Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

This strawberry cheesecake cinnabon rolls recipe transforms breakfast into a decadent celebration combining three beloved treats in one spectacular package. The combination of buttery cinnamon rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries creates an experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first created these rolls for my daughter's birthday breakfast when she requested something extra special. The look on her face when she took her first bite was priceless—now they've become our tradition for celebrating milestones big and small.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour: creates the perfect texture base for these rolls
• 1/2 cup lukewarm whole milk: activates the yeast properly
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: ensures a proper rise
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: adds the right amount of sweetness
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: softened for richness
• 1 large egg: provides structure
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese: softened for that authentic cheesecake flavor
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: adds just enough sweetness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: for depth
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour: helps stabilize the filling
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: adds tanginess

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: creates caramelization
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: provides that classic Cinnabon flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: enhances flavor
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: softened for spreading

For the Strawberry Topping

• 1 cup fresh strawberries: adds brightness and color
• 1 tablespoon sugar: optional for extra sweetness

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese: softened for smoothness
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: for sweetness
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances flavor
• 1-2 tablespoons whole milk: adjusts consistency
• Pinch of salt: balances sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

Combine lukewarm milk with yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. The milk should be warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. When you see bubbles forming, you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Mix the Dough:

Create a well in the center of your flour, sugar, and salt mixture before adding the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla. Use a wooden spoon initially until everything starts coming together. The dough will be slightly sticky but should begin to form a cohesive mass.

Knead the Dough:

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The kneading process develops the gluten which gives your rolls their perfect texture. When properly kneaded, the dough should spring back when lightly pressed with your finger.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, which means the yeast is producing carbon dioxide and creating that fluffy texture we love in cinnamon rolls.

Prepare Cheesecake Filling:

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, vanilla, flour and sour cream. The filling should be completely smooth with no lumps. This layer adds incredible richness and tanginess that distinguishes these rolls from traditional cinnamon rolls.

Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. This mixture will caramelize during baking, creating pockets of sweet, spicy goodness throughout your rolls. The salt enhances all the flavors.

Roll and Fill:

Roll the dough into a 16x12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread butter evenly across the surface, leaving a small border. Add the cheesecake filling in an even layer, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. The key is spreading everything evenly so each bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Shape the Rolls:

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with a small amount of space between them.

Second Rise:

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and touching each other. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture that makes these rolls irresistible.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. If the tops start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma of cinnamon, sugar and baking dough.

Create Icing:

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt together, adding milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle or spread easily.

Add Strawberry Topping:

Top your warm, iced rolls with fresh sliced strawberries. The contrast between the warm, gooey rolls and the cool, fresh berries creates a magical taste experience that elevates these rolls to spectacular status.

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The marriage of tangy cream cheese, warm cinnamon, and fresh strawberries creates such a harmonious flavor experience. My secret is using the highest quality cinnamon I can find—Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate, complex flavor that really shines in this recipe.

Make-Ahead Magic

These rolls are perfect for preparing in advance. After cutting and placing the rolls in your baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove them from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature and complete their second rise before baking. This takes about an hour, giving you time to enjoy your coffee while anticipating the delicious breakfast ahead.

Variations Worth Trying

While strawberries create a magnificent topping, these rolls welcome other fruit variations too. Try blueberries for a more subtle sweetness, or mixed berries for a colorful presentation. For a tropical twist, diced mango and a touch of coconut in the filling creates a vacation-worthy treat. During fall, thinly sliced apples tossed in cinnamon make a cozy alternative that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake filling.

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Serving Suggestions

These rolls shine as the star of a special breakfast or brunch. Serve them alongside a protein like scrambled eggs or bacon to balance the sweetness. For an extra special presentation, warm each roll slightly before serving and add a fresh strawberry on top. When serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms them into an extraordinary finale to any meal.

Storage Solutions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling requires refrigeration, but the rolls can be gently reheated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore their gooey texture. If you want to freeze them, do so before adding the icing and strawberries. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and freeze them before the second rise. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, allow them to rise, and then bake as directed.

→ What can I substitute for fresh strawberries?

You can replace strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a similar flavor profile.

→ How do I ensure the dough rises properly?

Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can use your oven with the light on for gentle warmth.

→ Why is my cheesecake filling lumpy?

Ensure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and sour cream, are softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency.

→ How do I thicken or thin the icing?

To thicken the icing, add more powdered sugar. To thin it, gradually add milk a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

→ Can I make these without the cheesecake filling?

Yes, you can skip the cheesecake filling and simply use the cinnamon sugar filling for classic cinnamon rolls with strawberries on top.