If you love the sweet, tangy swirl of cheesecake and the nostalgic, cozy aroma of warm cinnamon rolls, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will be your new obsession. Rich cream cheese, pockets of strawberry jam, and pillowy dough come together to create an indulgent treat that can turn any morning or afternoon into a celebration. Each bite bursts with the fresh flavor of strawberries and the velvety goodness of cheesecake, making these rolls irresistible whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is not only straightforward, but also exciting — every element brings something special to the table. The basic pantry staples pair up with strawberries and cream cheese for a flavor combination you’ll remember.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and soft cinnamon roll dough that’s forgiving and easy to work with.
- Active dry yeast: Gives your rolls that fluffy, beautifully risen texture we all crave.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and encourages the yeast to do its magic.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance all that glorious sweetness and enhance every note of flavor.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and the perfect environment for the yeast to bloom.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Lends buttery depth and helps keep the dough moist.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to its soft structure.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the filling, bringing that unmistakable cheesecake vibe.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the drizzle, creating lush, smooth layers.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a sweet floral note to the filling and glaze.
- Strawberry preserves or jam: Your choice — use preserves for texture or jam for a silky filling and an unforgettable berry punch.
- Chopped fresh strawberries: Bright, juicy bursts of flavor and beautiful bursts of natural color.
- Extra powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (for the glaze): Gives your rolls that luscious, shiny finish.
- Extra chopped strawberries for garnish (optional): Adds an extra pop of freshness and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour with the yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Next, pour in that warm milk, melted butter, and the egg, stirring well to bring everything together. Gradually add the remaining flour and keep mixing until you end up with a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead it on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes — you’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and springs back when pressed gently. This step is where the dreamy pillowy texture of your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is born.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rise in a cozy, warm corner of your kitchen. In about an hour, it should double in size. This wait is worth every minute as it gives your rolls that signature fluffiness and lightness.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the dough does its thing, whip up your filling by blending softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. This rich, tangy layer will create the cheesecake flavor swirl that sets this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe apart from the rest!
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
After the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 10×16 inches. First, spread the cream cheese filling all over, then layer on the strawberry preserves or jam for a beautiful rosy ribbon. Top with a scattering of chopped fresh strawberries for that juicy bite in every roll.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll everything up into a tight log from the long side, taking your time to keep all the luscious filling inside. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover your rolls and let them rise once more for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise ensures glorious height and airiness in every swirl.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your rolls are having their final rise. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes till they’re golden on top and your kitchen smells seriously amazing.
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. If you want an extra flourish, sprinkle with more chopped strawberries. Let them set just for a few minutes if you can wait, then dive in!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The crowning touch of this lovely treat is a swirl of that sweet vanilla glaze and a scattering of fresh strawberries on top. If you want even more indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of extra powdered sugar makes these rolls brunch-worthy and visually irresistible.
Side Dishes
Keep things refreshing and light with a simple fruit salad, or pour a big mug of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. Crispy bacon or savory scrambled eggs also work wonders alongside your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe if you’re serving up a big breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these rolls right from the baking dish or, for special occasions, individually plate each roll with a drizzle of glaze and a few extra strawberries on the side. For parties, try stacking mini rolls on a tiered stand, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Thanks to the cream cheese filling, pop any leftover rolls into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. That way, they’re safe to eat for three to four days and still taste amazing when reheated.
Freezing
Want to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe ahead of time? You can freeze the baked rolls (unglazed) once they’ve cooled, wrapped tightly for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then glaze and reheat before serving for bakery-fresh results.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another sweet treat, just warm the rolls briefly in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add fresh glaze and strawberries if desired, and they’ll taste almost better than day one!
FAQs
Can I make these rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe up to the point before the second rise. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 30 to 45 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them very well beforehand, as extra moisture can make the filling too runny.
What if I don’t have strawberry jam?
No problem! Raspberry jam or preserves work beautifully. You can even use a mixture of berries for a twist on the original Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
How do I keep the dough from sticking while rolling?
Dust your work surface lightly with flour and use a rolling pin or your hands to shape the dough. If things get sticky, add a little more flour as needed — just be careful not to add too much so your rolls stay tender.
Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet taste?
Yes! You can cut back slightly on the sugar in the dough and filling. The natural sweetness from the strawberries and jam will still shine in the finished rolls.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough! Every bite is soft, tangy, sweet, and totally irresistible. Gather your favorite people, pour some coffee, and bake up a batch for memories (and flavors) you’ll crave over and over again.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake with these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, topped with a vanilla glaze – a heavenly treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
For the Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- extra chopped strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until a soft dough forms. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Roll out dough, spread cream cheese mixture, strawberry preserves, and chopped strawberries. Roll up, slice into rolls, and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Let rise, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls and top with strawberries.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use strawberry jam for a smoother texture or preserves for a chunkier filling.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated.
- Refrigerate leftovers due to the cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
