Description
Indulge in these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough layered with creamy cheesecake filling, classic cinnamon sugar, and fresh strawberry topping. Finished with a tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls combine the best of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors for a decadent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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 using a wooden spoon or your hands.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if too sticky, but keep the dough soft and tender.
- Let the Dough Rise: Form the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Blend the Cream Cheese: Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Other Ingredients: Mix in granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully combined. Set aside.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the Butter: Soften butter until spreadable but not melted.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle.
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
- Add the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the buttered dough, avoiding edges.
- Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish close but not touching.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed and touching.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls rise.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before icing and topping.
- Mix the Icing: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; gradually add milk to reach smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Drizzle or Spread: Spread or drizzle icing over warm rolls to allow slight melting and creamy topping.
- Slice the Strawberries: Thinly slice strawberries and toss with sugar if desired.
- Top the Rolls: Arrange strawberries on top of the rolls, balancing sweetness with rich cheesecake and cinnamon flavors.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not over-flour the dough to keep it soft and tender.
- For a tangier cheesecake filling, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for easier spreading on the dough.
- Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- Cover rolls loosely while baking if browning too quickly to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
- Optional: add a tablespoon of sugar to strawberries for extra sweetness if using tart berries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake rolls, cinnabon rolls, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, strawberry topping, sweet breakfast rolls
