There’s something incredibly comforting about these cinnamon cream cheese roll-ups.
They remind me of cozy mornings at my grandma’s house, where the scent of cinnamon and warm bread filled the kitchen.
These treats are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and covered in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
They’re so easy to make but always feel extra special.
Why I Love This Recipe
Takes only minutes to prepare
Combines cinnamon sugar crunch with a creamy filling
Baked, not fried – easier and less messy
Great for holidays, brunch, or a quick sweet fix
Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
White Bread – Use regular sandwich bread with the crusts removed for easy rolling.
Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese makes the perfect sweet filling.
Powdered Sugar – Blended with cream cheese for smooth sweetness.
Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon – Classic combination that coats the rolls in irresistible flavor.
Butter – Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh, soft bread—it rolls better without tearing.
Don’t overfill with cream cheese to prevent leaking during baking.
Roll tightly so the filling stays inside.
Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
For extra crispiness, bake a little longer or broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Coatings and Filling
In one bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Pour the melted butter into a third bowl.
Step 2: Flatten and Fill the Bread
Remove the crusts from all bread slices.
Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice.
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on one side, then roll tightly.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Dip each roll-up first in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake
Place coated roll-ups seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
What to Serve It With
Fresh berries or fruit salad
A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
Hot coffee or chai tea
Greek yogurt for contrast
Whipped cream or caramel dip
Variations / Substitutions
Use whole wheat or brioche bread for a different base
Add a bit of vanilla or lemon zest to the cream cheese
Substitute mascarpone for cream cheese for a silkier texture
Try pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon
Add mini chocolate chips inside for a twist
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days
Reheat in oven or toaster oven at 300°F until crisp
Avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy
Can be frozen before baking and baked directly from frozen
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked roll-ups, then bake fresh when ready.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze before baking. Just bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Can I use other fillings besides cream cheese?
Sure—try Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves.
Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
Yes! Air-fry at 350°F for about 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why is my bread tearing when rolling?
Use soft, fresh bread and roll gently. Older bread tends to crack.
How do I keep them crispy after baking?
Let them cool on a wire rack so steam doesn’t soften the bottoms.
Can I make them less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in both the filling and coating to taste.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon cream cheese roll-ups are the definition of easy comfort food.
They deliver all the flavor of a cinnamon roll with a fraction of the effort.
Sweet, crunchy, creamy—they’re perfect for brunch tables, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave a quick treat that wows.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 16 slices white bread crusts removed
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup butter melted
Instructions
- In one bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In another bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour melted butter into a separate bowl.
- Remove crusts from bread and flatten each slice with a rolling pin.
- Spread cream cheese mixture on each slice and roll tightly.
- Dip each roll in melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/cinnamon-cream-cheese-roll-ups/
Notes
- For extra crunch, use day-old bread.
- You can prepare these ahead and bake them just before serving.
- Try adding a dash of vanilla or orange zest to the filling for extra flavor.
