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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- 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!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine the classic, gooey cinnamon rolls with a delightful twist of strawberry cheesecake filling. Soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with a sweet strawberry filling and topped with a rich, creamy cheesecake frosting, making them a perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
-
Roll and Fill:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, followed by the cheesecake filling.
- Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (brown sugar and cinnamon).
-
Roll and Slice:
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
-
Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can prepare the dough and fillings the night before and refrigerate. Let the rolls come to room temperature before baking.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the strawberry filling.
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