Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with fresh strawberries and a tangy cream cheese icing for a decadent, irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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 frothy, indicating 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 dough begins to form, using a wooden spoon or hands.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if sticky, aiming to keep the dough soft and tender.
- Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Blend the Cream Cheese: While the dough rises, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Other Ingredients: Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cream cheese. Beat until fully combined and smooth, then set aside.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt; set aside for assembly.
- Prepare the Butter: Soften butter until spreadable but not melted, either by microwaving briefly or letting sit at room temperature.
- Roll Out the Dough: After rising, punch down dough and roll it into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread softened butter over the rolled dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Add the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon and spread the cheesecake filling over the buttered dough, keeping edges clear to avoid spillage during baking.
- Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 12 equal pieces. Place them close (but not touching) in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed and touching each other.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls rise.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Cover loosely with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove rolls from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before icing.
- Mix the Icing: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Gradually add milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Drizzle or Spread Icing: Spread or drizzle icing over warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the rolls.
- Slice the Strawberries: Thinly slice fresh strawberries and toss with optional sugar for extra sweetness.
- Top the Rolls: Gently arrange strawberries on top of the iced rolls, balancing the richness with fresh fruit.
Notes
- Ensure milk is lukewarm (about 105-110°F) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Do not over-flour the dough when kneading to keep rolls tender.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the cheesecake filling.
- If you prefer less tang in the filling, reduce the sour cream amount slightly.
- Rosemary fresh strawberries to avoid excess liquid on the rolls while baking.
- Cover rolls with foil during baking if they brown too fast to prevent burning.
- Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing them.
- Serve immediately for best texture but rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.
Keywords: Cinnabon rolls, strawberry cheesecake rolls, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese filling, breakfast rolls, dessert rolls, sweet rolls, strawberry topping, cream cheese icing