There’s something irresistibly cozy about soft, golden-baked bites swirling with cinnamon sugar and tangy cream cheese, all drizzled with a silky glaze. These Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups take simple crescent dough and transform it into bite-size pastries perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or an indulgent dessert any time of day. You’ll love how quickly they come together and how every warm, buttery crescent delivers a comforting burst of cinnamon goodness. Ready to whip up a batch? Let’s dive in!
Key Ingredients
To make these delightful roll-ups, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples that come together for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened: Creamy base that balances the cinnamon sweetness with a tangy richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant depth and enhances the overall sweetness
- 1 (8 oz) can of crescent roll dough: Flaky, buttery vessel that holds all the delicious fillings
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top for a golden finish and extra richness
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Caramel notes that mingle perfectly with the cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Key warming spice that gives each bite its signature flavor
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Base for the glaze, offering a smooth, sweet drizzle
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for a pourable but not runny finish
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups
These cinnamon roll roll-ups come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy mornings or an impromptu dessert. Gather your ingredients and let’s transform crescent dough into pillowy, gooey bites that everyone will adore.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and thoroughly blended, then set aside.
3. Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface, keeping the triangles connected. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent filling from oozing out.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer for that classic swirl.
6. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the fillings as you go to keep everything inside.
7. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Place each roll cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter with a pinch of cinnamon sugar (optional). Brush the tops of each roll for added flavor and a glossy, golden finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed through.
10. While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable, adjusting milk to reach your desired consistency.
11. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the icing set slightly rather than run off completely.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, serve immediately, and enjoy every gooey, buttery bite!
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your cinnamon roll roll-ups with these fun serving ideas that’ll have guests—and your family—coming back for seconds:
- Serve with a dusting of extra powdered sugar: Adds a snowy, festive touch and a little extra sweetness
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced latte: The steam from your drink keeps the rolls warm and melty
- Top with fresh berries or sliced strawberries: Brightens the plate and adds a zesty contrast
- Offer a side of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt: Provides a creamy counterpoint to the sweet, spiced rolls
Tips For Perfect Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups
Whether you’re hosting brunch or satisfying a dessert craving, these cinnamon roll roll-ups are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are a few friendly pointers to make sure yours turn out picture-perfect every time:
- These roll-ups are great for breakfast or as an indulgent dessert, so don’t be shy—enjoy them whenever you need a cozy treat.
- You can easily add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and a nutty crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to bring back that gooey warmth without overcooking.
How To Store It
Ensuring your cinnamon roll roll-ups stay fresh and fluffy is simple when you follow these storage tips. Whether you’re saving them for later or prepping ahead, use these methods to maintain that just-baked taste.
- Refrigerator: Once cooled completely, place rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm gently before serving.
- Freezer: Arrange cooled, baked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Make-ahead (unbaked): Assemble rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Bake according to instructions when ready.
- Reheating: For a crispier exterior, warm rolls in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. To keep them extra soft, microwave on a plate for 15–20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Here are a few answers to help you get rolling!
- Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake these cinnamon roll roll-ups?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the dough, filling, and rolling, plus 15–18 minutes of baking time. Allow an additional 5 minutes for icing and cooling before serving, bringing the total to around 30–35 minutes.
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time or freeze them?
Yes. You can assemble the roll-ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled rolls on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Q: What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
If you don’t have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry sheets or homemade yeast dough rolled into a thin rectangle. Puff pastry will yield a flakier texture, while yeast dough gives a more traditional cinnamon roll bite.
- Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to leave a small border around the edges of the dough and pinch the seams tightly when rolling. Slice gently with a sharp knife to avoid squeezing out the filling. Brushing the tops with melted butter also helps seal the edges.
- Q: How can I adjust the icing consistency?
Start with 1 tablespoon of milk mixed into the powdered sugar, then add more by half-teaspoon increments until you reach a pourable but not runny consistency. For thicker icing, use less milk; for thinner glaze, add more.
- Q: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or fruit?
Absolutely. Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins over the cream cheese layer before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also fold in small apple or pear pieces, but ensure they’re finely diced so the roll helps seal them inside.
- Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15–20 seconds for a warm, soft center without making them soggy. Alternatively, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes on a baking sheet to restore a slight crisp on the exterior.
What Makes This Special
These Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups hit all the sweet spots: soft, buttery crescents wrapped around a creamy, cinnamon-spiced filling, then drizzled with a glossy glaze that melts into every nook. They’re quick to assemble, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable—add nuts, fruit, or extra glaze as you like. Plus, they bake up as perfect bite-size treats that feel like a hug in every mouthful. Feel free to print this recipe and tuck it into your favorite cookbook, then drop a comment below with your results, questions, or any fun variations you try!
Cinnamon Roll Roll Ups
Description
Soft, golden-baked bites bursting with cinnamon sugar and tangy cream cheese, drizzled with silky glaze for a sweet, comforting treat anytime you crave a warm pastry.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
-
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface without separating the triangles. Pinch the seams together to create a single rectangle.
-
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the rectangle of crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
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Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the fillings stay inside.
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Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a bit of cinnamon sugar (optional) and brush the top of each roll with the mixture for added flavor.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
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While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
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Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing on top.
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Serve warm and enjoy the delicious cinnamon roll roll-ups!
Note
- These roll-ups are great for breakfast or as an indulgent dessert.
- You can easily add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to enjoy them warm again.
