There’s something delightful about combining the rich flavors of cinnamon with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, especially when it’s all wrapped up in soft, fluffy rolls. These treats are perfect for brunch, dessert, or just a cozy evening snack with a cup of tea or coffee. I first made them on a snowy Sunday afternoon, and they quickly became a favorite in my household. The warm cinnamon aroma and the gooey sweetness truly create a comforting baking experience.
Cinnamon Cheesecake Rolls
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cinnamon rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour + more for dusting
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar + extra for filling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- Heavy cream or milk to reach desired icing consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix in ingredients: Stir in melted butter, egg, salt, and gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture over the rolled-out dough evenly.
- Roll and slice: Roll up the dough tightly from one long edge, then slice into equal pieces (about 12).
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Icing: While they cool, whip up the icing by mixing powdered sugar with cream until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
These rolls are best served warm. They can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for fresh rolls in the morning.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why you’ll love this dish
These rolls stand out for their irresistible sweetness and comforting spice. The soft dough complements the creamy filling, making each bite a pleasure. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm roll, where the cinnamon fills your senses and the cheesecake provides a delightful surprise.
“I can’t believe how easy these were to make! The filling is creamy and just the right amount of sweet, and they disappeared within minutes!”
What makes these rolls an excellent choice is their versatility. Whether for a festive gathering or simply to brighten up a weekday, they can adapt to any occasion, filling your home with warmth and deliciousness.
How it comes together
The process of creating these cinnamon cheesecake rolls is both fun and engaging. Starting with a simple dough, you’ll roll it out, spread on a sweet cream cheese filling, and sprinkle on cinnamon sugar. Once rolled up and sliced, they undergo a gentle rise before being baked to golden perfection. Combine that with a drizzle of icing, and you have a delightful treat that brings smiles all around.
Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 55 min
What you’ll need
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups + more for dusting
- Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup + extra for filling
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup, warm (about 110°F)
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted
- Egg: 1 large
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (for icing)
- Heavy cream or milk: enough to reach desired icing consistency
Feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling if you’d like a different level of sweetness; it’s all about personal preference here!
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix in ingredients: Stir in melted butter, egg, salt, and gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture over the rolled-out dough evenly.
- Roll and slice: Roll up the dough tightly from one long edge, then slice into equal pieces (about 12).
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Icing: While they cool, whip up the icing by mixing powdered sugar with cream until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. For an extra indulgent treat, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a warm glass of milk. If you’re hosting, these are a fantastic centerpiece for a dessert table, inviting everyone to dig in.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep these rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to extend their lifespan, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave a roll for about 20-30 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, covering them loosely with foil to maintain moisture.
Helpful cooking tips
When mixing the dough, ensure your milk isn’t too hot, or it will kill the yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast for optimal rising power—you want those rolls fluffy! If you’re short on time, you can even prepare the rolls the night before: assemble and refrigerate them covered, then bake them fresh in the morning.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with flavors; try adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or substituting pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. You could also incorporate nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of maple extract can enhance the overall flavor beautifully.
FAQ
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before rolling out.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt, adjusting the sugar in the filling to suit their sweetness.
How do I prevent the rolls from sticking?
Make sure to generously flour your work surface and your rolling pin while working with the dough to avoid sticking. Also, use a non-stick baking dish if possible.