Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls might just be the most irresistible breakfast treat you ever make. Soft, pillowy rolls are generously swirled with fresh strawberries and strawberry jam, then crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They look and taste like something you’d buy at a bakery, but—and here’s the delightful secret—they’re incredibly easy to pull together, even on a busy weeknight or to prep ahead for a lazy weekend morning. With a combination of classic cinnamon roll coziness and the fresh, summery zing of strawberries, every bite is packed with sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cinnamon Rolls

• Whole Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and makes the rolls extra soft.
• Sugar: Gives gentle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: Gives the dough its rise and signature fluffiness. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, lending structure and softness.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Butter: Softened, for a rich and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with that cozy bakery aroma.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness, don’t skip it!
• Seedless Strawberry Jam: For a bright, concentrated strawberry flavor in every swirl.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds juicy, fresh fruit texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Gives that classic spiced warmth.

For the Glaze

• Cream Cheese: The star of that irresistible, slightly tangy glaze.
• Butter: Softened, for a velvety smooth finish.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
• Whole Milk: Loosens the glaze just enough for perfect drizzling.
• Vanilla Extract: Another boost of coziness and flavor.

Tip: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and help create a plush dough and glaze.

Variations

Feeling creative? This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your favorite flavors:

• Berry Swap: Use raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries for a tangy twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon to the filling or glaze for extra brightness.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a little melted white chocolate for a bakery-style touch.
• Gluten-Free: Try with your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (just check for yeast compatibility).

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by stirring together your warm milk and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit until it becomes bubbly and foamy—about 5 to 10 minutes. This step makes sure your cinnamon rolls will be gloriously fluffy.

Next, with the mixer on medium speed, add flour, egg, softened butter, vanilla, and salt. Let the mixer work the magic until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the bowl. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size—about 1 ½ to 2 hours. The dough may seem sticky at first, but resist adding extra flour, as a softer dough results in tender rolls.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

Dust your cutting board with a little flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection here; just try for an even shape.

In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam, fresh chopped strawberries, and cinnamon. Spread this lovely mixture right over your dough.

Slice the dough lengthwise into 8 even strips (a pizza cutter works great for this!). Roll each strip up tightly—they’ll look like little pink spirals—and arrange them close together in a greased baking dish. Cover again and let rise 30 more minutes.

Step 3: Bake

Bake your assembled rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 35-38 minutes, until the tops are golden and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, whip together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually blend in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla. Once the rolls are still warm but not piping hot, slather on the glaze so it melts into every nook and cranny.

How to Serve

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are pure comfort served warm, ideally fresh from the oven. They shine as a breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Pair With:

• Hot Coffee or Tea: The rich, creamy glaze is fantastic with a steamy mug by your side.
• Fresh Berries: A handful on the plate adds extra color and brightness.
• Simple Scrambled Eggs or Yogurt: For a balanced brunch.

Try making these the night before, pop them in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning for an effortless yet impressive breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The flavor is even better the next day!

Freezing

Baked, unglazed cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze after reheating.

Reheating

Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until soft and just warmed through. Glaze after reheating for the best melt.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are the best of both worlds—a classic cinnamon roll with a bright, fruity, creamy twist. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen, and, most of all, how happy everyone will be to dig in. Give this recipe a try and make your next breakfast or brunch a little more magical!

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