There is something truly magical about the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe that makes mornings feel like a special occasion. These rolls bring together the tender, fluffy texture of homemade dough, a luscious cream cheese filling, and the vibrant burst of fresh strawberries all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a delightful brunch treat, a comforting dessert, or a way to impress guests, this recipe hits every note with its buttery sweetness and tangy fruitiness, creating an irresistible harmony that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of the cheeses to the fresh brightness of the strawberries, these essentials come together seamlessly without any fuss.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to create a soft dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic that makes your sweet rolls rise beautifully and become airy.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Brings richness and tenderness to the roll’s crumb.
- Egg (1): Provides structure and a soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for dough, 1 teaspoon for filling, ½ teaspoon for glaze): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The base for the dough, carefully measured for perfect rise and texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Cream cheese (½ cup for filling, 4 oz for glaze): Adds a velvety richness and tangy depth.
- Powdered sugar (¼ cup for filling, 1 cup for glaze): Sweetens the creamy filling and glaze smoothly without graininess.
- Diced fresh strawberries (1 cup): Bursts of juicy freshness that make every bite delightful.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Keeps the strawberry filling perfectly thick and luscious.
- Milk for glaze (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze to a silky, drizzle-ready consistency.
How to Make Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up the yeast in warm milk—the little bubbles you see when it becomes foamy mean it’s ready to work its magic. Combine this with sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, flour, and salt to form a soft dough that’s kneaded until beautifully smooth and elastic. This kneading step is essential because it develops the gluten network that gives your rolls that tender yet sturdy structure you love. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. Patience here pays off with the fluffiest rolls!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the dough is resting, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Toss your fresh strawberries with cornstarch to prevent any watery filling—we want every bite perfectly juicy without sogginess!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a neat 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread the luscious cream cheese filling evenly, then sprinkle the coated strawberries over the top. Rolling it tightly from the long side into a log form ensures you get those perfect swirl layers when sliced. Cut into nine equal rolls and place them snugly in a greased baking dish. Give them a final rise so the rolls become airy and soft before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Baking at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes transforms the rolls to golden perfection, filling your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly—the rolls will still be warm enough to melt the glaze beautifully, yet stable enough to hold their shape.
Step 5: Create the Cream Cheese Glaze
Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky smooth. This glaze is the crowning touch—drizzle it generously over the warm rolls so it seeps into every swirl, adding a sweet tang that perfectly complements the strawberries.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual and flavor appeal by sprinkling some fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar atop the glazed rolls. A few mint leaves add a refreshing color contrast and a subtle herbal note that’s just delightful.
Side Dishes
These sweet rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a lightly brewed tea, balancing their sweetness. For a fuller brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try pulling the rolls apart in a communal serving dish for a cozy, shareable experience. Alternatively, slice and plate each roll with a drizzle of extra strawberry sauce or berry compote for a bakery-style presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. If you want to store longer, refrigeration is fine but bring them back to room temperature before serving to restore their tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled rolls before the final rise by wrapping the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise fully before baking.
Reheating
Warm the rolls gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) until soft. A quick reheat revives that fresh-from-the-oven feel, and you can add a little extra glaze or fresh strawberries to brighten them up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well, then toss with cornstarch to minimize excess moisture and prevent soggy rolls.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and plant-based margarine. Use your favorite non-dairy milk in place of regular milk to keep these strawberry cheesecake sweet rolls entirely vegan-friendly.
Can I add strawberry jam to the filling?
Absolutely, adding a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the cream cheese filling boosts fruity flavor and extra sweetness, making these rolls even more decadent. It’s a personal touch that’s well worth trying!
How long do the rolls need to rise?
The initial rise takes about 1 to 1.5 hours until the dough doubles in size. After assembling the rolls, a shorter 30 to 45-minute rise is necessary before baking. Proper rising ensures a fluffy texture and tender crumb.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, these rolls are perfect for prepping the night before. Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and allow the final rise before baking. It makes busy mornings so much easier!
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like waking up to freshly baked, gooey, and fruit-filled rolls that melt in your mouth. The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe is a heartfelt way to elevate any breakfast or dessert with its fresh flavors and irresistible cream cheese swirl. I encourage you to make these rolls soon—sharing them with loved ones guarantees smiles, happy hearts, and maybe even a few seconds of peaceful indulgence. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delightful Best Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and fresh strawberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls bring together the comforting flavors of classic cheesecake and sweet strawberries in a delicious homemade roll.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, toss the diced fresh strawberries with cornstarch to coat them evenly. This will help prevent the strawberries from releasing too much juice during baking.
- Assemble the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 10 by 14-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, then scatter the coated strawberries on top. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape. Cut the log into 9 equal-sized rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 by 9-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving for a creamy, sweet finish.
Notes
- For an extra fruity touch, add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the cream cheese filling before spreading it on the dough.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before by assembling them and refrigerating the dish. In the morning, bring the rolls to room temperature before allowing them to rise and then bake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 to 1.5 hours rising time and additional 30–45 minutes second rise)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
