Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of marrying the luscious, creamy tang of cheesecake with the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon rolls and adding a burst of fresh strawberry sweetness, then you are absolutely going to adore these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful treat brings together soft, pillowy dough, a rich cheesecake filling studded with juicy strawberries, and a smooth vanilla glaze that ties everything together in one unforgettable bite. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked rolls with that perfect balance of cinnamon spice and fruity freshness—a true breakfast or dessert masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a star role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and look that make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, providing the structure for fluffy rolls that hold their shape.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough without overpowering the filling.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, making those rolls soft and airy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk, warm: Warms the yeast for optimal rise and adds richness to the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dough with buttery goodness and helps keep it tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the dough’s soft texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy core of your filling, lending that unmistakable cheesecake tang.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Bursts of juicy sweetness that brighten each bite.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze for that glossy finish.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a hint of sweet warmth.
- Additional diced strawberries for garnish (optional): A beautiful and fresh topping that makes every roll pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by combining 2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Gradually work in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and set it in a warm spot. This is where the magic happens—the dough doubles in size in about an hour, becoming light and airy, ready for the luscious filling.
Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Strawberry Filling
Beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth. Then gently fold in the diced strawberries, which add bursts of freshness and beautiful flecks of pink throughout the filling.
Step 4: Rolling and Filling the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread your cheesecake-strawberry filling evenly over this canvas, leaving a small border so the filling stays inside when rolled.
Step 5: Shaping the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the long side like a jelly roll, then pinch the seam to seal the edges. Slice into 12 even rolls and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let these beauties rise again under a cloth for about 30 minutes. This final rise ensures that they’ll bake up tender and fluffy with that classic cinnamon roll pull-apart appeal.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Bake your rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen with a tantalizing promise of sweetness.
Step 8: Glazing and Garnishing
While your rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over warm rolls to add a luscious, glossy finish. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra diced strawberries on top—they make the presentation as delightful as the taste.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, freshly diced strawberries are perfect. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves for a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the creamy and fruity combo beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because these rolls are rich and satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee, a fresh fruit salad, or a light yogurt parfait. These brighten the palate and keep the meal balanced without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls stacked on a pretty platter with additional strawberries scattered around for a rustic, inviting feel. For a brunch crowd, cut smaller pieces and arrange them on tiered stands to showcase the layers of sweetness and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. To keep them moist, cover tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll remain just as delicious for a quick grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Or freeze baked and cooled rolls wrapped tightly. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their freshly baked softness. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture so the filling doesn’t become too watery.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative, and replace butter with a dairy-free margarine to keep the recipe just as tasty.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when pressed. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
While traditional cinnamon rolls rely on gluten for structure, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary. Adding xanthan gum might help with elasticity.
What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?
Leaving a small border around the dough edges when spreading the filling and rolling tightly seals the filling in. Also, pinching the seam well helps prevent leaks during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to something spectacular, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic way to brighten any morning or dessert hour. Their irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and classic cinnamon spices bakes up into a tender, sweet celebration you’ll want to share again and again. Trust me, once you make these, Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and soft cinnamon rolls with this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls recipe. These sweet, fluffy rolls are filled with a luscious strawberry cheesecake mixture, baked golden, and glazed with a smooth vanilla icing for a delectable breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
- Additional diced strawberries
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until well blended. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to crush them.
- Preheat Oven & Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling & Roll: Spread the cheesecake strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces using a knife or pizza cutter. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown all over.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Finish & Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. Garnish with extra diced strawberries if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dough texture.
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Handle the strawberries gently in the filling to maintain pieces and avoid excess moisture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with vegan alternatives.
- Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust glaze thickness to preference, thicker glaze for sweeter rolls or thinner for light coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: strawberry cinnamon rolls, cheesecake rolls, breakfast pastries, sweet rolls, strawberry desserts
