A Cozy, Easy Dessert Made with White Bread and a Hint of Nostalgia
Imagine the perfect bite — warm, golden, crispy bread wrapped around a creamy, cinnamon-sweet filling that melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what you get with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups — a humble dessert that brings together comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor.
Made with simple pantry staples like soft white bread, cream cheese, cinnamon, and butter, these Bread Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a quick fix for your sweet cravings. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, an after-school snack, or a holiday gathering, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the full recipe, storage tips, variations, serving ideas, and more. Plus, we’ll explore why this sweet treat is beloved across generations and trending online — especially in searches for White Bread Cinnamon Roll Ups and Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Roll Ups.
⭐ Why Everyone Loves Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups
In a world full of overcomplicated recipes, this one stands out for its simplicity and satisfaction. It’s an ideal recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. Even children can join in on the fun — flattening bread, spreading filling, and rolling each piece like mini cinnamon rolls.
Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- ✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive ingredients you likely already have.
- ✅ No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just a rolling pin, mixing bowl, and oven.
- ✅ Fast & Easy – Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- ✅ Versatile – Great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
- ✅ Family-Friendly – Kids love making and eating these soft-on-the-inside, crunchy-on-the-outside roll ups.
If you’re a fan of cinnamon toast or cream cheese pastries, this one’s for you.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe yields 8 sweet roll ups, but it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd.
For the Roll Ups:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
🧈 Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
🍞 White bread is ideal due to its softness and ability to crisp when baked.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Cut off the crusts of each bread slice. This allows for smooth rolling.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread into a thin square or rectangle. The thinner the bread, the crispier the finished roll up.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Whip the mixture until smooth, light, and spreadable.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto each flattened bread slice.
- Starting from one end, roll up the bread tightly into a log shape. Set seam-side down.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In one bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, melt the butter.
- Dip each roll up in melted butter, then roll it through the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the coated rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool slightly before serving — the filling will be hot!
🪄 Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Ups
- Flatten bread completely – This ensures easy rolling and even baking.
- Use room temp cream cheese – Cold cream cheese won’t spread well and may tear the bread.
- Don’t overstuff – A tablespoon of filling is enough. Too much will ooze out during baking.
- Bake, don’t fry – Baking keeps the roll ups light and mess-free.
- Watch the oven – Sugar burns quickly, so keep an eye in the last few minutes.
🔄 Fun Variations to Try
These Easy Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a blank canvas. Switch things up with different fillings, toppings, or bread choices.
1. Strawberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups
- Add a thin layer of strawberry jam before the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
2. Chocolate Hazelnut Roll Ups
- Swap cream cheese for Nutella and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
3. Pumpkin Spice Roll Ups
- Add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice to the cream cheese mixture.
4. Savory Roll Ups
- Ditch the sugar and cinnamon. Use herbed cream cheese and shredded cheese or spinach for a savory snack.
5. Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free sandwich bread and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
🧁 These variations make your Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Ups suitable for any season or dietary preference!
🎉 When to Serve These Sweet Bites
These Cinnamon Roll Ups White Bread treats fit into any part of your day:
🍽 Brunch or Breakfast
Serve with coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly morning. Add some berries on the side.
🎂 Dessert
Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel drizzle.
🎉 Parties & Holidays
Make a large batch for Christmas brunch or baby showers — they’re cute and bite-sized!
🍱 Lunchbox Treat
Add a roll or two to kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These roll ups store surprisingly well, and you can even prepare them in advance.
Storing Leftovers
- Cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Avoid microwaving — it makes them soggy.
Freezing
- Freeze BEFORE baking: roll and coat them, then freeze in a single layer until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month.
- Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
Make-Ahead Tip
- Prep and fill the roll ups the night before. Store tightly wrapped in the fridge. Coat and bake fresh in the morning for best results.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I air fry these?
Definitely! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.
Can I use cinnamon raisin bread?
Sure! It adds extra flavor, though the coating may not stick as well to the crust.
Can I add toppings after baking?
Yes! Try powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or even crushed nuts.
❤️ A Comforting Treat Full of Nostalgia
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups feel like something your grandmother would make with leftover bread — simple, heartfelt, and totally delicious. There’s something about the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven that fills the kitchen with warmth.
Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering or treating yourself after a long day, they strike the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence.
This recipe is the definition of “good food made simple.”
✍️ Final Thoughts
If you’ve got white bread and cream cheese, you’re already halfway to one of the easiest and most delicious desserts out there. These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups are nostalgic, comforting, and perfect for just about any occasion.
They’re great for using up leftover bread, making with your kids, or serving up for a cozy brunch. With countless ways to customize them, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.
So grab your rolling pin, turn up the oven, and get ready to make a sweet memory with these cinnamon-sugar beauties. 🧁✨
