There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of fluffy cinnamon rolls, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberries. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, the warm rolls fresh out of the oven, and the first bite—soft, creamy, and bursting with flavor. That’s exactly what you get with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls!
This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply when you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something irresistibly delicious. Inspired by classic Cinnabon-style rolls, these take things to the next level with a luscious cheesecake filling and a fruity strawberry twist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will have your family and friends raving about your baking skills.
Let’s dive into this sweet, creamy, and cinnamony delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy: These rolls bake up perfectly light, with a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Cheesecake Filling: The creamy cheesecake layer adds an indulgent twist to classic cinnamon rolls.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Juicy strawberries bring a fresh, fruity balance to the richness of the filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, weekend brunch, or a regular morning treat, these rolls will make it extra special.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these the night before and bake them fresh in the morning!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Next, add the melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will create the gooey, flavorful filling that gives these rolls their signature taste.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, followed by the cheesecake mixture. Finally, spoon the strawberry filling on top, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer side. Slice it into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell of cinnamon and strawberries will fill your kitchen—it’s pure heaven!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This makes for an easy morning bake!
- Perfectly Soft Rolls: Be careful not to overbake—check the rolls around the 25-minute mark to ensure they stay soft and tender.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries work well, too! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Even Slicing Tip: Use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough instead of a knife for clean, even rolls.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs (if using) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Flour Measurement: To avoid adding too much flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the dough tough.
- Yeast Activation: If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be expired, or your milk may have been too hot or too cold. Use fresh yeast and ensure the milk is between 100-110°F for proper activation.
- Soft Rolls Tip: If you want extra soft and gooey rolls, brush the tops with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Strawberry Variation: If you love extra strawberry flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of strawberry jam on top of the filling before rolling the dough.
- Glaze Consistency: If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: These taste amazing warm, but if you want to elevate them even more, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.
Freezer:
You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing. Place them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Reheating:
For the best taste, warm up leftovers in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough and simply add the cheesecake and strawberry fillings.
What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries or strawberry preserves work as substitutes. Just adjust the sugar accordingly if using preserves.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for dairy-free butter and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Why did my rolls turn out dry?
Overbaking is the main cause of dry cinnamon rolls. Be sure to check them at the 25-minute mark and take them out when they are just golden brown.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, you might also enjoy:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Creamy, Fruity & Incredibly Easy!
- Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls
- Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a warm, homemade cinnamon roll, especially when it’s stuffed with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. Whether you’re making these for a holiday breakfast, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, they are guaranteed to impress.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Description
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of fluffy cinnamon rolls, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberries. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, the warm rolls fresh out of the oven, and the first bite—soft, creamy, and bursting with flavor. That’s exactly what you get with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls!
This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply when you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something irresistibly delicious. Inspired by classic Cinnabon-style rolls, these take things to the next level with a luscious cheesecake filling and a fruity strawberry twist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will have your family and friends raving about your baking skills.
Let’s dive into this sweet, creamy, and cinnamony delight!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Next, add the melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This will create the gooey, flavorful filling that gives these rolls their signature taste.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, followed by the cheesecake mixture. Finally, spoon the strawberry filling on top, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer side. Slice it into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell of cinnamon and strawberries will fill your kitchen—it’s pure heaven!
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs (if using) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Flour Measurement: To avoid adding too much flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the dough tough.
- Yeast Activation: If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be expired, or your milk may have been too hot or too cold. Use fresh yeast and ensure the milk is between 100-110°F for proper activation.
- Soft Rolls Tip: If you want extra soft and gooey rolls, brush the tops with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Strawberry Variation: If you love extra strawberry flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of strawberry jam on top of the filling before rolling the dough.
- Glaze Consistency: If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: These taste amazing warm, but if you want to elevate them even more, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!