Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a delightful combination of soft, cinnamon-swirled dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and a burst of fresh strawberries. They bring the best of a classic Cinnabon with the added indulgence of cheesecake, perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The cheesecake filling adds a luxurious creaminess to the classic cinnamon roll.
• Burst of Freshness: Fresh strawberries add a sweet, fruity flavor that complements the richness of the dough and filling.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a brunch, holiday breakfast, or a treat for yourself, these rolls feel like a special indulgence.
• Easy to Make Ahead: These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for fresh, warm rolls without the early wake-up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Milk
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries
• Ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly. Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add in the flour and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon with sugar.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Add chopped fresh strawberries.
5. Shape and Slice: Roll the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, into a log. Cut the log into evenly sized rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Glaze (Optional): Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 rolls.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2-2.5 hours
• Total Time: Around 3 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Add chocolate chips along with the strawberries for a richer flavor.
• Berry Medley: Use a combination of berries like raspberries and blueberries for a mixed berry version.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
• Lemon Cheesecake Filling: Add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place a roll in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size. If you gently press a finger into the dough and the indentation stays, it’s ready.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them in the morning.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.

Can I substitute cream cheese with a different filling?

Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor.

How can I make the rolls fluffier?

Make sure your yeast is fresh, and don’t skip the rising times. Proper kneading also helps develop gluten, resulting in fluffier rolls.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk works great.

What’s the best way to cut the dough without squashing it?

Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut through the dough without flattening it.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

Dense rolls can be the result of not allowing the dough to rise enough, or using too much flour during the kneading process.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the dough and filling to suit your preference, though it may slightly affect the sweetness of the final product.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a perfect combination of indulgent flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast or as a weekend treat, the sweet, tangy, and creamy elements make these rolls absolutely irresistible. With a few variations and the option to make them ahead, this recipe is a must-try for any cinnamon roll lover!

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