If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort bake boasting swirls of sweet, tangy fruit and rich, creamy decadence, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will stop you in your tracks—in all the right ways! Imagine a pillowy-soft roll infused with buttery cinnamon sugar, oozing with strawberry jam and flecks of real berries, topped off with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a celebration. This is the kind of homemade treat that makes any morning feel like a special occasion, but is surprisingly simple to master!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is just how accessible the ingredients are. Each component brings its own personality: the fluffiness of the dough, the fragrant warmth of cinnamon, bursts of fresh berry flavor, and the creamy frosting that ties it all together.
- Active dry yeast: Provides the essential rise so your rolls bake up tall and fluffy.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Helps activate the yeast for a soft, tender dough—ensure it’s not too hot!
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast.
- Unsalted butter, melted and softened: Gives richness to both the dough and the filling; soft butter spreads easily for gooey layers.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and adds a subtle richness.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your rolls; measure carefully for the perfect texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of both the filling and the frosting, bringing signature cheesecake tang.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Swirls through the filling for a burst of concentrated strawberry goodness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out everything with a cozy aroma and depth.
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Brings juicy texture and pop of color to every bite.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds caramelized notes to the gooey cinnamon layer.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides fragrant, spicy warmth—the unmistakable heart of a cinnamon roll.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting so it’s glossy and smooth.
- Milk (for consistency): Adjusts the cream cheese frosting texture so it’s perfectly spreadable.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by stirring your yeast into the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture gets foamy on top. This step is crucial: it wakes up your yeast for a fluffy, light dough—the signature of any memorable Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add your melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, flour, and salt to your yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth, soft, and elastic. This extra bit of kneading pays off in spiraled, cloud-like rolls!
Step 3: First Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. After about an hour, your dough should double in size—a little victory each time you see it rise, promising an ultra-soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe base.
Step 4: Prepare the Fillings
While your dough is rising, whip up the creamy strawberry filling by blending softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract until it’s silky-smooth. In another bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the classic, gooey swirl. This duo is what takes your cinnamon rolls from “delicious” straight to “show-stopping.”
Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Shape
Punch down the dough and roll it out to a rectangle (about 14 by 10 inches) on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mix evenly. Layer the cream cheese and jam mixture right on top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh strawberries. Roll everything up tightly from the long side—embracing all those lush, flavorful layers—and slice into 9 to 12 generous rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Nestle your rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise a second time for 30 to 45 minutes. This extra rise helps ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe bakes up lofty and tender, not dense.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Peek at around 20 minutes—when they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbling, they’re perfect. While they bake, the aroma is simply irresistible, hinting at the treat to come!
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
As the rolls cool slightly, whip together your frosting: cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk for that dreamy, spreadable texture. This creamy topper adds a luscious finish and seals in the warmth of your rolls.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and watch it melt right into every crevice. Serve immediately if you can resist waiting—no one will blame you. Every swirl is bursting with that irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe flavor!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Take your rolls to the next level with a few strategic garnishes. Sprinkle on extra fresh strawberry slices or add a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A touch of lemon zest can provide a pop of brightness that balances the sweet, creamy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These irresistible rolls steal the show at any breakfast table, but they pair beautifully with a bowl of fresh fruit, a light yogurt parfait, or even some scrambled eggs if you want something savory on the side. For a brunch spread, serve with hot coffee or a fruity mimosa!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, try layering warm rolls in a round pan for a pull-apart centerpiece, or serve them individually on pretty plates with a dollop of whipped cream. You can even tuck mini rolls into cupcake liners for a fun, grab-and-go twist on the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the rolls stay tender and delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled rolls (with or without frosting) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating and adding fresh frosting if needed—the rolls will taste just-baked!
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual rolls for 15–20 seconds in the microwave or place several in a low (300°F) oven until heated through. This keeps the frosting soft and the rolls pillowy, recreating bakery-style results at home.
FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After the first rise, roll out, fill, and slice the rolls, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking as usual. This makes the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe even more convenient for early mornings or brunch gatherings.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well before chopping and adding to the filling. This helps prevent excess liquid that can make the rolls soggy.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
With a few substitutions, you can try a vegan version: swap butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and choose non-dairy milk. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but the spirit of the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will remain.
Can I use a bread machine for the dough?
Definitely! Add the dough ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer, select the dough cycle, and let the machine handle the mixing and kneading. Once done, proceed as directed for filling, rolling, and baking.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray before laying in the rolls. You can also line the pan with parchment for extra insurance—everything will lift out cleanly, ensuring beautiful presentation and easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra special about sharing a pan of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with the people you love—every swirl feels like a little moment of celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in baking and devouring it as I do. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature treat!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberry cheesecake and cinnamon rolls with this decadent recipe. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry filling, topped with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
- Filling: Mix cream cheese, jam, and vanilla. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Rolling: Roll out dough, spread butter, then cream cheese mixture. Add strawberries, roll up, slice, and place in a baking dish.
- Baking: Let rise, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can use strawberry pie filling for a shortcut.
- Best served warm; reheat gently in the microwave if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
