If you’re looking for a party snack that vanishes in minutes, let me introduce you to Fried Cream Cheese Rolls. These golden, crispy treats are essentially sweet cheesecake wrapped up in a shatteringly crunchy shell, dusted with snowy powdered sugar, and made for dunking in your favorite sauces. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a family movie night, or just craving something rich and utterly irresistible, you’ll want this recipe in your dessert rotation. It’s delightfully simple, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fried Cream Cheese Rolls only require a handful of pantry staples, but don’t let their simplicity fool you: each ingredient plays an important role, contributing to the luscious filling, crisp bite, and beautiful finish. Here’s how each one helps make these rolls so special.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the show—its tangy richness forms the silky-smooth filling and mimics the heart of classic cheesecake.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just enough sweetness while keeping the filling creamy and lump-free.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): This simple splash brings aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Egg roll wrappers (8): The secret to that signature shatter when you bite in—thin, sturdy, and perfect for enclosing the creamy goodness.
- Large egg, beaten (for sealing): Acts like edible glue, ensuring your rolls stay tightly wrapped during frying.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral in flavor and ideal for getting those rolls golden brown and crunchy.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Gives each roll a beautiful finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
- Chocolate or fruit sauce (optional, for dipping): The ideal sidekick—choose your favorite for a customizable flavor adventure.
How to Make Fried Cream Cheese Rolls
Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab a medium mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This velvety filling should have no lumps, so take your time—it’s worth it!
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing right at you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture near the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in each side tightly, and roll upward to form a neat cylinder. Brush the final top corner with a bit of beaten egg to seal the roll, so nothing seeps out during frying. Repeat until you’ve used up all the wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer helps, but you can also test it by dipping in the edge of a wrapper—it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Fry the Cream Cheese Rolls
Carefully lower a few rolls at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each roll for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden brown and crackling crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
While the Fried Cream Cheese Rolls are still warm, shower them generously with powdered sugar. Pile them up on a serving platter and bring out some chocolate or fruit sauce for dipping—the final flourish that takes this treat over the top!
How to Serve Fried Cream Cheese Rolls
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, dust your rolls heavily with powdered sugar right out of the fryer. You can also sprinkle them with a pinch of cinnamon, drizzle with chocolate syrup, or add a scattering of finely chopped fresh berries for a colorful touch. Even a sprinkle of edible glitter can be fun for parties!
Side Dishes
Since Fried Cream Cheese Rolls are sweet and rich, they pair beautifully with fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries, mango, or even citrus segments. If you’re creating a dessert platter, add bowls of mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, or lightly salted nuts on the side for wonderful balance.
Creative Ways to Present
These rolls are made for sharing, so serve them in a basket lined with parchment for a casual vibe, or arrange them artfully on a rectangular platter alongside a “tasting flight” of different dipping sauces: chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and apricot all make for delightful pairings. For special occasions, tie the rolls with strips of candied lemon peel or add mini flag toothpicks for a festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Fried Cream Cheese Rolls left after serving, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay perfectly safe to eat, though the wrappers may soften slightly over time—nothing a quick reheat won’t fix!
Freezing
To save time, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time (without frying), place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen rolls to a zip-top bag and keep them frozen for up to one month. Fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute to the cook time to ensure they heat through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Fried Cream Cheese Rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the wrappers regain their crispiness and the centers are warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the wrappers chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Simply arrange the assembled rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist or brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. The result is lighter but still delightfully crisp.
What are some fun filling variations?
Fried Cream Cheese Rolls are a blank canvas—try stirring in chopped strawberries, Nutella, mini chocolate chips, lemon zest, or crushed Oreos to the cream cheese filling. It’s a great way to customize them to your favorite flavors!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free egg roll or spring roll wrappers, which are now available at many specialty stores. Just be aware they may crisp up a little differently, so keep an eye while frying.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil—these stay clear in flavor and hold up well to the sustained heat needed for deep frying.
How do I prevent the rolls from unwrapping while frying?
Be sure to roll each wrapper tightly and always seal the end corner with a beaten egg wash. Press gently to ensure the edges stick. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause rolls to bump into each other and unravel.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about Fried Cream Cheese Rolls as I am! These treats tick every box: easy, customizable, and downright decadent. Whether you’re making memories with family or wowing friends at a party, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear as soon as they hit the table!
Print
Fried Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the crispy, creamy goodness of Fried Cream Cheese Rolls with a hint of sweetness and a touch of vanilla. These golden treats are perfect for dessert or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rolls:
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 large egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate or fruit sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Roll Assembly: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling near the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Brush the top corner with beaten egg to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
- Frying: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry rolls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serving: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with chocolate or fruit sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding chopped strawberries, Nutella, or crushed Oreos.
- To make them lighter, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes instead of frying.
- Best enjoyed fresh and hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
