Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Ups

When it comes to quick, satisfying, and family-friendly desserts, few treats rival the appeal of cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent roll ups. These little pastries combine the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon sugar with the rich, creamy texture of sweetened cream cheese, all wrapped in golden, buttery crescent dough. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to bring to a gathering, a fun after-school snack, or something simple to add to your weekend baking list, this recipe delivers every time.

What sets this treat apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than 30 minutes from prep to plate, these crescent roll ups are perfect for beginner bakers or anyone pressed for time. The combination of flaky dough and creamy filling gives the illusion of a bakery-style dessert without the fuss. If you’ve ever wondered about the roots of this crowd-pleasing dough, you can learn more about its history and versatility by exploring the crescent roll dough history.

This dessert is also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with different add-ins like apple slices, mini chocolate chips, or pumpkin spice for seasonal variations. These options make it a popular choice among Pinterest users, where boards like easy dessert tray ideas offer tons of inspiration for elevating your serving presentation. The convenience of pre-made crescent dough combined with the rich profile of vanilla cream cheese filling makes it a go-to dessert for casual bakers and seasoned hosts alike.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment or advanced baking skills to make it work. With just a baking sheet, parchment paper, a mixing bowl, and a few other basics, you can turn these simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks and tastes like it took far more effort than it really did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent roll ups, but let’s start with what makes them a standout dessert option for both everyday snacking and special occasions.

• Quick & Easy Prep
  One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how fast and simple it is to prepare. From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. The use of store-bought crescent dough cuts down on time without sacrificing quality.

• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
  With only a few ingredients—most of which are pantry staples—you can create something that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The mix of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla-infused cream cheese offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. For a deeper understanding of this sweet spice’s role in baking, check out these facts about cinnamon.

• Kid-Friendly and Customizable
  These roll ups are a hit with kids and adults alike. Children can even help assemble the rolls, making it a fun activity as well as a delicious reward. You can also get creative with the filling—consider seasonal variations like pumpkin spice, or browse kid-friendly baking recipes for even more inspiration.

• Perfect for Any Occasion
  Whether you’re planning a bake sale, brunch, dessert table, or an afternoon treat, these crescent roll ups are an excellent fit. Their compact size makes them easy to transport and serve, especially when arranged on a platter with other make-ahead desserts.

• Versatile and Scalable
  You can double or triple the batch easily for parties or holidays. Want something more elegant? Serve with a side of warm caramel sauce or fresh berries to elevate the presentation.

All of these factors make these cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent roll ups a must-try for anyone looking to expand their quick dessert repertoire without complicating their kitchen routine.

 Ingredient Breakdown

To make the perfect cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent roll ups, it’s important to understand each ingredient’s role and how substitutions can impact the final result. Each component contributes to the flavor, texture, and structure of these irresistible pastries.

• Crescent Roll Dough
  The foundation of the recipe is refrigerated crescent roll dough, known for its flaky, buttery layers. Most major brands like Pillsbury offer both classic and buttery versions. If you’re curious about how this dough became a staple in American kitchens, read more in this article on the history of crescent roll dough. Look for the “original” or “buttery” type for best results. Avoid using sweet or garlic-flavored varieties.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
  The rich, tangy cream cheese creates a smooth, velvety filling that complements the sweet coating. Use full-fat for maximum creaminess, though reduced-fat options also work well. If you’re interested in the origin and processing of this essential ingredient, check out cream cheese origins.

• Granulated Sugar
  Sugar is used in two parts of the recipe:

  • 1/4 cup is mixed with cream cheese for sweetness in the filling

  • 1/3 cup is mixed with cinnamon for coating the rolls
    Opt for fine granulated sugar for even mixing and better caramelization during baking. The production of granulated sugar reveals its role in food science and texture.

• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
  A few drops of pure vanilla extract enhance the cream cheese with warm, aromatic depth. Vanilla balances the richness of the dairy and sugar. For more on its culinary uses, explore this piece on vanilla extract in baking.

• Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp)
  This spice adds a warm, familiar aroma and balances the sweetness with subtle spice. Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon varieties offer more intense flavor. Cinnamon is also featured in countless classic dessert tray ideas such as those on Pinterest.

