Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks
Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks are buttery, cinnamon-coated dessert bites with a creamy center, perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead treats.
If you love those nostalgic cinnamon toast vibes, these little sticks are going to feel like pure comfort from your childhood—but with a creamy twist. Each bite is crisp on the outside, soft inside, and rolled in warm cinnamon sugar.
They’re simple enough for a weeknight dessert, but they look special on a party platter or brunch table. You can dress them up with sauces and fruit, or keep them plain for a cozy, coffee-side treat.
The best part? They start with regular sandwich bread and a handful of pantry staples. No yeast, no pastry dough—just a few minutes of rolling and dipping, and your kitchen smells like a bakery.
Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks Ingredients
- Soft sandwich bread (white or wheat, crusts removed) – Forms the base of each stick; flattening it makes it easy to roll around the filling and bake until lightly crisp.
- Cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, tangy filling that stays creamy inside, almost like a cheesecake center.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and gives it that classic dessert flavor without any graininess.
- Granulated sugar – Mixes with cinnamon to coat the outside of each stick, adding crunch and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon – Brings cozy warmth and that familiar cinnamon-toast flavor; adjust the amount for a milder or stronger cinnamon kick.
- Butter, melted – Helps the bread crisp in the oven and makes the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the outside.
- Optional fillings (fruit, pudding, pie filling, chocolate, peanut butter, jam) – Fun add-ins you can roll inside with the cream cheese for extra flavor and variety.
How to Make This Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the sticks bake evenly and don’t stick.
STEP 2: Trim the crusts from your bread slices. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice into a thin rectangle—this makes them flexible enough to roll without cracking.
STEP 3: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust sweetness if you like it a bit sweeter.
STEP 4: In one shallow dish, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until the color looks evenly tan. In a second shallow dish, add the melted butter. Set both near your work area.
STEP 5: Spread a thin, even layer of the sweetened cream cheese over each flattened bread slice, leaving a tiny border at the edges. If using optional fillings, add a small strip or spoonful at one end so the roll doesn’t burst.
STEP 6: Starting from the short or wide edge, roll each slice up tightly into a log, tucking in the filling as you go. Place each roll seam-side down while you finish the others so they don’t unwind.
STEP 7: Dip each roll quickly into the melted butter, coating all sides but not soaking them. Immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture so they’re generously covered. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet seam-side down.
STEP 8: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sticks are golden, lightly crisp on the outside, and the sugar looks set. Cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving tray. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar if you like.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks
These sweet sticks are incredibly versatile, so you can pair them with whatever suits the moment.
Serve them warm with a small bowl of maple syrup, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce for dipping. The extra drizzle turns them into a dessert that feels restaurant-worthy without any fuss.
For brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a simple fruit salad so you have a balance of sweet and savory on the table. They’re also lovely alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or a chai latte for a cozy evening snack.
If you’re making them for a party, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and a small bowl of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. It looks impressive but takes almost no extra effort.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and roll the bread with filling, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Right before serving, dip in butter, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake.
Can I use different types of bread?
You can. Soft white bread works best, but soft wheat or brioche bread also turns out great. Just avoid very dense or crusty loaves, which are harder to roll without cracking.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes, most air fryers work well. Place the coated sticks in a single layer and cook at about 350°F, checking after 6–8 minutes until crisp and golden.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling?
Make sure the bread is well flattened, roll it fairly tightly, and always place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet. Chilling them briefly before baking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar cream cheese sticks?
You can freeze them unbaked after rolling and filling. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Thaw slightly, then dip in butter, coat with cinnamon sugar, and bake.
Helpful Tips
- Flatten the bread evenly so it rolls smoothly and doesn’t crack or tear when you add the filling and roll it up.
- Don’t overload the filling; too much cream cheese or extra add-ins can leak out while baking and burn on the pan.
- For extra crispness, bake the sticks on a wire rack set over the baking sheet so heat circulates all around each roll.
Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks
Turn these into a fun dessert board by pairing them with small bowls of sauces: chocolate, caramel, or warm berry compote. Guests can mix and match their favorite dips.
For a kid-friendly treat night, serve the sticks with glasses of cold milk or hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. The cinnamon sugar shell is perfect for dunking.
To make them feel more like brunch, add a platter of fresh orange slices, sliced strawberries, or grapes. The fresh fruit helps balance the sweetness and brightens the plate.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have leftovers, let the sticks cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container, layering parchment between them if needed, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in a 325°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until the outside is crisp again and the center is heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t keep them as crisp.
For longer storage, you can freeze baked sticks in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and fragrant.
Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
- 16 slices of sandwich bread white or wheat, crusts trimmed and edges softened
- 8 ounces of plain cream cheese brought to room temperature
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar sifted for smoothness
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 to 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon adjusted to preference
- ¾ cup unsalted butter liquefied
- Optional Fillings: sliced fruits chocolate pieces, pie filling, jam or jelly, peanut butter, or prepared pudding
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by either coating it lightly with nonstick spray or lining it neatly with parchment paper.
- Slice the crusts off each bread piece and gently flatten the slices using a rolling pin until thin and pliable.
- In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until a velvety, smooth mixture forms.
- In a separate shallow bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until uniformly combined.
- Place the melted butter into another shallow dish for dipping.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese filling across one side of each flattened bread slice, covering evenly.
- Begin rolling each slice from the wider edge, tucking tightly to secure the filling but taking care not to rip the bread.
- Immerse each rolled stick briefly in the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Next, roll the buttered stick in the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning gently to coat all sides.
- Position each completed roll seam side down on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly crisped and golden.
- Transfer the warm rolls to a serving plate. If desired, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar can be added just before serving.