Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe

If you love the warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced magic of a classic pastry but want something quicker and easier, this Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine creamy, dreamy cream cheese mingling with cinnamon and brown sugar, all wrapped up in flaky crescent roll dough that bakes into golden, irresistible bites. These roll ups offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and they come together in less than 40 minutes from start to finish. If you’ve been craving a homemade treat that feels indulgent yet fuss-free, get ready to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, relying on a handful of pantry staples that each add a vital layer of flavor or texture to these fluffy rolls. Every ingredient has its own role—from the tangy cream cheese filling to the buttery cinnamon sugar topping, so have them ready to create a truly comforting treat.

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, creamy base that balances the cinnamon sweetness beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right for that perfect bite.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Crescent roll dough (1 8 oz can): Provides a flaky, buttery crust that’s irresistibly tender.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Used for brushing on top to create a golden, flavorful exterior.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Combines with cinnamon for a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice, delivering that iconic cinnamon punch.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): The base for the glossy, sweet icing that crowns the rolls.
• Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adjusted to perfect the icing’s creamy consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step means effortless cleanup later and ensures your rolls bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This creamy mixture is what makes these roll ups irresistibly rich and adds a delightful tang to the sweet cinnamon.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface without pulling the triangles apart. Pinch the seams together to create one large rectangle. This neat base is essential for evenly distributing the filling and rolling it up tightly.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking. This layer melts perfectly inside to create that signature gooey texture.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle the blend evenly over the cream cheese layer. This sweet, fragrant sprinkle is what transforms each bite into pure comfort food happiness.

Step 6: Roll It Up Tight

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log so all those delicious layers stay wrapped inside. A good, snug roll means your cinnamon and cream cheese filling won’t escape during baking.

Step 7: Slice Your Rolls

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Each piece is a perfect-sized bite of fluffy cinnamon goodness, ready to become a golden beauty in the oven.

Step 8: Butter and Bake

Brush the tops with melted butter for that classic, shiny finish. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor and crunchy sweetness. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed—your kitchen will start to smell like heaven.

Step 9: Make the Icing

While your rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth and drizzle-ready. Adjust the milk slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner icing—the perfect topping for these warm rolls.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve

Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle your homemade icing over each roll up. Serve them warm to enjoy the melty, gooey textures and comforting cinnamon aroma at their very best.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Fresh fruit slices or a few raspberries on the side can add a refreshing contrast that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

These roll ups pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte for breakfast or brunch. For an afternoon snack, try them alongside a chilled glass of milk or a light herbal tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your cinnamon roll roll ups on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of extra icing or honey for dipping. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift or party favor everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the rolls completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve their soft texture and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked roll ups by wrapping the log tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with slicing and baking as usual.

Reheating

Warm leftover cinnamon roll roll ups in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Freshly drizzled icing after reheating brings back that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread dough instead of crescent roll dough?

While crescent roll dough provides the signature flaky, buttery texture, regular bread dough will work but yield a denser result. It won’t have that same golden crispness, but it can still be delicious.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?

Cream cheese adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness beautifully, but you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor. Skipping it would change the texture quite a bit.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan cream cheese substitute, dairy-free crescent dough if you can find it, and plant-based milk for the icing. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?

Make sure to pinch the seams of the crescent dough tightly to seal the dough rectangle well and avoid overfilling. Also, leave a small border around the edges when spreading filling to reduce spillage during baking.

Can these roll ups be frozen after baking?

Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results to regain that fresh-baked softness and warm icing melt.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully joyful about creating delicious treats that feel special yet are simple enough for any day. This Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups Recipe combines all the best bits of cinnamon rolls with dreamy cream cheese in a quick, easy bake that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re making breakfast for your favorite people or a cozy snack for yourself, these roll ups are a sweet little hug in every bite. Go ahead, roll ’em up and savor the magic!

Print