Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

There is nothing quite like the warm, gooey delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls to brighten your morning or sweeten your afternoon. These rolls combine the classic, irresistible cinnabon swirl with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling that bursts with fresh, fruity flavor. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy dough layered with cinnamon sugar, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant strawberry bits, all topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze. It’s the perfect treat to impress your family, friends, or just indulge yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to creating these spectacular Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. Each component plays a vital role, delivering a balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes every bite unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: The base for our soft, pillowy dough that rises beautifully in the oven.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to both dough and filling.
• Instant yeast: The magical leavening agent that helps our rolls rise to perfection.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors without being overpowering.
• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Used melted in the dough and softened in the filling and glaze for that creamy texture.
• Egg: Provides structure and tenderness to the rolls.
• Cream cheese: The star of the filling and glaze, lending a smooth, tangy delight.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the filling and glaze with a sweet aromatic lift.
• Fresh strawberries: Bring natural brightness and juiciness, perfectly complementing the creamy cheesecake.
• Strawberry jam: Adds extra sweetness and helps bind the filling.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that gives the rolls their signature warming flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Needed for the smooth finish of the cream cheese glaze.
• Milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for easy drizzling.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and a fresh egg. Slowly pour the wet into the dry and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise until doubled in size—patience here makes for perfect rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

While the dough is rising, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries and strawberry jam to combine these sweet, juicy flavors beautifully. This layer will make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls truly stand out!

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon until you have a smooth, fragrant paste. This mixture will add that signature cinnabon sweetness and spice to your rolls, making each bite decadent and cozy.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle measuring about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly all over the dough, followed by a generous layer of the strawberry cheesecake filling. Then carefully roll the dough up from the long edge into a tight log. Cut the roll into 12 equal-sized pieces and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space to grow. Cover and let them rise again for around 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach a luscious, pourable consistency. This glaze will add a creamy, sweet finish that perfectly balances the warm, spiced rolls and tangy strawberry cheesecake center.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls have come out of the oven and cooled just enough to handle, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Serve them warm to experience the full gooey, velvety texture and the irresistible flavor combination that makes Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls a beloved treat anytime.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Garnishes

To add an extra splash of elegance and flavor, sprinkle fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed rolls just before serving. A few mint leaves can also enhance the presentation and provide a fresh aroma that complements the sweet and creamy notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own but can be paired wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a fruity smoothie, or even a light yogurt parfait for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread. Their rich and indulgent nature means you don’t need much else on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homey feel or on an elegant cake stand to impress guests at brunch. You can also plate individual rolls with a dollop of whipped cream and a few berries for a dessert-style presentation—each way invites smiles and happy moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries at all—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep that softness intact. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days; just bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before enjoying.

Freezing

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls freeze very well, whether baked or unbaked. Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up before serving to relive that fresh-baked goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat as it may dry them out. Reheat gently to keep every bite soft and gooey!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the strawberries to avoid making the filling too wet, which can affect the texture of your rolls.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise a little before baking for wonderful convenience.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

While cream cheese is key for that rich cheesecake flavor, you can experiment with mascarpone for a milder taste, but avoid low-fat or whipped varieties as they can alter texture and taste significantly.

What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast?

You can use active dry yeast but be sure to proof it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before mixing into the flour. This helps activate the yeast properly for the best rise.

Can these rolls be made dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese, you can enjoy a dairy-free version without sacrificing much of the creamy goodness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making and sharing Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. Their comforting warmth and divine layers of cinnamon, strawberry, and cream cheese create moments of pure joy that stay with you long after the last crumb is gone. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a treasured favorite in your kitchen just as they have in mine. So go ahead, bake a batch and savor the magic!

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