There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of fresh, homemade sweet rolls baking in the oven. These Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls bring a perfect blend of tart strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling, wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough. They’re not just a breakfast treat—they’re a celebration of all things sweet, cozy, and delightful.
This recipe is one that I often save for special occasions: lazy Sunday mornings, a loved one’s birthday, or even as a midweek pick-me-up. It’s inspired by childhood memories of strawberry picking and the warm, rich desserts my grandmother used to make. Every bite feels like a hug, with a perfect balance of fruity brightness and creamy decadence. Let’s dive into what makes these sweet rolls so special and how you can whip them up in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy equipment.
- Bursting with Flavor: A delicious combination of fresh strawberries and tangy cheesecake filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit any time of day.
- Customizable: Swap out strawberries for your favorite fruit, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, soft, and filled with nostalgic flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy—this is the yeast activating and ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully. Next, add the softened butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Let it cool completely before using.
Step 4: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, spread the cooled strawberry filling over the cheesecake layer. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Step 5: Slice and Rise Again
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, warm, and comforting treat.
Helpful Tips:
- Dough Consistency Matters: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable but still soft.
- Cooling the Fillings: Ensure your strawberry filling is cool before spreading it on the dough to prevent it from melting the cheesecake layer.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: They provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch—just thaw and drain them first.
- Even Cutting: For evenly-sized rolls, use a piece of unflavored dental floss to slice the dough log instead of a knife.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently in the microwave for a soft and warm texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to the mixture.
Nutritional Information (per roll):
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
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Conclusion:
There’s no better way to bring joy to your morning routine than with these Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls. They’re a sweet indulgence that’s simple to make and bound to impress. So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe promises to deliver warmth and happiness in every bite. Give it a try and create memories around this irresistible treat!
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Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
Description
There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of fresh, homemade sweet rolls baking in the oven. These Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls bring a perfect blend of tart strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling, wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough. They’re not just a breakfast treat—they’re a celebration of all things sweet, cozy, and delightful.
This recipe is one that I often save for special occasions: lazy Sunday mornings, a loved one’s birthday, or even as a midweek pick-me-up. It’s inspired by childhood memories of strawberry picking and the warm, rich desserts my grandmother used to make. Every bite feels like a hug, with a perfect balance of fruity brightness and creamy decadence. Let’s dive into what makes these sweet rolls so special and how you can whip them up in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy—this is the yeast activating and ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully. Next, add the softened butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Let it cool completely before using.
Step 4: Roll and Assemble
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, spread the cooled strawberry filling over the cheesecake layer. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Step 5: Slice and Rise Again
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, warm, and comforting treat.
Notes
- These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently in the microwave for a soft and warm texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to the mixture.