Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-484671H57M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup lukewarm milk; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 4 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup softened butter; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp flour; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup softened butter (for spreading); 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp milk; Fresh strawberries (sliced); Granulated sugar (for tossing)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes cinnamon rolls to a whole new level, blending creamy cheesecake filling with the warmth of cinnamon and the freshness of strawberries. The rolls are soft, buttery, and filled with a decadent mixture that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, with a simple step-by-step guide, it’s an easy dessert or breakfast to whip up, even for beginners.

Ingredients

1 cup lukewarm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup softened butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon sugar filling)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup softened butter (for spreading)
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Fresh strawberries (sliced)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast: Combine lukewarm milk and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast mixture, butter, egg, and vanilla. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1-1.5 hours.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream, and blend until smooth.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Assemble the Rolls: Roll out dough, spread softened butter, layer cheesecake filling, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Roll up, slice, and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare Icing: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make icing. Drizzle over the warm rolls.
Prepare Strawberry Topping: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and arrange them on top of the rolls.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding dough rise time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2-2.5 hours (including rise times)

Variations

Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries.
Nutella Swirl: Add Nutella between the dough layers for a chocolate twist.
Peach or Mango: Swap strawberries for fresh peach or mango slices for a tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought frozen dough to save time. Just let it thaw and rise before assembling.

2. Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, freeze them, and bake them later. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.

3. How do I know if the yeast is active?

The yeast should foam and bubble after about 5-10 minutes in the warm milk. If it doesn’t, the yeast may be expired.

4. Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! You can use fruit fillings like blueberry or apple, or even add chocolate chips.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

6. How do I avoid the rolls being too doughy inside?

Ensure the rolls are baked until golden brown and cooked through. If they are still doughy, extend the baking time slightly.

7. Can I use a different type of icing?

You can substitute the cream cheese icing with a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer something lighter.

8. How do I make the rolls fluffier?

Ensure your dough is kneaded well and rises in a warm, draft-free area to get the best rise.

9. Can I freeze these rolls after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls after baking. Reheat in the oven before serving.

10. How can I make these rolls less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the icing to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’ll surely be a crowd-pleaser.