Baked Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

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Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive, detailed recipe for Baked Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups with all the elements you asked for. I’ve made it extensive and flavorful—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

Baked Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about the warm aroma of cinnamon swirling together with rich, creamy cheese. Baked Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are a delightful treat that combine the flakiness of baked dough with the luscious smoothness of cream cheese filling and the comforting sweetness of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert, these roll-ups are simple to make but feel like a bakery-level creation.

These roll-ups are ideal for gatherings, cozy mornings, or even as a sweet surprise after dinner. With just a few ingredients, they deliver a taste that’s creamy, cinnamon-kissed, and slightly crispy on the outside—a texture contrast that makes every bite memorable.

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Dough and Assembly:

  • 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry (8 oz / 225 g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Optional Topping:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Honey or caramel drizzle

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

  1. Unroll the crescent roll dough or puff pastry onto a clean surface.
  2. If using crescent dough, press seams together to create one solid rectangle.
  3. Brush lightly with melted butter (optional, adds richness).

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

  1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  2. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the cream cheese layer.
  3. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
  4. Cut the log into 1–1.5 inch slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.

Step 6: Optional Topping

Once slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey/caramel for extra indulgence. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Methods & Techniques

  • Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Room temperature works best.
  • Rolling Dough: Roll tightly to prevent filling from spilling out but not so tight that the roll becomes dense.
  • Baking Temperature: 350°F (175°C) ensures the dough bakes through without burning the cinnamon sugar topping.
  • Serving Warm: These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh from the oven; you can reheat leftovers in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

History & Origin

Cinnamon rolls have a long history dating back to 1920s Sweden, where they were called “Kanelbullar” and celebrated on Cinnamon Roll Day. Cream cheese frosting became popular in the U.S. around the 1930s, mainly due to the success of cream cheese producers like Philadelphia. Combining the cinnamon roll with cream cheese in a simplified baked roll-up format is a modern adaptation that makes this treat quicker to prepare while keeping all the classic flavors intact.

Benefits

  • Mood Booster: Cinnamon is known for its aroma-therapeutic effects and may help improve mood.
  • Calcium Source: Cream cheese provides calcium and protein.
  • Convenience: Quick and easy to make, great for breakfast on-the-go or dessert.

Formation & Serving Tips

  • Serve on a decorative plate to make them feel like a café treat.
  • Pair with hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
  • Can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition (Approximate per roll-up, makes 8)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Protein: 4 g

Conclusion

Baked Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures. They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at brunch or special occasions. With warm cinnamon, sweet cream cheese, and flaky baked dough, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For the Lovers of Sweet Treats

  • If you’re a cinnamon lover, these roll-ups are your heaven.
  • Cream cheese enthusiasts will adore the silky, tangy-sweet center.
  • Ideal for gifting—wrap in parchment with a ribbon for a homemade, heartfelt treat.

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step visual guide showing exactly how to assemble and bake them—it turns this recipe into a full bakery-style tutorial.

Do you want me to do that?

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