Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you love the comforting cinnamon roll but crave a fresh, fruity twist, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls layered with sweet strawberry jam, fresh strawberry chunks, and just a hint of cinnamon, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts into every crevice. It’s the perfect balance of classic and fresh, making it a standout treat for weekend brunch, special breakfasts, or even an indulgent snack. This recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat, promising you that warm, nostalgic feeling with a vibrant strawberry surprise in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple yet essential, combining pantry staples with fresh strawberries to create an irresistible flavor and texture harmony. Each ingredient plays a role, from the yeast that gives the rolls their delightful rise to the cream cheese glaze that adds richness and smoothness.

• Whole milk (1 cup, warm): Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough for soft rolls.
• Sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds just enough sweetness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast (3/4 ounce): The magical leavening agent that makes the rolls fluffy and light.
• All-purpose flour (3-1/2 cups + 1/4 cup for dusting): The sturdy base for the dough, ensuring it’s neither too sticky nor too dense.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds richness and binds the dough together.
• Butter (4 tablespoons softened + 2 tablespoons softened for glaze): Brings tenderness to the dough and creaminess to the glaze.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon in dough + 1/2 teaspoon in glaze): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Seedless strawberry jam (3/4 cup): Bursts of sweet berry flavor spread throughout the rolls.
• Chopped fresh strawberries (3/4 cup): Adds fresh texture and a vibrant pop of color and taste.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings just the right hint of spice to complement the strawberries.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The star of the glaze, offering tangy richness that is irresistible.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1-1/4 cups): Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
• Whole milk (1 tablespoon for glaze): Helps create a smooth, spreadable glaze consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your whole milk until it’s pleasantly warm, not hot, to awaken the yeast without killing it. In your stand mixer bowl, stir together this warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the dry yeast evenly on top. Let it sit about 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy and bubbly. This is the sign your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, which is key to soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once the yeast has activated, switch your mixer to medium speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and comes together into a smooth, soft ball. This dough is tender but not sticky, perfect for rolling out and filling later.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer your dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it loosely with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours. It should double in size, becoming light and puffy. This rise ensures your rolls will be airy and tender.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Lightly dust your work surface with the reserved flour, then place your risen dough down and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This shape gives you plenty of room to spread the strawberry filling evenly and roll the dough tightly without tearing.

Step 5: Fill and Shape Rolls

Mix together the seedless strawberry jam, chopped fresh strawberries, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread this sweet, fruity mixture evenly over your rolled-out dough, covering it edge to edge for maximum flavor in every bite. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 even strips lengthwise. Starting from one long edge, roll each strip tightly to form your individual cinnamon rolls packed with strawberry goodness.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place your freshly rolled cinnamon rolls into a greased 13 by 9-inch baking dish, spaced closely so they rise into each other beautifully. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This shorter rise lets the dough puff up just a bit more, preparing it for a perfect bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the rolls for 35 to 38 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are fully cooked but still tender and moist. The aroma of cinnamon and strawberry filling baking will make it impossible to wait!

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, whip up the glorious cream cheese glaze. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add in confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract and continue beating until you have a creamy, spreadable glaze that’s rich and perfectly sweet.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Right after the rolls come out of the oven, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt into the crevices, adding creamy tanginess that complements the strawberry and cinnamon spectacularly. Serve them warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a big, comforting hug.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few fresh chopped strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed rolls. You can also add a few edible flowers or a drizzle of strawberry syrup to echo and intensify that fruity note and make your presentation truly pop.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair perfectly with a simple cup of coffee or a creamy latte, balancing the sweetness with a bit of bold bitterness. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with honey and granola to complement their richness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the rolls in a decorative ceramic baking dish right at the table to share their warmth. Or, for a party, slice the rolls apart and arrange them on a tiered serving platter with small bowls of extra strawberry jam and cream cheese glaze for dipping. This makes them interactive and irresistibly fun for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. The glaze will keep them moist and flavorful, preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls after shaping and before the second rise by tightly covering the baking dish with plastic wrap and then with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise as usual before baking. Baked rolls freeze well too—wrap individually once cooled to enjoy later.

Reheating

To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, warm them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Adding a few drops of water and covering loosely with foil during oven reheating helps keep them soft and moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy rolls. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and vibrant taste for this recipe.

Is it possible to make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand; just be prepared to spend a little extra time and elbow grease to achieve that soft, elastic dough.

Can I substitute cream cheese in the glaze with something else?

Cream cheese gives the glaze its signature tang and creaminess, but you can substitute with mascarpone or a softened ricotta blend for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

If the yeast foams and bubbles quickly when mixed with warm milk and sugar, it’s good to go. If it doesn’t become foamy after 10 minutes, your yeast might be expired or the milk was too hot or cold.

Can I reduce the sugar if I prefer less sweet rolls?

You can reduce the sugar slightly in the dough and glaze, but keep enough to feed the yeast and maintain the glaze’s texture. Adjusting sweetness is all about finding what suits your palate best!

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you fall in love with this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe as much as I have. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up a morning or treat yourself to a little joy in the form of cozy, fruity, cinnamon-spiced rolls with creamy glaze. Baking these is a rewarding experience, and sharing them even more so. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to amaze your family, friends, or simply indulge yourself in pure deliciousness!

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