Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that feels like dessert, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is just what you need! Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, only to discover they’re filled with a luscious cheesecake mixture and topped with fresh strawberries. This recipe brings together some of my favorite flavors into one delightful roll, and I can guarantee it will become a cherished addition to your weekend brunches and special occasions.

These rolls are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries makes these rolls a heavenly treat.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, and with the added twist of cheesecake, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough the night before, making breakfast a breeze in the morning.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s brunch, dessert after dinner, or just because—these rolls fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful rolls! You probably have many of them in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

This will add the creamy, tangy element to your rolls:
* 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

To get that classic Cinnabon flavor:
* 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Strawberry Topping:

Fresh strawberries will add color and freshness:
* 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

A creamy topping to drizzle over your rolls:
* 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed for consistency
* Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted based on your preferences. Here are some fun ideas to customize your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for an extra indulgent twist.
• Swap the Berries: Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Make It Nutty: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar filling for added crunch.
• Try Different Frostings: Instead of cream cheese icing, consider using a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently until dissolved. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step is crucial because it ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to create fluffy rolls!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center; pour in your yeast mixture along with softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you see a dough forming. Using your hands or a wooden spoon makes this part fun!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This builds structure in your dough so that it rises beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size. This patience pays off when you bite into those fluffy rolls!

Step 5: Blend the Cream Cheese

While waiting for dough magic to happen, prepare your cheesecake filling! In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 6: Add Other Ingredients

Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Beat well until fully combined and creamy! Set this aside; trust me—you’ll love this layer.

Step 7: Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. This mixture will give your rolls that iconic Cinnabon flavor we all crave.

Step 8: Prepare Butter

Soften butter until spreadable but not melted—this helps spread it evenly over our dough later on.

Step 9: Roll Out Dough

After letting it rise beautifully punch down gently to release air bubbles. Turn out onto floured surface; roll it into a large rectangle about 16 inches by 12 inches.

Step 10: Spread Butter

Evenly spread softened butter over your rolled-out dough using either a pastry brush or spoon while leaving borders around edges—this keeps our filling from spilling out!

Step 11: Add Cheesecake Filling

Spoon cheesecake mixture over buttered dough spreading evenly with spatula but leave edges clear so everything stays tucked inside while baking.

Step 12: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

Generously sprinkle that delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture over your cheesecake layer—get excited; it’s going to be amazing!

Step 13: Roll Up Dough

Starting from long edge carefully roll dough into tight log shape pinching seam closed once fully rolled up.

Step 14: Cut Rolls

Using sharp knife or dental floss cut log into twelve equal pieces—place these lovely little rolls in greased baking dish close but not touching each other.

Step 15: Let Rolls Rise Again

Cover loosely with plastic wrap/towel allowing them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up nicely!

Step 16: Preheat Oven

As rolls are rising preheat oven at 350°F (175°C)—you want everything ready when those beauties are done rising!

Step 17: Bake

Once risen pop those rolls into preheated oven bake them for about 25-30 minutes golden brown perfection awaits! If browning too quickly cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 18: Cool Slightly

Remove from oven allow them cool off slightly on wire rack around ten minutes before adding icing & strawberry topping—it’s torture waiting but worth every second!

Step 19: Mix Icing

In medium bowl beat together softened cream cheese powdered sugar vanilla extract pinch of salt gradually add milk achieving desired consistency should be smooth & spreadable!

Step 20: Drizzle or Spread Icing

Once rolls have cooled slightly drizzle/spread icing over warm ones—the warmth helps icing melt slightly creating rich topping mmm…

Step 21: Slice Strawberries

Slice fresh strawberries thinly; if desired toss them with optional tablespoon sugar enhancing sweetness balance perfectly against richness of roll fillings!

Step 22: Top Rolls

Gently arrange sliced strawberries atop warm Rolls—their bright color & taste contrast beautifully against creamy layers—perfection achieved!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! Serve warm or at room temperature. They make every day feel like an occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Making these rolls can be a joyful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast and quality dairy products make a big difference in flavor and texture. Always check expiration dates to guarantee the best results.

• Don’t Rush the Rising: Allowing the dough to rise fully is crucial for achieving that soft, fluffy texture. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to expedite the rising process.

• Roll Evenly: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness throughout. This ensures that each roll bakes uniformly and has a balanced cheesecake-to-cinnamon ratio.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the filling! You can try adding different fruits or spices to suit your preferences or even mix in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.

• Serve Warm for Maximum Flavor: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm. The gooey center and creamy icing are truly delightful when served immediately!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some creative ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls.
• Powdered sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving gives a beautiful finishing touch and adds an extra hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits complements the richness of the rolls while adding freshness to your plate.
• Greek Yogurt with Honey: The tanginess of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a creamy balance that pairs wonderfully with the rolls.
• Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy atmosphere and enhances the flavors of both the cinnamon rolls and cheesecake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert experience, serve warm rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream as it melts into those delicious layers.

These serving suggestions will elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls experience, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats at your convenience. You can easily prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time, making it a breeze to bake fresh rolls whenever you crave them.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, transfer them to the refrigerator where they will last for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
• Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as an alternative for moisture and binding.

How do I ensure my Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe turns out fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is activated properly by letting it sit in warm milk until frothy. Additionally, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for that perfect fluffy texture.

What should I do if my cream cheese filling is too thick?

If your cream cheese filling is too thick, you can add a little more sour cream or Greek yogurt until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help maintain its creamy texture when spread on the dough.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen strawberries before slicing them to avoid making the rolls soggy.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are truly a delightful treat that combines sweet nostalgia with fresh flavors. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I loved sharing it with you. The combination of soft cinnamon rolls, rich cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries makes for an unforgettable dessert or breakfast option. Give it a try and savor every bite—happy baking!