Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are an irresistible twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a creamy cheesecake layer and fresh strawberry flavor, then topped with a sweet glaze and more strawberries for an indulgent breakfast or dessert. The perfect balance of rich cheesecake and fruity sweetness makes these rolls an absolute crowd-pleaser.

I made these rolls for a weekend brunch, and they quickly became a favorite in my house. The combination of cheesecake and fresh strawberries took the traditional cinnamon roll to a whole new level. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness, while the strawberries on top make them visually stunning. These rolls are perfect for a special occasion, or just as a treat when you’re craving something indulgent.

What’s great about these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is that they’re surprisingly easy to make. With a bit of preparation and patience, you can enjoy a homemade version of this delicious treat that’s just as good as what you’d find at a bakery. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want a decadent breakfast, these rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Brunch or breakfast
• Holiday mornings
• Dessert tables
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Here’s why Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls will become your new favorite treat:

• Fluffy and Soft Dough: The dough is light, tender, and airy, creating the perfect base for the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Cheesecake Filling: The rich, tangy cheesecake filling adds a decadent twist to the classic cinnamon roll, making it extra indulgent.
• Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries and a sweet glaze give these rolls a fruity kick that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
• Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The glaze drizzled on top balances the sweetness of the rolls with a tangy flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Easy to Make: While these rolls may look fancy, they are simple to make and are sure to impress family and friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (for dough rise)
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)

Ingredient Highlights

• Active Dry Yeast: Yeast helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy, making these rolls soft and tender.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling gives these rolls their cheesecake-like flavor and creamy texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are used both in the filling and as a topping, giving these rolls a burst of fruity flavor and color.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the filling and the glaze, ensuring a smooth and sweet finish to the rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, flour, softened butter, egg, and salt. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Cheesecake and Strawberry Filling:

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If desired, stir in cornstarch to thicken the filling. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Rolls:

6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
7. Spread the Cheesecake Filling: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Add the Strawberry Filling: Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the cheesecake filling, spreading it out evenly.
9. Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the longer side, making a log shape. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Bake the Rolls:

10. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are slightly touching each other.
11. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the center remains soft.

Glaze and Serve:

12. Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
13. Top with Glaze and Strawberries: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and top with sliced fresh strawberries.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a treat that can be served in many different ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: These rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, served with coffee or fresh juice.
• For Dessert: Serve these rolls as a dessert after dinner, especially if you’re craving something indulgent and fruity.
• As a Gift: Package these rolls in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• At a Party or Gathering: These rolls make a beautiful addition to any dessert table or party spread, thanks to their vibrant colors and delicious flavor.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overheat the Milk: When activating the yeast, make sure the milk is warm (around 110°F). Too hot milk can kill the yeast.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add the best flavor to the filling and topping. Frozen strawberries may release excess liquid that can affect the filling’s texture.
• Allow Enough Rising Time: Be patient and let the dough rise fully, as this will result in soft, fluffy rolls.
• Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the dough into rolls, use a sharp knife or floss to get clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
• Add More Toppings: Feel free to top the rolls with additional fruit, such as blueberries, or even a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake crust effect.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls:

• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Rolls: Swap the strawberries for a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a delicious berry medley.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the strawberry filling for added texture and flavor.
• Caramel Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
• Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling to create a tangy lemon-strawberry flavor combination.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these rolls gluten-free.
• Coconut Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Roll Cake: Roll the dough into a thinner log and cut it into smaller rolls for a bite-sized version.
• No-Bake Cheesecake Filling: Use no-bake cheesecake filling for a lighter, creamier texture.
• Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls: Substitute non-dairy milk, butter, and cream cheese for a vegan version.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

• Freezing: To freeze the rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the oven before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Here are some tools that will make preparing Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls easier:

• Mixer: An electric mixer or stand mixer will make kneading the dough easier.
• **Rolling Pin

:** A rolling pin will help you roll out the dough evenly.

• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: Use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without compressing it.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is the perfect size for these rolls.
• Whisk: A whisk will help you mix the glaze and ensure a smooth consistency.
• Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent the rolls from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   While fresh strawberries are best, frozen strawberries can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them in the morning.
3. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
   Yes, you can use a bread machine to prepare the dough. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine’s instructions.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
   While the glaze adds a sweet touch, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet roll or want a more traditional cinnamon roll experience.
5. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
   Yes, you can substitute other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, combining the fluffiness of a classic cinnamon roll with a creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberry flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, serving them at a party, or gifting them to loved ones. The combination of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors in these rolls will leave everyone asking for more!

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it a fantastic choice for everything from cozy mornings to festive gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them all for yourself, these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls will always hit the spot.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!