Start your day with these indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. The fluffy dough is filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon, with fresh diced strawberries adding a burst of flavor. Rolled tightly, sliced, and baked until golden, these rolls are then topped with a sweet glaze, optionally infused with strawberry jam. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, these rolls bring together the warmth of cinnamon and the tangy sweetness of strawberries and cheesecake. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, drizzled with the glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Wake up to the delightful combination of strawberries and cheesecake in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy dough is rolled with a rich cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries, creating a breakfast treat that is both indulgent and fruity.
INGREDIENTS
- Warm milk: 1 cup (about 110°F), for activating the yeast
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet), to leaven the dough
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, for sweetening the dough
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1/4 cup, adds richness to the dough
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance flavor
- Large eggs: 2, for structure and moisture
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups, to form the dough
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup, for the cinnamon filling
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, sweetens the cinnamon filling
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, for warm, spicy flavor in the filling
- Fresh strawberries: 1 cup, diced, adds a fruity burst
- Cream cheese (softened): 8 oz, for the cheesecake filling
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup, for sweetening the cream cheese filling
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, adds depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup, for the glaze
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons, to thin the glaze
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to flavor the glaze
- Optional strawberry jam: 1/4 cup, for an extra fruity glaze
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Activate the yeast in warm milk with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
- Step 2:
- Add the melted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Step 3:
- Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for about 1 hour.
- Step 5:
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Step 6:
- In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 7:
- Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle (16×12 inches).
- Step 8:
- Spread the cinnamon butter mixture over the dough, followed by the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the top.
- Step 9:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 slices.
- Step 10:
- Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Step 11:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 12:
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Optionally, add strawberry jam for extra flavor. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Helpful Notes
- To make the rolls ahead of time, assemble them and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bake them in the morning for a fresh treat.
- You can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh ones, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef's Tip: For an extra rich dough, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
- Baker's Tip: Use a serrated knife to slice the rolled dough into even slices without squashing them.