Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

There is nothing quite as comforting and delightful as biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, especially when it’s elevated with luscious strawberry cheesecake filling and a velvety cream cheese glaze. This strawberry cinnamon roll recipe combines fluffy, homemade dough with sweet strawberries and the rich tang of cheesecake, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or a decadent dessert. Each bite is a beautiful balance of cinnamon warmth, fresh fruit brightness, and creamy indulgence that will have you swooning and coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients lays the foundation for these irresistible strawberry cinnamon rolls. Every component, from the flour to the fresh strawberries, plays a crucial role in creating the delightful texture, flavor, and appearance that make this recipe shine.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect structure for soft, fluffy rolls that rise nicely.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and balances the tang in the filling.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and achieve that airy texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moistness to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Contributes to the dough’s structure and softness.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for filling): The star of the cheesecake filling, delivering creamy sweetness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake mixture without overpowering.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling): Brings warmth and depth to the filling.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Provides fresh, juicy bursts of flavor within every bite.
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam: Amplifies the strawberry flavor and adds a sticky sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon sugar): Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture melt perfectly into the dough.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Creates a rich and caramel-like sweetness for the cinnamon swirl.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The essential spice that makes cinnamon rolls a classic favorite.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for glaze): Gives the glaze that luscious, creamy finish.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for glaze): Adds smoothness and helps the glaze shine.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses a subtle aromatic note.
• 2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency): Helps adjust the glaze to the ideal pourable texture.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the basic dry ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix your warm milk with melted butter and the egg to bring richness and structure to the dough. Pour the wet mixture into the dry, then stir until the dough begins to form. Knead this dough for about 5 to 7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading step is where the magic happens, developing gluten for that soft yet sturdy texture.

Once your dough has been kneaded to perfection, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour. It should roughly double in size, promising a soft and pillowy cinnamon roll base.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

While the dough is rising, whip together a batch of creamy cheesecake filling. Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and dreamy. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries along with strawberry jam to give the filling a fresh and flavorful burst that complements the cinnamon in the roll beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a luscious cinnamon sugar spread. This mixture adds warmth and sweetness that is key to any classic cinnamon roll but harmonizes wonderfully with the strawberry cheesecake filling here.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

After your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the dough, then layer on your delightful strawberry cheesecake filling. Carefully roll the dough up starting from the long edge to create a tight log, then slice into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls snugly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes; this step ensures extra fluffiness after baking.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top and are cooked through. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly, a true sign that strawberry cinnamon roll perfection is just moments away.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese glaze by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Adjust the milk to get a silky, pourable consistency. This glaze is the decadent finishing touch that makes these rolls so unbelievably irresistible.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and have cooled slightly, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve them warm to fully enjoy the gooey, creamy, fruity goodness in every bite. Trust me, these strawberry cinnamon rolls will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, try sprinkling a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed rolls just before serving. You could also add chopped toasted pecans or a light drizzle of strawberry sauce for added texture and flavor surprises.

Side Dishes

These strawberry cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, present your cinnamon rolls in a large, rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand to make them the centerpiece of your table. You could even serve them in individual mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that elevates their appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and scrumptious.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling and slicing but before the second rise. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow them to rise before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rolls in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds to revive the softness and melty glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the rolls soggy. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, though.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and texture, while the second rise after rolling the dough into rolls helps them become wonderfully fluffy when baked.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter and cream cheese to make a delicious dairy-free version that still captures all the joy of these rolls.

How do I prevent the cream cheese glaze from being too runny?

If your glaze feels too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until it thickens to your liking. If it’s too thick, add a touch of milk, but go slow to avoid over-thinning.

Can I add nuts to these rolls?

Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar spread before rolling the dough adds a lovely crunch and depth of flavor that complements the strawberry and cheesecake filling beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade strawberry cinnamon rolls is truly a rewarding experience filled with aromatic anticipation and delicious results. They combine the best elements of dessert and breakfast into one unforgettable bite. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—your mornings (and taste buds) will thank you with every sweet, cinnamon-spiced, creamy strawberry-filled mouthful.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

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★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the creamy richness of cheesecake filling, and the warmth of cinnamon rolls for an irresistible treat. The soft, fluffy dough is stuffed with luscious strawberry cheesecake filling, sprinkled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to be the highlight of any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped strawberries and strawberry jam until well combined.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, then layer the strawberry cheesecake filling on top. Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, starting from the long edge. Cut the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if needed) until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if the glaze is too thick.
7. Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, creamy goodness!

Notes

• The rolls can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator for a quick bake in the morning.
• You can substitute the fresh strawberries with strawberry preserves if fresh berries are unavailable.
• For an extra indulgent touch, add more cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: strawberry cinnamon rolls, cheesecake cinnamon rolls, strawberry rolls, cinnabon rolls, breakfast rolls, dessert rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, strawberry dessert, cream cheese glaze