Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Posted on May 9, 2025

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, these irresistible cinnamon cream cheese crescent rolls are about to become your new go-to treat. Imagine soft, buttery crescents filled with a creamy cinnamon-spiced filling, baked to perfection, and topped with a light glaze. Honestly, it’s hard to resist grabbing a second one!

This recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon with the tangy richness of cream cheese, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating your family, or just want a quick dessert fix, these crescent rolls are perfect. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples.

The Story Behind Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Crescent rolls have always been a favorite in my family, especially during the holidays. Growing up, I remember my mom experimenting with crescent dough, stuffing them with everything from savory cheeses to sweet fruit spreads. But it wasn’t until a chilly autumn afternoon that I stumbled upon the idea of combining cinnamon and cream cheese—two flavors I absolutely adore.

This recipe started as a simple experiment, but it quickly became a tradition. The warm cinnamon and creamy filling felt like comfort food at its finest, and they were always a hit at potlucks. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even easier, so you can enjoy these delicious rolls without spending hours in the kitchen.

While they’re perfect any time of year, I especially love making these during fall and winter. There’s just something about the smell of cinnamon wafting through your home that feels so cozy and inviting. Plus, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Here’s what you’ll need:

Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is the base of the recipe. I recommend using a high-quality brand for the best buttery flavor.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. Full-fat cream cheese works best for richness, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use fresh, aromatic cinnamon for the best flavor.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the cream cheese filling beautifully.
Powdered sugar: For the optional glaze—it’s worth it for that finishing touch!
Milk: Just a splash to thin out the glaze.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar to add a caramel-like depth, or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese—it works surprisingly well!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Mixing bowls: One for the filling and another for the glaze.
Whisk or hand mixer: To combine the cream cheese filling until smooth.
Baking sheet: A standard-sized sheet works perfectly.
Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Small spatula or spoon: To spread the filling evenly onto the crescent dough.

If you don’t have parchment paper, greasing the baking sheet with a little butter or cooking spray works just fine. And if you’re using a hand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to avoid lumps in your filling.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Unroll the crescent dough: Carefully separate the triangles and lay them flat on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spread the filling: Using a small spatula, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll them up: Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the tip. Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar and 1–2 teaspoons milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm crescent rolls.
Cool slightly: Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make this recipe foolproof:

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open while baking.
Chill your dough: If your crescent dough gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Use fresh cinnamon: The flavor of cinnamon fades over time, so make sure yours is fresh for maximum flavor.
Thin glaze consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add milk a few drops at a time until it’s pourable.
Try an egg wash: For an extra golden finish, brush the tops of the rolls with a lightly beaten egg before baking.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix it up? Here are a few ideas:

Chocolate lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent twist.
Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for a crunchy bite.
Seasonal flavors: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the fall or add a pinch of cardamom for a holiday vibe.
Dairy-free option: Use vegan crescent dough and cream cheese for a plant-based treat.

Personally, I love adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation—it looks fancy but takes seconds!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these cinnamon cream cheese crescent rolls warm, ideally fresh out of the oven. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For extra flair, garnish them with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These crescent rolls are a treat, but here’s a general idea of what you’re enjoying:

Calories: Approximately 180 per roll.
Fat: Moderate, thanks to the crescent dough and cream cheese.
Key benefits: Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties, and cream cheese provides a satisfying dose of calcium.
Dietary notes: This recipe is not gluten-free or low-carb but can be adapted for various diets.

If you’re watching sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or skip the glaze altogether—it’s still delicious without it!

Conclusion

These cinnamon cream cheese crescent rolls are a dessert dream come true—quick, easy, and downright delicious. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save a few for later, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own! If you do, let me know how it turned out in the comments. Feel free to share your variations or adaptations—I love hearing how others put their spin on it.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy baking! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later—you’ll definitely want to make it again!

FAQs

Can I use homemade crescent dough?

Absolutely! If you prefer making your own dough, it works just as well. Just ensure it’s rolled out evenly into triangles.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake them fresh for the best results.

What if my filling is too thick?

If your cream cheese mixture feels stiff, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, bake them as instructed, let them cool, and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven for best results.

How can I make them less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the filling or skip the glaze. They’re still delicious with just the cinnamon cream cheese filling!

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