If you are anything like me and adore the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet, cinnamony rolls, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is bound to become your next obsession. Imagine soft, pillowy dough rolled with a luscious cream cheese filling, studded with juicy strawberries, all baked to golden perfection and topped with a dreamy glaze. It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration or makes any dessert craving instantly disappear. Trust me, these rolls are everything you didn’t know you needed in a sweet breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is surprisingly straightforward with simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the tender dough to the luscious filling, here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): This is the foundation for soft and fluffy rolls that rise beautifully.
- Instant yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 tsp): Key for that perfect, airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness to both the dough and strawberries.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup) and warm water (1/4 cup): Help activate the yeast and create a tender dough.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Enriches the dough, making it rich and soft.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and helps bind everything together.
- Cream cheese (8 oz softened for filling, 4 oz softened for topping): Creates that irresistible cheesecake creaminess inside and on top.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup for filling, 1 cup for glaze): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): Provides a burst of juicy freshness and natural sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Poured over the rolls before baking to keep them luscious and moist.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, as needed): Adjusts glaze consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by waking up the yeast in warm milk, water, and sugar—this little mixture will bubble up and let you know it’s alive and ready to work. Once foamy, add the softened butter, egg, and salt for flavor. Gradually incorporate the flour, kneading until the dough is soft but not sticky, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover it up and let it rest in a warm corner until it doubles in size, usually about an hour. This patient step sets the stage for those light, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling and Prepare Strawberries
While your dough is happily rising, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This creamy filling is what makes these rolls stand out. Next, toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar to gently draw out their juiciness and brighten their flavor—this sweet strawberry surprise inside each roll is utterly delightful.
Step 3: Roll out the Dough and Add Filling
Once your dough has had its rest, gently roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough’s surface, making sure every bite will have that luscious cheesecake flavor. Then sprinkle the sugared strawberries over the filling, distributing them so each roll gets its share of strawberry goodness.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Rolls
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure it’s firm but not squished. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal rolls – the anticipation is building! Place these rolls snugly into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish to rise again, this time for about 30 to 45 minutes, letting them puff up even more.
Step 5: Bake with Heavy Cream
Before sliding your rolls into a preheated 350°F oven, pour a generous half cup of heavy cream over them. This magic touch keeps the rolls incredibly moist and adds a rich finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown, bubbly, and utterly inviting.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Cream Cheese Glaze
While your rolls are baking, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you have a smooth, spreadable glaze. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, slather this dreamy glaze across the top. The warmth of the rolls will melt it into a glossy, irresistible finish that makes every bite decadent.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these sweet rolls by sprinkling some fresh strawberry slices or crushed graham crackers on top of the glaze before serving. These little touches add texture and color, making the rolls look as good as they taste. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful bakery-style finish that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of rich coffee or hot tea. The fruit salad complements the strawberry notes beautifully, while a warm drink balances the sweetness. For a complete brunch experience, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to add savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve each roll in a cute mini cast iron skillet or on individual decorative plates. You could also stack two rolls and sandwich some homemade whipped cream and extra strawberries between them for a fun, layered dessert. Turn them into a grab-and-go treat by wrapping individually in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for a sweet gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, keep your leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to keep the dairy-based filling fresh. When ready to eat, soften by warming them gently to recapture that fresh-baked feeling.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen rolls will stay fresh for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this indulgence whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated rolls into a microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This will revive their softness and melt the cream cheese glaze back to luscious perfection—just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well too. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy rolls. Tossing them with sugar before adding to the filling helps keep their flavor bright and juicy.
Is it possible to make the dough without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand! It takes a bit more muscle but kneading by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic works perfectly fine.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
Definitely. After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking. This method enhances flavor and makes morning prep easier.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the recipe?
If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk can work as a lighter alternative when pouring over the rolls, but the richness might be slightly less pronounced. For best results, stick with heavy cream or a high-fat substitute.
Can I add cinnamon to the filling for more traditional Cinnabon flavor?
Yes! Adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cream cheese filling gives a wonderful warm spice note that complements the strawberries beautifully. Feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe enough if you’re seeking a surefire way to impress friends, family, or just treat yourself. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and soft cinnamon rolls is nothing short of pure joy. Give this recipe a whirl—once you bake that first batch, I promise these rolls will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
- 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
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that combine soft, fluffy dough with a rich cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these sweet rolls make an irresistible breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Topping/Glaze
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls before second rise)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the dough: Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and knead the mixture for about 8–10 minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and set aside to macerate.
- Shape rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the sugared strawberries on top.
- Form rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second rise: Pour heavy cream over the rolls, cover them, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they are golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Prepare glaze: While the rolls bake, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to make the glaze.
- Serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls before serving for a rich, creamy finish.
Notes
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the rolls before baking for added texture and flavor.
