ingredient plays a special role:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cool—not room temperature or it gets sticky!)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened—leave it out for 30 minutes or microwave for 10-second bursts)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted if yours is lumpy—we want silky smooth filling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff makes all the difference)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (regular white sugar works perfectly)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (freshly opened for maximum aroma)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (unsalted is my preference—salted works too, just skip the pinch below)
- Optional: tiny pinch of salt to balance all that sweetness
See? Nothing fancy—just pantry staples transformed into something magical!
How to Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get rolling—literally! These cream cheese cinnamon rolls come together so easily, you’ll be amazed. I’ll walk you through each step, just like I do when teaching my best friends this recipe. The key is working quickly but gently with the puff pastry—it’s forgiving, but wants to stay cool. Ready? Let’s bake!
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
First, let’s make that luscious filling that makes these rolls so special. In a medium bowl, whip together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed! I like using a hand mixer because it gets the creamiest texture, but a sturdy spatula works too if you don’t mind a little arm workout. The filling should be thick but spreadable, like frosting. Taste it? Mmm, that’s the good stuff!
Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls
Now the fun part! Unroll your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface—don’t skip the flour or it’ll stick. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the pastry, leaving just a tiny border at one long edge (this helps seal the roll later). Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle it generously over the cream cheese layer—don’t be shy here! Starting from the opposite long edge, roll it up tightly like a sleeping bag, using the clean edge to seal. Slice this beautiful log into 8 even pieces with a sharp knife—I find wiping the blade between cuts keeps them neat.
Baking the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Almost there! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined baking dish. Give each one a generous brush with melted butter—this makes them golden and irresistible. Bake for 18-22 minutes until they’re puffed up and gloriously golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery, and you’ll have to resist eating them straight from the oven (but seriously, let them cool just a minute—that filling gets lava-hot!).
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
After making these beauties countless times (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Don’t overfill: That cream cheese layer should be about 1/8 inch thick—too much and it’ll squish out when rolling
- Chill if sticky: If your pastry gets too warm while working, pop the whole rolled log in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing
- Sharp knife trick: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion for clean cuts—no squished swirls!
- Patience pays: Let them cool 5 minutes before serving—that molten cream cheese filling needs to set (trust me, burnt tongues aren’t tasty)
Follow these, and you’ll get picture-perfect rolls every single time!
Variations for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is perfect as-is, don’t get me wrong), try these fun twists when you’re feeling adventurous:
- Nutty delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar for extra crunch
- Spice swap: Replace half the cinnamon with cardamom for a warm, exotic twist
- Glaze game: Drizzle with simple powdered sugar glaze or melted white chocolate after baking
- Fruity fun: Add a thin layer of raspberry jam under the cream cheese filling
See? One recipe, endless ways to make it your own!
Serving and Storing Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Oh, serving these beauties is half the fun! I always let them cool just enough so nobody burns their tongue—about 5 minutes does the trick. That’s when the cream cheese filling sets into perfect, gooey bliss. They’re fantastic fresh from the oven, but if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Want to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic? Pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Just watch them closely—that puff pastry reheats fast!
Nutritional Information for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s the scoop—each gooey, glorious roll comes in around 240 calories. Remember, nutrition can vary based on your specific brands (especially the puff pastry and cream cheese). I always say one warm roll with coffee counts as a balanced breakfast… right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cream cheese cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. When cravings hit, reheat frozen rolls at 350°F for 10-12 minutes—they’ll taste freshly baked!
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead?
You bet—though I love the convenience of store-bought puff pastry for this quick breakfast treat. If you’re using homemade, roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness so it bakes evenly with the creamy filling.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Two tricks: First, don’t overdo the cream cheese filling—too much moisture causes sogginess. Second, bake them on parchment paper so air circulates underneath. That golden-brown puff pastry deserves to stay crisp!
Can I make these ahead for brunch?
Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, just brush with butter and bake—they’ll puff up beautifully while you sip your coffee!
Share Your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Experience
I’d absolutely love to hear how your cream cheese cinnamon rolls turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Snap a photo of those golden swirls and tag me—nothing makes me happier than seeing your baking wins. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it as much as I do!
Print30-Minute Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls That Melt in Your Mouth
Sweet, creamy, and irresistible cream cheese cinnamon rolls made with puff pastry for an easy and quick treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: pinch of salt for balance
Instructions
- Make the creamy filling by whipping together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a floured surface and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even pieces.
- Brush rolls with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Let rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg