**Meta Title:** Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls – Gooey, Buttery Delight
**Meta Description:** Indulge in these gooey cream cheese cinnamon sugar rolls! Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.
You know that moment when you walk into a warm kitchen, and the delicious scent of cinnamon swirling with fresh baked dough instantly wraps around you like a cozy hug? It’s a feeling that embodies the very essence of home and nostalgia. If you’re nodding your head, you’re in for a treat! I’m excited to share my recipe for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls, which are not only gooey and buttery but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious. These sweet rolls are perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert. You’ll learn how to transform simple ingredients into a warm and indulgent experience that will make your kitchen feel like a bakery.
### What are Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls?
Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining a soft, fluffy dough with a rich, creamy filling. Imagine biting into a golden-brown roll, the buttery exterior yielding to a warm, sweet center of cream cheese, cinnamon, and sugar. Originating from the classic cinnamon roll, these delightful rolls take it a step further by introducing a layer of cream cheese that adds a rich tanginess to the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. The tender dough, the gooey filling, and the sweet glaze on top create a symphony of flavors and textures that has captured hearts for generations.
This dessert is a beloved breakfast staple and a favorite during holiday gatherings. The way the rolls puff up and become beautifully golden in the oven makes them irresistibly tempting. Plus, they’re ideal for making ahead of time and baking just before serving, filling your home with comforting aromas.
### Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls stand out for several reasons! First off, they are incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a professional baker or have advanced skills to create these masterpieces. The ingredients are easily accessible, and the steps are straightforward yet rewarding.
Here’s why you’ll want to whip these up this weekend:
– **Mouthwatering Flavor**: The combination of cinnamon and cream cheese fills each roll with delightful complexity. The sweetness of the sugar contrasts beautifully with the tang of the cream cheese.
– **Soft and Fluffy**: The dough, enriched with butter and eggs, results in a tender roll that is soft on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.
– **Customizable**: You can easily personalize them! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to amp up the flavor.
– **Perfect for Sharing**: Whether it’s a family gathering or brunch with friends, these rolls are sure to impress. Their gorgeous appearance adds to the fun of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
– **Great for Meal Prep**: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. Just pop them in the oven in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these dreamy rolls, gather the following ingredients:
– **For the Dough:**
– **3 ½ cups all-purpose flour**: The base of our rolls; it gives the dough structure. Ensure you measure it correctly for best results.
– **½ cup granulated sugar**: Adds sweetness to the dough. You can substitute basic brown sugar if you wish to deepen the flavor slightly.
– **1 teaspoon salt**: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dough.
– **1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) dry active yeast**: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
– **1 cup warm milk**: Activates the yeast and softens the dough. It should be warm, not hot, to protect the live yeast.
– **½ cup unsalted butter, melted**: Richness in flavor and texture; always use unsalted to better control the salt content.
– **2 large eggs**: Helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to a richer dough.
– **For the Cream Cheese Filling:**
– **8 ounces cream cheese, softened**: Creamy and rich, it’s the star of the filling.
– **½ cup brown sugar**: This brings a lovely caramelized note. The moisture in brown sugar helps keep the rolls soft.
– **1 tablespoon ground cinnamon**: Adds warmth and distinct flavor to the filling.
– **¼ cup unsalted butter, softened**: Enhances the creaminess of the filling while adding buttery goodness.
– **For the Glaze:**
– **1 cup powdered sugar**: Provides a sweet, smooth finish.
– **2-3 tablespoons milk**: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
– **½ teaspoon vanilla extract**: Adds a wonderful aromatic note to the glaze.
### How to Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Let’s get started on making these gooey, buttery rolls! Follow this step-by-step guide:
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it allows the yeast to activate, ensuring a nice rise in your rolls.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, and once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it in along with the melted butter and eggs. Use a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook to stir until combined, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
3. **Let Dough Rise**: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can speed this process up by placing it in a warm oven (just turn the oven on for a minute, then turn it off before placing the dough inside).
4. **Prepare the Filling**: While the dough is rising, mix together softened cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Set this mixture aside!
5. **Roll Out the Dough**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Flour your surface and roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Aim for a size of roughly 16 x 12 inches.
6. **Spread the Filling**: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
7. **Roll and Slice**: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife or a string, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each roll should be about 1-1.5 inches thick.
8. **Arrange in Baking Dish**: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or a lined baking sheet, arranging them closely together for a soft texture. Cover again with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
9. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for a beautiful browning finish.
10. **Bake**: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the entire kitchen fills with that heavenly aroma, and the tops are slightly crisp while the insides remain soft.
11. **Make the Glaze**: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
12. **Glaze and Serve**: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously on top. Serve warm, and get ready for the delightful expressions on your loved ones’ faces!
### Tips, Tricks & Variations
1. **Overnight Option**: Prep the rolls up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature before baking.
2. **Spice it Up**: Experiment with flavors! Add nutmeg, allspice, or even ginger to the filling for a different twist.
3. **Add Texture**: Consider adding chopped nuts or raisins into the filling for added crunch and chewiness.
4. **Glazing Variations**: Instead of vanilla extract, try maple syrup or almond extract in the glaze for a flavor twist.
5. **Storing**: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be warmed slightly in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
### What to Serve With Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
These delightful cinnamon-sugar rolls are perfect on their own, but if you’d like to elevate your brunch or dessert experience, consider pairing them with a rich cup of coffee or a warm cup of spiced tea. A vanilla bean latte or a fresh fruit salad also complements these sweet rolls beautifully, balancing out the richness with freshness and acidity.
### Nutrition & Health Benefits
One roll of these gooey Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls has about 350 calories with healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein derived from the cream cheese and eggs. While they are indulgent, they can provide a delightful treat when enjoyed in moderation. For detailed nutritional information, check resources like Healthline or USDA – [USDA FoodData Central](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/).
### Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I freeze these cream cheese cinnamon sugar rolls?**
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freeze them individually wrapped. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.
**2. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?**
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your milk was warm (not hot). If your kitchen is too cool, you can create a warm environment by preheating your oven for a minute and then turning it off before placing the dough inside.
**3. Can I add fruit to the filling?**
Yes! Fresh or dried fruit like apples, cherries, or blueberries can be a delightful addition. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the sugar as needed.
**4. How long will leftovers last?**
Leftovers can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure they are sealed properly to retain their moistness.
**5. What’s the best way to reheat them?**
For the best texture, reheat the rolls in the oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F, or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
### Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Cinnamon Sugar Rolls are more than just a treat; they are a warm reminder of love, home, and the joyful moments spent with family around the kitchen table. Each gooey bite tells a story of comfort and indulgence, tempting you to sink into the experience of their warm, buttery goodness. So why not create some memories today? Bake these delightful rolls and savor every moment! If you loved them, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your own beautiful rolls. Happy baking!
