Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I absolutely love how this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe manages to combine two of my favorite treats into one unforgettable bite – the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls paired with the creamy, dreamy richness of cheesecake and the fresh brightness of strawberries. When I first tried this recipe, it was a cozy weekend morning project that instantly became a family favorite; the strawberry jam and fresh chopped berries inside add a juicy pop that makes these rolls stand out from the usual cinnamon roll fare.

You’ll find that this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe works wonders as a special occasion breakfast or a delightful dessert for brunch gatherings. Plus, it’s easier than you might think! With some simple steps and a little patience during the rising times, you’ll be rewarded with sweet, soft rolls that your whole family will go crazy for – seriously, I’ve never had leftovers last long around my house.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays its part to create the perfect balance of tender dough, sweet strawberry filling, and silky cream cheese glaze. Keep an eye on using fresh strawberries for that pop of flavor – it truly makes all the difference.

• Whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast, so make sure it’s not too hot or it’ll kill it!
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds the sweetness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast: The magic behind the fluffy rise of the cinnamon rolls.
• All-purpose flour: Use fresh flour for best rise and texture.
• Egg: Brings richness and structure to the dough.
• Butter (softened): Adds tenderness to the dough and creaminess to the glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the sweet aroma, both in dough and glaze.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Seedless strawberry jam: A sweet sticky base for the strawberry filling.
• Chopped fresh strawberries: Provides fresh bits to brighten every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Classic spice that warms the flavor profile perfectly.
• Cream cheese (softened): Key to the luscious glaze that finishes these rolls.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect spreadable consistency.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to swap berries or adjust flavors for dietary needs, you can tailor it just for your crowd.

• Berry Swap: I sometimes use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries when I want a different fruity twist – it works beautifully!
• Dairy-Free Option: You can swap cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
• Extra Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover like me, bump up the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon for more warmth.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and mix the dough

Start by stirring warm milk with sugar in your stand mixer bowl and sprinkling the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s nice and foamy—this tells you the yeast is alive and kicking. Then, with your mixer on medium speed, gradually add most of the flour along with the egg, softened butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and forms a smooth ball. I like switching from the dough hook to lightly flouring my hands to give it a quick knead before popping it in a greased bowl to rise.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it somewhere warm to rise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. I usually put mine near the stove or inside my turned-off oven with just the light on—perfect cozy spot for yeast to work its magic. Don’t rush this step; this rise is key to soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 3: Roll out and slice the dough strips

Once risen, sprinkle your work surface with the reserved flour and gently transfer the dough over. Roll it with a rolling pin into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. I find it helpful to keep a little extra flour on hand to prevent sticking but not so much that the dough dries out. Then, slice the dough lengthwise into eight even strips — this helps keep the rolls uniform so they bake evenly.

Step 4: Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling and roll up

In a small bowl, stir together the strawberry jam, chopped fresh strawberries, and cinnamon until nicely combined. Spread the mixture evenly over each strip with a spatula—don’t be shy here; this is the flavor bomb! Then starting with the long end, carefully roll each strip tightly into a log. Tight rolls give you those beautiful spiral swirls inside. Then place them close together in a greased 13×9-inch pan to help them rise again and stick together as they bake.

Step 5: Second rise and baking

Cover the pan again with a towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes—they’ll puff up and get even fluffier. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 35 to 38 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking; you want them golden and set but still soft.

Step 6: Make the cream cheese glaze and serve

While the rolls are baking, blend together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a silky glaze. Once the cinnamon rolls come out warm from the oven, spread this luscious glaze generously all over. I like to serve these right away while still warm—the glaze melts into the rolls beautifully, making every bite irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish off these rolls with a few fresh strawberry slices on top for a pretty, juicy garnish. Sometimes a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar makes them look café-worthy. You could also add a few mint leaves for a fresh pop of color if serving guests.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own but pairing them with a simple fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait makes breakfast feel special. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch parties, I arrange the rolls in a circle on a platter, drizzle extra glaze in a zig-zag pattern, and scatter edible flowers or crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top. It always gets compliments and makes the table look festive without extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls tightly covered in the fridge to keep the cream cheese glaze fresh. They stay soft for about 2 to 3 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen both unbaked and baked rolls with good success. For unbaked, roll and place in the pan, wrap tightly, then thaw and rise before baking. For baked, I wrap individually in foil and freeze. Thaw overnight and warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep them moist. You can add a drizzle of fresh glaze after warming if you want that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has become such a warm, comforting treat for me and my loved ones. I love pulling them from the oven with that irresistible sweet aroma and seeing everyone eagerly reaching for seconds. If you’re looking to wow your family or guests with something that feels both familiar and special, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to brunch indulgence!

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