If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a strawberry cheesecake and a Cinnabon roll had a delicious lovechild—this is it. These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine the warm, gooey comfort of cinnamon rolls with the tangy-sweet richness of strawberry cheesecake. Each bite delivers layers of pillowy dough, creamy filling, swirls of cinnamon, and a burst of real strawberries, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s indulgent, decadent, and designed to steal the show at brunch, dessert tables, or cozy weekend mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Fusion of Classics: Think cinnamon roll meets strawberry cheesecake—it’s the best of both worlds in one dreamy bite.
Bursting with Real Fruit Flavor: Fresh or jammy strawberries take center stage, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Cream Cheese Heaven: The tangy-smooth glaze and cheesecake filling add rich depth without being overly sweet.
Impressively Easy: With pre-made dough or your own homemade base, this dessert comes together faster than you think.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
To create these mouthwatering Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Here’s what you’ll gather:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, balancing the flavors.
Instant yeast: This little powerhouse helps the dough rise quickly, giving you soft rolls.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, making every bite more delicious.
Whole milk: Warmed milk helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough moist.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor to the rolls.
Large egg: Acts as a binding agent, giving the dough a nice texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
For the filling, you’ll need:
Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing that creamy cheesecake goodness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese, making it irresistible.
Fresh strawberries: Diced strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor and freshness.
And don’t forget the glaze:
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, giving it that sweet finish.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla in the glaze ties everything together.
Feel free to get creative! You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm spice note or swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Exact measurements are at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Give it a good stir to blend everything evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s just the yeast doing its magic!
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial; it develops the gluten, giving your rolls that fluffy texture. Once kneaded, 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. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in size.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that creamy filling. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The filling should be creamy and fruity, ready to bring your rolls to life. Set it aside until the dough is ready.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Now, starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each slice will be a delightful roll, bursting with flavor!
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is essential for achieving that light, airy texture. While you wait, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Once the rolls have puffed up, it’s time to bake! Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color on top. Keep an eye on them; the aroma will be irresistible! When they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before glazing.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, let’s make that sweet glaze. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You want a consistency that’s thick but pourable. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. This final touch will elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Tips for Success
Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t skip the kneading; it’s key for fluffy rolls.
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Let the rolls rise in a warm place for optimal fluffiness.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl if needed.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough; a wine bottle works in a pinch!
Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish is perfect; any oven-safe dish will do.
Whisk: Great for mixing; a fork can work if you’re in a bind.
Kitchen towel: For covering the dough; any clean cloth will suffice.
Variations
Berry Medley: Swap out strawberries for a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant twist.
Chocolate Chip Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent chocolatey flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added texture and flavor.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these rolls vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a delightful brunch experience.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
For a beautiful presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Can I make these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Just cover them and refrigerate. In the morning, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and baking. This way, you’ll have fresh rolls ready to enjoy!
What can I substitute for fresh strawberries?
If strawberries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches work wonderfully. Each fruit brings its unique flavor, making your rolls just as delightful.
How do I store leftover rolls?
To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw and reheat before serving!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give your rolls a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the dough consistency.
What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?
The best way to reheat your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a crispy exterior, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Each roll is a little piece of joy, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh burst of strawberries. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, these rolls bring a sense of comfort and happiness. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure.
Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that combine the flavors of cheesecake and fresh strawberries in a soft, fluffy roll.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
You can also substitute the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruit twist.
