Sweet, crispy, and filled with creamy goodness – your new favorite 15-minute indulgence.
📋 Recipe Card
Servings: 10–12 roll-ups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 minutes
Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Yield: Serves 3–4
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Kid-Friendly
Ingredients List
- Soft white bread (sliced, crusts removed)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Flatten the bread: Use a rolling pin or your hand to flatten each slice of bread.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fill and roll: Spread the cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread. Roll tightly.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Dip and coat: Dip each roll-up in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Cook: Place in a hot nonstick skillet or on a baking sheet. Pan-fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and enjoy warm.
Additional Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier spreading.
- These roll-ups are best served fresh and warm.
- Can be made with whole wheat or gluten-free bread if desired.
- Vegetarian-friendly.
A Quick, Delicious Sweet Treat in Minutes
This quick and easy recipe is a mashup between French toast and cinnamon rolls – with creamy centers and a crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust. These Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a fun party snack. They’re sweet, satisfying, and made from pantry staples – what’s not to love?
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Flatten the Bread
Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice of soft white sandwich bread. This helps it roll tightly without cracking.
Tip: Removing the crusts gives a more uniform look and helps with even browning.
2. Make the Filling
Mix about 4 oz (half a block) of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
Optional: Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Roll It Up
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice of bread. Roll each slice tightly like a cigar.
Tip: Don’t overfill or the cream cheese may ooze out during cooking.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Adjust cinnamon to taste for more or less spice.
5. Coat in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Dip each roll in melted butter (about 2–3 tbsp total), then coat evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Cook
Option 1: Pan-Fry
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the roll-ups for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Option 2: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake roll-ups on a parchment-lined tray for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
Key Ingredients
- Bread: Soft white sandwich bread is ideal. Avoid rustic or crusty loaves.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the richest taste. Low-fat works, but might be softer.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Classic combo, but you could use coconut sugar or brown sugar for variation.
Substitution Options
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter.
- No powdered sugar? Use honey or maple syrup in the filling.
- No rolling pin? Use a clean glass or press with hands.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- Swap cream cheese for Nutella or peanut butter for a twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar.
Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sandwich bread.
- Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter, and choose vegan bread.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with fresh berries or fruit compote.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for a dessert vibe.
- Enjoy with coffee or warm milk.
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze – the texture may become soggy.
Reheating
- Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain crispness.
- Avoid microwaving – it may make the bread chewy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble and store unbaked roll-ups (coated but not cooked) in the fridge overnight.
- Cook fresh in the morning for best results.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 2 Roll-Ups)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 14g
- Allergens: Contains wheat, dairy (milk)
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 12 hours.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended – they become soggy when thawed.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use ricotta, mascarpone, or even thick Greek yogurt sweetened with honey.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Absolutely – bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Can I use wheat or multigrain bread?
Yes, just make sure it’s soft enough to flatten and roll.
Personal Notes
I came up with these roll-ups one lazy weekend morning when I was craving cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to deal with dough. A few slices of bread, a swipe of cream cheese, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar later – magic. These have become a go-to quick dessert in our home, especially when unexpected guests arrive.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? Leave a comment and let’s talk cinnamon roll hacks!
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