If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet snack that’s ridiculously easy yet always a hit, Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are about to become your new obsession! These little bites of joy combine fluffy bread, a dreamy vanilla cream cheese filling, and a glorious cinnamon sugar coat that bakes up perfectly golden and crisp. Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy dessert, a brunch treat with coffee, or a fun snack with friends, Cream Cheese Roll-Ups bring the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and bakery-worthy flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cream Cheese Roll-Ups lies in their simplicity—each ingredient serves a flavorful and textural purpose you’ll notice in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to make each component really shine:
- Sandwich bread (8 slices): White or whole wheat both work well; removing the crusts and flattening the slices helps them roll up tightly and bake crisp.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Softening ensures a smooth, easy-to-spread filling without lumps.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings extra warmth and depth to the creamy filling—don’t skip it!
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps the roll-ups turn golden and crispy outside, and makes the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
- Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup, mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon): That classic, magical combo creates a sweet, aromatic crust everyone loves.
How to Make Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prep and Flatten the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Use a rolling pin to gently but firmly flatten each slice of sandwich bread—this is what makes Cream Cheese Roll-Ups so satisfyingly crisp and easy to roll.
Step 2: Whip up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious mixture. This part is key—the cream cheese should be free of lumps and taste sweet and vanilla-forward for that signature Cream Cheese Roll-Ups flavor.
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Spread about one tablespoon of that dreamy filling over each flattened slice of bread, making sure to go right to the edges. Roll each slice up tightly, starting from one end and tucking in as you go, just like a jelly roll. The tighter you roll, the prettier (and neater) your final roll-ups will be.
Step 4: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Dip each roll-up first into the melted butter—turning to coat it all over—then roll it through the cinnamon sugar mixture. You want that sweet, spicy coating clinging to every inch for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place all the coated roll-ups seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a little crisp on the outside. They’ll smell out-of-this-world as they bake!
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the Cream Cheese Roll-Ups cool for a few minutes right on the baking sheet so the filling sets up a bit. They’re absolutely wonderful served warm, but equally delicious at room temperature.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Garnishes
To make your Cream Cheese Roll-Ups pop visually and add a fun finishing touch, try garnishing with a little extra dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce are also beautiful ways to dress them up for guests.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups hold their own as a sweet breakfast treat, but they’re also fantastic alongside salty snacks like roasted nuts or fresh fruit salads. If you’re making a brunch spread, try serving Cream Cheese Roll-Ups with fresh coffee, orange juice, or even a mimosa!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or holiday brunches, slice each roll-up into bite-size pieces for sweet, poppable pinwheels—perfect as finger food. You can even skewer mini roll-up rounds onto cocktail picks and serve them as dessert “kebabs” with a little fruit between each one for a whimsical touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, keep Cream Cheese Roll-Ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. They stay surprisingly soft inside, even after chilling!
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the baked and cooled roll-ups in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. They’re an amazing make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-from-the-oven magic back, simply place refrigerated or frozen Cream Cheese Roll-Ups in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. This crisps up the outside nicely without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese instead of plain?
Absolutely! Strawberry, honey walnut, or even cinnamon-flavored cream cheese make a fun twist and reduce the steps—just skip adding vanilla or extra sugar if your cream cheese is already sweetened.
Can I make Cream Cheese Roll-Ups with gluten-free bread?
Yes, most gluten-free sandwich breads work for this recipe! Just be gentle when rolling, as they can be more delicate when flattened.
How do I add fruit or other fillings?
Simply sprinkle a few diced strawberries, raspberries, or a handful of mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before rolling. Don’t overfill to avoid messy leaks during baking.
Is it possible to assemble these ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the roll-ups up to the butter-and-cinnamon sugar coating, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make Cream Cheese Roll-Ups with other types of bread?
Soft sandwich bread is best, but you can use brioche or challah for a richer flavor and even softer texture. Just make sure the bread will flatten easily so you get a neat roll.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of Cream Cheese Roll-Ups soon—you’ll be amazed at how much joy such a simple little treat can bring! Each bite is sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced. Try them once, and I guarantee they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert (or brunch) rotation.
Print
Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are a delightful dessert or snack featuring a creamy and sweet filling wrapped in cinnamon-sugar-coated bread and baked until golden and crisp. Perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Bread: Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill and Roll: Spread cream cheese mixture on each bread slice, roll tightly.
- Coat Rolls: Dip rolls in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Place on baking sheet, bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Try adding diced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Freeze extras and reheat in a toaster oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
