why make this recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. They combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a rich cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries. This recipe offers a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends!
how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough: The dough is the base of your rolls and needs to be soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. For this, you’ll need:
- 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, making them irresistibly indulgent:
- 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: The classic cinnamon sugar filling gives these rolls that familiar Cinnabon flavor, but we’ll enhance it with the cheesecake filling and strawberries:
- 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 add a burst of flavor and color to the rolls, creating a lovely contrast with the rich cheesecake filling:
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Icing: A creamy, tangy icing that complements the rich, sweet 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
Directions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and the yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough starts to form.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Let the Dough Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Blend the Cream Cheese: While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the Other Ingredients: Mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream until fully combined.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside for roll assembly.
Prepare the Butter: Soften the butter until it’s spreadable.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16 inches by 12 inches.
Spread the Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough with a pastry brush or spoon.
Add the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the buttered dough evenly.
Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
Cut the Rolls: Cut the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
Bake: Once risen, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the icing and strawberry topping.
Mix the Icing: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add milk for consistency.
Drizzle or Spread: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle or spread the icing over them.
Slice the Strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries and toss them with sugar if desired.
Top the Rolls: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the rolls.
how to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Serve these rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. They can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast, a delightful brunch treat, or a delicious dessert after dinner.
how to store Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm again.
tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Ensure your milk is just warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Too hot can kill it.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake filling for easier mixing.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, flour your hands and the surface lightly.
- Don’t skip the rising times; they are essential for fluffy rolls!
variation
You can try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for added flavor. Swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling.
2. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and let them rise before baking.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you are looking for a different flavor or have dietary restrictions.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed for consistency
- Pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and the yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Soften the butter until it’s spreadable.
Assembly and Baking
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16 inches by 12 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the buttered dough evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the icing and strawberry topping.
Icing and Serving
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add milk for consistency.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle or spread the icing over them.
- Slice the fresh strawberries and toss them with sugar if desired.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the rolls.