Sweet Cream Cheese Rolls

This sweet cream cheese roll recipe brings together soft airy dough and a creamy slightly tangy filling for a homemade delight that looks bakery perfect and feels comforting in every bite. Whether you are baking for breakfast brunch or a relaxing afternoon treat these rolls are easy to master and always impress with their beautiful shape and rich flavor

I made these on a rainy weekend when we all needed a pick me up and now they are my go to for cozy family mornings

Ingredients

• Milk: provides moisture and helps activate yeast choose whole milk for richness
• Active dry yeast: allows the dough to rise into fluffy light rolls use fresh yeast for best performance
• Granulated sugar: balances the tang from yogurt and cheese and feeds the yeast
• Vanilla sugar: gives a gentle aroma opt for real vanilla if available
• Egg yolks: add richness and color to the dough and topping
• Yogurt: introduces a light tang and softness plain full fat works best
• All purpose flour: forms the dough structure go for unbleached high quality flour
• Salt: enhances flavor and strengthens gluten use fine sea salt
• Melted butter: adds tenderness and flavor brush extra on dough if desired
• Cream cheese or cottage cheese: creates a thick smooth filling use full fat versions
• Egg: binds the cheese filling and helps it set during baking
• Milk and egg yolk: glaze the rolls for a golden finish ensure egg is at room temperature

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

Whisk warm milk yeast sugar and vanilla sugar in a large bowl until yeast dissolves completely and starts to foam gently

Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:

Add egg yolks and yogurt to the yeast mixture whisk until the color is even and smooth with no lumps

Form the Dough:

Gradually stir in flour mixing with a spatula until the mixture becomes shaggy and begins to hold shape then add salt and mix thoroughly

Knead the Dough:

Add melted butter and knead in the bowl for 2 minutes then transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth elastic and slightly tacky

Proof the Dough:

Place the dough in a greased bowl cover with plastic wrap or a lid and let rise in a warm area for 50 to 60 minutes until it doubles in volume

Divide and Rest:

Punch down the risen dough divide into 9 equal pieces shape into smooth balls and place on parchment let rest covered for 15 minutes

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl blend cream cheese sugar and egg until creamy and uniform then transfer to a piping bag with a round tip

Shape the Rolls:

Roll each dough ball into a 17 to 18 centimeter circle lightly brush with melted butter slice into strips stack press the center and roll into spirals with careful diagonal cuts for design

Fill and Final Proof:

Place rolls on a lined tray pipe filling generously into the center of each roll cover lightly and rest for another 10 minutes

Apply Topping:

Beat egg yolk with milk and gently brush onto rolls for shine lightly mist with water if extra softness is desired

Bake:

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 24 to 26 minutes until golden brown then let cool slightly before serving

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My favorite part is the moment the scent of vanilla and butter fills the kitchen it always reminds me of weekend baking with my grandmother who loved soft sweet breads

Storage Tips

Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days

For longer storage freeze individually on a tray then place in freezer bags

Reheat in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 8 minutes or microwave gently

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ricotta or farmer cheese instead of cream cheese for a lighter texture

Greek yogurt can replace plain yogurt but dilute slightly with milk if too thick

You can substitute instant yeast using the same amount and skipping the bloom step

Serving Suggestions

Serve with hot tea coffee or spiced milk for a comforting combo

Add powdered sugar on top for a bakery style finish

Pair with fresh berries or fruit preserves for a more decadent brunch

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Cultural Context

These rolls are inspired by Eastern European pastries like vatrushka where sweet cheese fillings are wrapped in soft enriched dough

They blend traditional methods with modern shaping for a beautiful visual and texture

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, use the same amount of instant yeast but skip the initial blooming step. Keep the milk warm to activate the yeast properly.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Add flour gradually during kneading. The dough should be smooth and elastic but not sticky. Adjust flour amount as needed.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese in the filling?

Yes, farmer’s cheese or ricotta work well as alternatives but choose full-fat versions for best texture and flavor.

→ What is the ideal temperature to proof the dough?

Proof the dough in a warm place around 25–30°C (77–86°F) for 50–60 minutes until doubled in size.

→ How should I store leftover rolls?

Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.

→ Can I add flavors to the filling?

Yes, adding a spoon of fruit jam or cocoa powder to the filling adds delicious variations to the rolls.