Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Imagine the aroma of sweet strawberries, pillowy-soft cinnamon dough, and luscious cheesecake all mingling in your kitchen – that’s the magic of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. This dreamy pastry brings together everything we adore: gooey swirls, creamy cheesecake filling, bright strawberry pockets, and a tangy-sweet cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or simply want to treat yourself, these rolls promise melt-in-your-mouth indulgence with every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is that the ingredients are familiar, yet each one offers something special – from texture and richness to vibrant bursts of flavor. Let’s break down why every component matters.

• All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your dough, delivering that pillowy, soft bite every cinnamon roll craves.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens up both the dough and the filling without overpowering the fresh strawberry flavor.
• Instant yeast: Ensures your rolls rise beautifully and stay cloud-like in texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the subtle flavors in the dough.
• Warm milk: Creates tenderness and helps the yeast go to work (make sure it’s around 110°F for best results).
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the dough and the fillings, making everything irresistibly soft.
• Large egg: Gives structure and a touch of richness for that classic roll experience.
• Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, lending tang and creamy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances every component, from the roll to the glaze, delivering warmth and depth of flavor.
• Fresh strawberries: The secret to a juicy, brightly colored filling – use ripe, fragrant berries for best results.
• Strawberry jam: Amplifies the berry flavor and ensures every bite is bursting with strawberry goodness.
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes in the oven and adds molasses notes to the classic cinnamon swirl mixture.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that quintessential cinnabon aroma and spice.
• Powdered sugar: Melts right into the glaze, giving it a silky-smooth consistency.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze so it drizzles perfectly over your warm rolls.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a big mixing bowl – this base will give your rolls their signature softness. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and egg together until smooth. When you pour the wet into the dry, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Now comes the fun part: knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic (worth every bit of effort). Pop it into a greased bowl, cover, and let it work its magic until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

While the dough rises, make that decadent filling. With a hand mixer (or good old elbow grease), whip cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until light and creamy. Then fold in your vibrant, finely chopped strawberries and a generous scoop of strawberry jam. The result? A sweet, tangy, fruity swirl that’s impossible to resist.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

The cinnamon sugar twist is essential, even in Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! Mix soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a dreamy, spreadable paste. This layer is what gives your rolls their signature swirl and comforting scent.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out into a big rectangle (about 12 by 18 inches). Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture edge to edge, then carefully layer the strawberry cheesecake filling right on top. It’s messy, luscious, and exactly what you want. Roll it all up tightly from the long edge, then cut into 12 equal spirals. Nestle them into a greased 9×13 baking pan, cover with a towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes – anticipation is half the delight!

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F while your rolls finish rising. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, until golden and puffed, and your kitchen smells like pure heaven. Resist the urge to dive in immediately – you’ll want to glaze while they’re still warm but not piping hot.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

As the rolls bake, whip up a quick glaze. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to make it perfectly pourable. Taste for that irresistible tangy-sweet balance and adjust with milk if needed.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

When the rolls have cooled slightly, generously drizzle with your cream cheese glaze. Watch it melt into every swirl and cranny. Now, finally, cut yourself the first piece while it’s ultra-gooey and warm, and savor just how incredible Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls can be.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Garnishes

These rolls look gorgeous already, but a few simple garnishes take them to the next level. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped strawberries on top, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few white chocolate curls for a bakery-style finish. You can even add a hint of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy contrast.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are show-stopping on their own, but they play beautifully with a brunch spread. Serve alongside crisp bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad. For a lighter pairing, offer some vanilla yogurt with honey and nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the baking pan! Stack a few rolls on a tiered cake stand for a party centerpiece, or serve individual rolls in parchment tulip cups for brunch guests. You can also drizzle extra glaze in a zig-zag for a cafe-bakery look, or arrange rolls on a platter surrounded by strawberries for pure springtime joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls (if there are any!) keep beautifully. Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment if stacking, to keep the glaze intact.

Freezing

Want to savor these rolls another day? Freeze baked, unglazed rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before glazing for bakery-fresh results anytime.

Reheating

Bring chilled rolls back to their gooey glory by microwaving each for about 20 seconds, or warming a tray in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If using frozen rolls, let them thaw in the fridge first, then warm and glaze as described. The strawberry cheesecake filling will taste just as luscious as day one!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries really well before adding them to the filling to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy.

Do I need to use instant yeast or can I use active dry yeast?

You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to bloom it in the warm milk with a touch of sugar first, then proceed as directed. It may take a bit longer to rise, so keep an eye on your dough’s doubling.

Can Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls be made the night before?

Definitely! Follow all the steps through cutting the rolls, place them in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking.

What’s the best way to get neat, even rolls?

Use a piece of dental floss (unflavored!) to slice your roll log cleanly. Slide the floss under the log, cross over the ends, and pull for perfect slices without squishing the dough.

Can I double the cream cheese glaze?

Why not? If you’re a glaze fanatic, simply double the glaze recipe for extra gooey coverage. It stores well in the fridge and can be used for dipping or an extra drizzle when serving.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls feels like a tiny celebration, and they might just become your newest baking obsession. If you’ve never tried the sweet seduction of strawberries, cream cheese, and cinnamon in one swirly package, this is your sign to go for it. Give them a whirl – and don’t be surprised if they disappear in record time!

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