Have you ever found yourself dreaming of the perfect dessert? A treat that combines the warm, gooey comfort of a cinnamon roll with the tangy, creamy delight of a classic cheesecake? Well, your sweet dreams are about to become a reality. This guide will walk you through the ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe, a creation so decadent and delicious it will become your new go-to for special brunches, holidays, or any time you need a truly spectacular dessert. In fact, this recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an experience.
Imagine a pillow-soft, sweet dough swirled with a rich, velvety cheesecake filling and dotted with bursts of fresh, juicy strawberries. Then, picture it all baked to golden-brown perfection and generously slathered with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Consequently, each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure your rolls come out perfectly every single time. Therefore, even if you are a beginner baker, you can achieve professional results with these clear instructions.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
There are countless reasons why this recipe will capture your heart and your taste buds. First and foremost, the flavor combination is simply unbeatable. The warm spice of cinnamon, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the bright sweetness of strawberries create a symphony of taste that is both familiar and excitingly new. Furthermore, these rolls are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for a celebratory breakfast, a weekend brunch with friends, or as a show-stopping dessert after dinner. For instance, they make a wonderful addition to an Easter or Mother’s Day menu.
In addition, the texture is absolutely divine. The dough is unbelievably soft and fluffy, providing the perfect canvas for the luscious fillings. As the rolls bake, the cheesecake filling becomes warm and custardy, while the strawberries release their sweet juices, creating pockets of fruity goodness throughout. Finally, the homemade cream cheese frosting ties everything together, adding another layer of creamy, tangy perfection. This isn’t just a cinnamon roll; it’s an elevated dessert experience that feels both comforting and gourmet. If you enjoy fruity desserts, you might also adore our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe for another easy yet impressive treat.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe: The 15 Ultimate Steps for Heavenly Breakfast Bliss
A decadent fusion of gooey cinnamon rolls, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries—perfect for breakfast or dessert bliss.
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
1. Warm the milk to about 110°F, stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix on low with dough hook until combined.
3. Increase mixer speed to medium and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead by hand for 10–12 minutes.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Meanwhile, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk, beating until creamy.
6. Gently fold in diced strawberries. In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon for cinnamon-sugar layer.
7. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
8. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the surface.
9. Spread strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over the cinnamon layer, leaving a 1-inch border.
10. Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the long edge, then slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
11. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. While baking, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
14. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to thin the frosting to desired consistency.
15. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately for a gooey, creamy, sweet breakfast or dessert.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth fillings and better dough rise.
Don’t overbake; rolls should be golden and soft in the center.
Frozen strawberries can be used—just thaw and pat dry thoroughly.
To prep ahead, refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight and bake the next morning.
Slice dough with unflavored dental floss for clean, round rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need For Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
To create the most delicious strawberry cheesecake rolls, gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step. For optimal results, it’s best to have your dairy and eggs at room temperature, as this helps them incorporate more smoothly into the dough and filling. Here is a breakdown of what you will need.
For the Soft Dough
- All-purpose or bread flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter, melted
- One large egg
- Salt
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
- Full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Pure vanilla extract
- One large egg yolk
- Fresh strawberries, diced
- Ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Pure vanilla extract
- A splash of milk or cream
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Following these steps carefully will guarantee soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible rolls. Take your time with the process, especially with the dough rising, as patience is key to a perfect bake.
Part 1: Preparing the Dough
First, you need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F. Be careful not to make it too hot, or it will kill the yeast. Next, stir in a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows the yeast is active. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Subsequently, once the yeast is foamy, pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg into the flour mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, do so on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes. After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Part 2: Making the Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the delicious strawberry cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk, and continue to beat until everything is well combined and silky. After that, gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. In a separate small bowl, mix together some additional sugar and the ground cinnamon. This will be sprinkled over the dough before the cheesecake filling. This two-part filling process ensures you get that classic cinnamon swirl alongside the creamy cheesecake.
Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. First, brush the surface of the dough with a little melted butter. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. After that, carefully spread the strawberry cheesecake filling over the cinnamon-sugar layer, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they look puffy. Finally, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Part 4: Whipping Up the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, it’s time to make the iconic cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before spreading the frosting generously over the top. The warmth of the rolls will help the frosting melt slightly into all the delicious crevices.
Expert Tips for Flawless Rolls
Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are perfect.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest filling and frosting, ensure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them combine seamlessly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the rolls as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. They are done when they are a beautiful golden brown color.
- Dental Floss for Clean Cuts: To get perfectly clean slices without squishing your rolls, slide a piece of unflavored dental floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise. Instead of letting them rise at room temperature, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking as directed.
- Strawberry Preparation: Dice the strawberries relatively small to ensure they are evenly distributed. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding to the filling to avoid making it too watery.
For another delicious and comforting meal to enjoy before your dessert, consider making our hearty Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
While these rolls are undoubtedly best when fresh and warm from the oven, they can be stored for later enjoyment. To store them, allow the rolls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, they will last in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds, or until warm and soft. This brings back that wonderful, gooey texture as if they were freshly baked.
A Note on Nutrition and Variations
This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is certainly an indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions. It’s rich in flavor and meant to be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle. The strawberries themselves offer great nutritional benefits, as they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. According to Healthline, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. If you’re looking for variations, you could try using other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Additionally, for a different flavor profile, a little lemon zest in the cheesecake filling would be a wonderful, bright addition. You can also consult resources like Mayo Clinic for more ideas on creating balanced and healthy meals.
Conclusion About Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
In conclusion, this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is the ultimate dessert fusion that is guaranteed to impress. By bringing together a soft, fluffy dough, a creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberries, you create a treat that is truly unforgettable. This detailed guide provides all the steps and tips you need to bake a perfect batch every time. Therefore, don’t hesitate to dive into the kitchen and create this masterpiece. Whether for a special brunch or just a sweet craving, these rolls deliver pure comfort and joy in every single bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, you should thaw them completely and pat them very dry with a paper towel before dicing. This is important to remove excess moisture, which can make the filling watery and affect the final texture of the rolls.
My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong?
There are a few common reasons dough fails to rise. First, your yeast may have expired or was not activated properly. Always check the expiration date. Second, the milk used to activate the yeast might have been too hot, which can kill it. Finally, the room where the dough was rising might have been too cold. Yeast thrives in a warm environment.
How do I get that perfectly gooey center like a real Cinnabon?
The key to a gooey center is twofold: ample filling and not overbaking. Be generous with the filling, spreading it evenly. Most importantly, pull the rolls from the oven when they are golden brown on top, but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat in the pan.