• Melted Butter (2 tbsp)
  Brushing the rolls with melted butter before rolling them in cinnamon sugar helps create a golden crust and improves adherence of the coating. Use unsalted for more control over flavor, though salted can add a subtle savory contrast.

• Optional Add-ins
  You can personalize the filling or coating with these additions:

  • Brown sugar (for a deeper caramel taste)

  • Mini chocolate chips

  • Nutmeg or pumpkin spice

  • Finely chopped nuts for crunch

  • Fruit preserves or apple slices for a twist similar to crescent dough recipes

Together, these simple ingredients transform into a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels indulgent but comes together in just minutes. With countless customization options, they’re easy to adapt for holidays, family preferences, or ingredient availability.

 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

While cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent roll ups are impressively simple, having the right tools on hand ensures a smooth baking process and a professional-looking finish. Here’s what you’ll need to make prep and cleanup easy.

• Baking Sheet
  A standard non-stick baking sheet is ideal. Choose one with a rim to prevent any melted butter or sugar from spilling over during baking. Lining it with parchment paper ensures even browning and prevents sticking—an essential step when working with sticky sugar coatings.

• Parchment Paper
  Parchment not only helps with cleanup but also promotes an even bake and prevents the bottoms of the rolls from over-browning. It’s especially helpful when making multiple batches, as it allows quick turnover between rounds.

• Mixing Bowls
  You’ll need at least two bowls:

  • One for mixing the cream cheese filling

  • Another for the cinnamon sugar coating
    Use glass or stainless steel bowls for easier stirring and durability.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
  Accuracy matters in baking. Use a full set of measuring tools to get exact amounts of sugar, butter, and spices. Incorrect ratios can throw off the texture and sweetness.

• Pastry Brush
  A silicone or bristle brush helps apply melted butter evenly over the crescent rolls before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar. This step ensures full flavor coverage and contributes to that caramelized exterior.

• Spatula or Butter Knife
  For spreading the cream cheese mixture neatly onto each crescent triangle. A small offset spatula or butter knife works best to maintain control and avoid tearing the dough.

• Cooling Rack (Optional but Recommended)
  Once baked, transferring your rolls to a cooling rack prevents sogginess and maintains a crisp, golden crust.

For more beginner-friendly baking tips and essential tool lists, check out baking tips for beginners. Having the right tools on hand transforms a simple dessert into a bakery-worthy treat with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions (With Tips)

Making cinnamon sugar cream cheese crescent roll ups is as easy as it is delicious. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure perfect results every time, with extra tips to enhance flavor, texture, and appearance.

• 1. Preheat Your Oven
  Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Preheating the oven fully is essential to help the crescent dough puff up correctly and develop a golden crust.

• 2. Prepare the Filling
  In a small bowl, combine:

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Mix until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to eliminate lumps. For more background on why softened cream cheese mixes better, explore cream cheese origins.

• 3. Unroll the Crescent Dough
  Gently unroll your crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles along the perforated edges. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 5 minutes to make handling easier. For tips on choosing the right type of dough, refer back to this resource on the history of crescent roll dough.

• 4. Fill the Triangles
  Place a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill, or the mixture will leak during baking. Spread slightly, but don’t go all the way to the edges.

• 5. Roll and Shape
  Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle toward the tip, enclosing the filling. Pinch any open ends to keep the cream cheese from oozing out during baking. If needed, tuck in the sides slightly for a tighter seal.

• 6. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  In another bowl, stir together:

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
    This mixture should be well blended to coat evenly. Learn more about cinnamon’s baking role in this overview of cinnamon spice facts.

• 7. Brush with Butter and Coat
  Melt 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and use a pastry brush to coat the surface of each rolled crescent. Immediately roll each buttered piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This step creates the signature caramelized crust and enhances flavor.

• 8. Bake to Perfection
  Place the coated rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Avoid opening the oven frequently, as this can disrupt baking and deflate the dough.

• 9. Cool Slightly Before Serving
  Let the rolls sit for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps set the filling and ensures the exterior stays crisp. For even more creative ways to present them, browse through quick make-ahead desserts.

These simple yet specific instructions help you avoid common baking pitfalls and ensure each roll up is flaky on the outside, creamy on the inside, and full of warm cinnamon flavor.