Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine the softness of cinnamon rolls, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the fresh burst of strawberries, creating a decadent dessert or breakfast treat. The layers of gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and tangy cheesecake come together in this indulgent recipe, making every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these rolls are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds: the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the luxurious flavors of cheesecake and fresh strawberries. The fluffy dough, cheesecake filling, and cinnamon-sugar combination create a melt-in-your-mouth treat, while the strawberry topping adds a refreshing sweetness. The cream cheese icing enhances the indulgence, making these rolls an irresistible addition to any brunch or dessert table.

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ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 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

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary, but keep the dough soft.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling

1. Blend the Cream Cheese:
   Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Other Ingredients:
   Add sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Mix until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

1. Make the Cinnamon Sugar:
   In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Butter:
   Soften the butter until spreadable but not melted.

Step 4: Assembling the Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (16×12 inches or 40×30 cm).
2. Spread the Butter:
   Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a border.
3. Add the Cheesecake Filling:
   Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the buttered dough, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar:
   Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cheesecake layer.
5. Roll Up the Dough:
   Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal.
6. Cut the Rolls:
   Cut the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Let the Rolls Rise:
   Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.

Step 5: Baking the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Rolls:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil if they brown too quickly.
3. Cool Slightly:
   Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before adding icing and strawberry topping.

Step 6: Preparing the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Mix the Icing:
   Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Add milk as needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
2. Spread the Icing:
   Drizzle or spread the icing over the warm rolls. The warmth will help it melt slightly.

Step 7: Preparing the Strawberry Topping

1. Slice the Strawberries:
   Slice the fresh strawberries thinly and toss them with sugar if desired.
2. Top the Rolls:
   Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the rolls for a burst of freshness and color.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Dough Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Fruit variations: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for different fruit toppings.
• Nut additions: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture.
• Lemon zest: Incorporate a bit of lemon zest into the cheesecake filling for a citrusy twist.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it rise before continuing with the recipe the next day.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let them rise before baking.

What kind of milk should I use for the dough?

Whole milk is preferred for a rich, tender dough, but you can use 2% milk if needed.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the rolls may not have the same creamy, indulgent texture as with full-fat cream cheese.

How can I make the icing thinner or thicker?

If the icing is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken.

Can I skip the strawberry topping?

Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own, but the strawberries add a fresh, sweet contrast to the richness of the cheesecake and cinnamon.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough gluten-free.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown and cooked through. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean.

Can I add more cinnamon to the filling?

Yes, if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a perfect combination of rich, creamy cheesecake, sweet cinnamon, and fresh strawberries. The soft, fluffy dough holds the indulgent layers together, while the cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls will be the star of any meal. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that make this recipe a must-try!