Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines creamy softness with a touch of warm spice, these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups will quickly become your new go-to snack. This simple yet indulgent pastry brings together flaky puff pastry, luscious cream cheese filling, and a fragrant cinnamon sugar sprinkle, perfectly baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a creamy, cinnamon-kissed surprise that balances sweetness and texture beautifully, making Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups a fantastic choice for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime pick-me-up to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups. Each plays a specific role in making the roll-ups irresistibly flaky, creamy, and sweetly spiced.

• Puff pastry or phyllo dough (6–8 sheets): Provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Cream cheese, softened (125g): Adds a rich, smooth, and tangy filling that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and sugar.
• Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cream cheese with a warm, aromatic depth.
• Unsalted butter, melted (3 tbsp): Used to brush the pastry sheets, helping them brown to a golden crisp.
• Cinnamon sugar (2 tbsp): A simple mix of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar that lends the signature spicy-sweet flavor.
• Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting at the end, adding a pretty finish and an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your roll-ups bake evenly and don’t stick. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This creamy filling will balance the crispy pastry beautifully.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll-ups

Lay one puff pastry or phyllo sheet flat on your workspace and brush it lightly with melted butter to add richness and encourage flakiness. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire sheet. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously on top, spreading the warm aroma and a sweet, spicy layer across the creamy base. For the best results, be careful not to overload; you want a nice balance of all these delicious components.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Gently but firmly, roll the pastry sheet into a tight log, like making a cinnamon roll. Once rolled, cut it into 1 to 2 inch pieces to create bite-sized portions that will puff up beautifully in the oven. Arrange these cut pieces with the cut side facing up on your prepared baking sheet, giving them some space to expand.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Brush the tops of each roll-up with any remaining melted butter to ensure an irresistibly golden finish, and sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar on top if you want extra sweetness and sparkle. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and beautifully golden brown. When they smell heavenly and look perfectly baked, pull them out and let them cool just a bit.

Step 5: Serve with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

For that classic bakery-style finish, dust the warm Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups lightly with powdered sugar before serving. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also makes them look absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of powdered sugar is the simplest and most classic garnish for these roll-ups, adding sweetness and a festive, snowy look. For a bit of extra flair, you could drizzle a thin glaze made from icing sugar and milk, or scatter some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal brunch or afternoon treat. For a more substantial spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform these roll-ups into a dessert sensation.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange your roll-ups on a decorative platter and add sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for color and freshness. You could also serve them skewered on cocktail sticks for a fun finger-food option. Another idea is to turn these into mini desserts by pairing two layers with jam or fruit compote sandwiched between for extra bursts of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the pastry crisp. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option, though it may soften the flaky texture slightly.

Freezing

These roll-ups freeze wonderfully when uncooked. After assembling and slicing, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just increase baking time by a few minutes. You can also freeze baked roll-ups airtight for up to a month and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness and warm the creamy filling. Avoid microwaves if possible, as they tend to make the pastry soggy, losing that delightful crunch you want.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry or phyllo dough works perfectly and makes this recipe super simple and quick. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before assembling for the best results.

Is it possible to make these roll-ups vegan?

Yes, with a few swaps! Use a vegan cream cheese alternative, plant-based butter for brushing, and vegan puff pastry to keep everything dairy-free while still delicious.

Can I prepare these roll-ups in advance?

You can assemble the roll-ups and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a convenient and stress-free baking day.

What’s the best way to get a flaky texture?

Brushing the dough with melted butter and baking at a high temperature ensures puff pastry puffs just right and crisps up beautifully. Avoid handling the dough too much to keep it tender.

Can I add fruit or other fillings?

Definitely! Adding a thin layer of fruit jam beneath the cream cheese or folding in small bits of chopped apple or berries can add exciting flavors, though keep the filling balanced to avoid soggy pastry.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-ups offer an irresistible combination of creamy, sweet, and lightly spiced flavors wrapped in a satisfyingly flaky pastry. They are perfect for brightening up any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or an impromptu dessert. I can’t wait for you to try making these delicious roll-ups yourself—they’re bound to become one of your favorite treats to whip up and share with people you love!

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