Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth craving and love the cozy comfort of breakfast baked goods, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with creamy cheesecake and bursting with luscious strawberry jam and fresh berries, all topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. This recipe is the perfect blend of classic cinnabon warmth and fruity decadence, delivering a dessert-like treat that’s ideal for brunch, special occasions, or whenever you want to spoil yourself and your loved ones with something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet carefully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe. From the basic dough essentials that yield that soft pillowy base to the rich cheesecake filling and luscious frosting, each component plays an essential role in crafting every bite to perfection.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the dough; ensure it’s measured properly for perfect texture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and enrich the dough’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (filling): Creates the rich, creamy cheesecake layer in the rolls.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (filling): Gives smoothness and richness to the filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (filling): Sweetens the cheesecake beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (filling): Adds warm fragrance and depth.
• 1 cup strawberry jam, seedless: Brings bright, fruity burst inside the rolls.
• ½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries: Adds freshness and texture to the filling.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (frosting): Creates the luscious topping for the finished rolls.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (frosting): Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (frosting): Adjusts the consistency of the frosting perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (frosting): Elevates the flavor of the frosting.
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional): A gorgeous garnish that adds fresh fruitiness.
• Graham cracker crumbs (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and complements the cheesecake flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Give it some time—about 5 to 10 minutes—for the yeast to get lively and foamy. This step is crucial because it confirms that your yeast is ready to make your dough rise wonderfully light and fluffy. If it doesn’t foam, it’s a signal to grab fresh yeast and try again.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, whisk the melted butter and egg into the yeast mixture for a smooth blend. In a separate bowl, mix together flour and salt. This separation ensures your salt doesn’t kill the yeast but still flavors the dough perfectly.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy dough comes together. This dough is the base of your delicious rolls and sets the stage for that soft texture.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer to make this step easier. The goal here is a slightly tacky dough that bounces back pleasantly—too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. Patience pays off here since a generous rise is what makes those rolls so soft and airy.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

While the dough rises, whip softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth. Then, mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until perfectly combined. Finally, gently fold strawberry jam and fresh diced strawberries into the filling for that irresistible fruity cheesecake flavor.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 12 by 18 inches. This sizable rectangle will give you room to spread your luscious filling evenly.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge to help seal the roll. This step is where your rolls start to take their distinct flavor profile.

Step 9: Roll Up and Cut the Rolls

Beginning at the opposite long edge with the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into twelve equal pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean edges without squishing the rolls.

Step 10: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange your cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Then, bake in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye out for over-browning by tenting with foil if necessary.

Step 11: Cool and Frost

Allow the rolls to cool for 10 to 15 minutes to avoid melting the frosting completely. Whip up your frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter, adding powdered sugar and vanilla, then thinning with milk until smooth and spreadable. Slather this gorgeous frosting over the warm rolls for maximum indulgence.

Step 12: Add Final Touches and Serve

If you feel like going the extra mile, garnish your rolls with fresh strawberry slices and graham cracker crumbs for added texture and visual appeal. Serve warm and savor every bite of this beautiful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh sliced strawberries on top brings a lovely freshness and a pop of vibrant color that beautifully complements the creamy filling. The sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs adds a perfect hint of crunch, enhancing the cheesecake vibe. These garnishes elevate not only the taste but also make your rolls irresistible to the eyes.

Side Dishes

To balance the sweet richness of these strawberry cheesecake rolls, consider serving them with a light side like a simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette or a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade. Fresh fruit bowls or vanilla yogurt can also make delightful companions that won’t overpower the main star: these sumptuous rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the baking pan and plate your rolls individually on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even serve slices of the rolls alongside a scoop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience that friends and family won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain freshness while allowing the flavors to meld further. If you want to enjoy them later, just bring them out and warm them before serving.

Freezing

These rolls freeze exceptionally well, making them a great make-ahead treat. After baking and cooling, freeze them in an airtight container or individually wrapped to prevent freezer burn. They maintain their delicious texture and flavor for up to 2 months, perfect for planning ahead or unexpected guests.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, reheat your rolls gently in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and re-melts the cream cheese frosting slightly for a deliciously gooey experience just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor in the filling, you can use frozen, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling runny.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes! The first rise develops the dough’s structure and fluffiness, while the second rise after rolling and cutting allows the rolls to puff up and become tender during baking.

Can I make the dough or filling in advance?

Absolutely. The dough can be made the day before and refrigerated to slow the rise, and the filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making assembly quicker and easier.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls without squishing them?

Using unflavored dental floss to slice the rolled dough log creates clean cuts without compressing the rolls, resulting in evenly shaped buns that bake uniformly.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Simply reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a little extra cream cheese to balance out the sweetness while maintaining creamy texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is truly a showstopper that delightfully combines the nostalgic warmth of classic cinnamon rolls with the lusciousness of strawberry cheesecake. Whether for a weekend brunch, special celebration, or to treat yourself anytime, these rolls promise to bring smiles and full hearts around your table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can turn into such a magnificent, irresistible indulgence.

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