Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

If you love bakery-style treats that marry the decadence of cheesecake and the nostalgia of warm cinnamon rolls, you simply have to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe. Pillowy soft dough swirled with a luscious cheesecake filling, classic cinnamon sugar, and plenty of juicy strawberries—then crowned with a dreamy cream cheese icing. This is the ultimate brunch showstopper or dessert to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a roll. It’s a labor of love, but every bite is absolute heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is all about using quality, simple ingredients in the right way. Each element adds something crucial—softness, richness, tang, or a pop of color and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you dive in:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, providing structure while staying wonderfully soft and pillowy.
• Whole milk: Warmed just right, it helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a tender crumb.
• Active dry yeast: The magical leavener that makes these rolls rise into fluffy spirals.
• Granulated sugar: A touch in the dough for sweetness, some more in the cheesecake filling for that true dessert flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds softness and richness, both in the dough and as a base for the cinnamon sugar swirl.
• Large egg: Essential for binding the dough and adding a bit of richness.
• Vanilla extract: That sumptuous aroma and flavor carries through every layer of this recipe.
• Salt: Never skip it—just a pinch balances all the sweetness perfectly.
• Cream cheese: The main character in the cheesecake filling and the silky icing on top!
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a bit of tang and extra creaminess to the cheesecake layer.
• Brown sugar: Forms the classic cinnamon swirl, adding moisture and rich, caramel notes.
• Ground cinnamon: A warming spice that’s essential to any Cinnabon-inspired roll.
• Fresh strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and vibrant—they light up the entire pan both visually and flavor-wise.
• Powdered sugar: For a melt-in-your-mouth, sweet cream cheese glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.
• Milk (for icing): Just enough to turn your topping into a perfectly spreadable glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

To jumpstart the whole process, dissolve your active dry yeast in warm (not hot) milk. Bubbles mean the yeast is alive and kicking! This step ensures your dough will rise beautifully and gives the rolls their signature fluffy texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a little well in the center, then add in your frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and that fragrant vanilla. Mix until a scraggly dough forms—it’ll start coming together as you stir.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Go by feel: the dough should spring back slightly when pressed and not feel sticky. This step is crucial for those perfect, tender rolls.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Pop the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it snooze in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size and look pillowy—like the foundation for a fantastic Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe.

Step 5: Blend the Cream Cheese

As the dough rises, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. This guarantees the cheesecake filling will be luscious, with no lumps sneaking in.

Step 6: Add the Other Ingredients

Beat in the granulated sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the mixture is fluffy and unified. Set this bowl of creamy goodness aside—you’ll need it for the next round.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This classic mix is what gives the rolls that drool-worthy Cinnabon aroma and caramel-like, gooey center.

Step 8: Prepare the Butter

Ensure your butter is soft and easy to spread. A quick zap in the microwave or a sit at room temp does the trick—just don’t melt it!

Step 9: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently, then roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface—around 16 x 12 inches. Uniform thickness helps ensure every bite is as fluffy as the next.

Step 10: Spread the Butter

Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, slather the softened butter all over the dough. This layer keeps the roll moist and rich as it bakes.

Step 11: Add the Cheesecake Filling

Dollop the cheesecake mixture in generous spoonfuls over your buttered dough, then gently spread it out evenly. Remember to leave a little border—this will keep filling inside as you roll.

Step 12: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture right on top of the cheesecake layer. The sugary, spicy swirls will melt into pockets of caramel goodness as the rolls bake.

Step 13: Roll Up the Dough

Tightly roll the dough up from the long edge, making a jellyroll shape. Pinch the seam to seal in all that dreamy filling.

Step 14: Cut the Rolls

Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for ultra-clean cuts. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, crowding them just a bit so they’ll puff together beautifully.

Step 15: Let the Rolls Rise

Loosely cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. They’ll puff and fill the pan, promising an unforgettable batch of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe every time.

Step 16: Preheat the Oven

While your rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready for baking.

Step 17: Bake

Bake your rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden and cooked through. If they’re browning too fast, a loose cover of foil will save the day. The kitchen should smell absolutely irresistible by now!

Step 18: Cool Slightly

Let the rolls sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. This little rest prevents the icing from melting off instantly and makes serving a bit easier.

Step 19: Mix the Icing

Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, pinch of salt, and enough milk to get a thick, smooth, spreadable icing. It should glide over the rolls but still hold a bit of shape.

Step 20: Drizzle or Spread

While the rolls are still warm (but not hot), generously spoon or drizzle the cream cheese icing on top, letting it ooze into every swirl.

Step 21: Slice the Strawberries

Thinly slice your freshest strawberries, and if you fancy, toss them with a bit of sugar for shine and sweetness.

Step 22: Top the Rolls

Carpet your iced rolls with sliced strawberries for the finishing touch. The color and juiciness are almost too pretty to eat—but you’ll want to anyway!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh mint leaves or a dusting of extra powdered sugar can make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe feel extra special. Even a few white chocolate curls add a decadent, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a frosty latte, or even a light fruit salad. The tartness of citrus fruits is a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the rolls, keeping your brunch spread balanced and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the rolls on a pretty cake stand, drizzle with extra icing in zig-zags, and scatter strawberries all around. For a party, serve the rolls individual style in cupcake liners or jar them up as take-home treats—everyone will love the presentation as much as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the rolls tightly and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy components mean they need to be chilled, but they’ll still taste luscious after a quick reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, let the rolls cool completely (without the icing or strawberries, ideally). Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost and top with fresh strawberries just before serving.

Reheating

Pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or rewarm a larger batch covered with foil in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Finish with icing and strawberries for just-baked freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well first so your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe isn’t soggy. They might be juicier than fresh, so adjust the sugar if necessary.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prep the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring back to room temperature in the morning and continue with rolling and shaping.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

You can substitute a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your yeast and other ingredients are also gluten-free for a safe, delicious result.

What else can I add to the filling?

Get creative! A handful of chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a ripple of strawberry jam swirled in the cheesecake layer make for fun twists on the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe.

Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Definitely—it makes kneading so much easier. Use the dough hook attachment and knead until you get that smooth, stretchy consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping treat that’s equal parts stunning and soul-comforting, make this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe your next kitchen adventure. The smell alone guarantees smiles—one bite, and you’ll want to share this sweet discovery with everyone you love!

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