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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Santa's Cookies.
