Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Few bakery treats capture a celebration quite like Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. The combination of pillow-soft dough, tangy sweet berries, a cheesecake swirl and a cloud of cream cheese glaze makes every bite feel special. Whether for a brunch table centerpiece or a sweet weekend project, these rolls always make the moment memorable.

The first time I served these at my mother's birthday brunch, everyone went back for seconds and my niece still asks for the recipe every spring.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: brings structure and softness for the dough. Choose a high quality brand for a tender crumb
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and filling. Organic or fine granulated options dissolve best
• Instant yeast: gets the rise started quickly so the rolls get fluffy in less than two hours. Always check freshness before using
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors in the dough
• Warm milk: gives a soft texture and helps activate the yeast. Whole milk works best as it adds richness
• Unsalted butter: adds flavor and moisture. Use real butter for the best taste in both dough and filling
• Egg: provides structure and additional flavor to the dough. Farm fresh or free range eggs yield a brighter color
• Cream cheese: creates the luscious cheesecake layer. Use brick style cream cheese for optimal texture
• Fresh strawberries: offer bursts of juicy flavor. Choose berries that are deep red and fragrant for the best results
• Strawberry jam: amplifies the berry taste and keeps the filling moist. Opt for preserves with real fruit content
• Brown sugar and ground cinnamon: transform the classic mix into a decadent swirl. Use Ceylon cinnamon if available for its mild flavor
• Powdered sugar: guarantees a glossy smooth glaze. Sift before mixing to avoid lumps
• Vanilla extract: brings everything together with warm aromatic sweetness. Pure extract delivers deeper flavor
• Milk: fine tunes the consistency of your glaze. Start with a little and add more as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Start by combining flour sugar yeast and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gently whisk to distribute the yeast evenly. In another bowl mix warm milk melted butter and egg until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until no dry spots remain. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for seven minutes until the dough is stretchy and slightly tacky but not sticky. Place in a greased bowl cover and let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size

Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until the mixture turns completely creamy with no lumps. Fold in the finely chopped strawberries and strawberry jam making sure everything is evenly blended with little streaks of pink throughout

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Use a fork to combine softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix until it turns into a thick spreadable paste with the cinnamon fully blended in

Assemble the Rolls:

After the dough has doubled punch it down to let out any air bubbles. Roll it out to a rectangle about twelve by eighteen inches on a floured surface. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar mixture to the edges followed by the strawberry cheesecake filling in gentle swirls. Roll up the dough from the long side keeping the log tight but not squishing the filling. Slice into twelve equal pieces and arrange cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise thirty minutes until slightly puffed

Bake the Rolls:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Slide in the baking dish and bake for twenty five minutes or until the tops are golden and a little firm to the touch

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

While the rolls bake use a hand mixer to whip cream cheese butter powdered sugar vanilla and a splash of milk until smooth. Add extra milk little by little until the glaze is pourable but still thick

Glaze and Serve:

As soon as the rolls are out and slightly cooled drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness and flavor

Save

Every time I make these I use very ripe local berries and they absolutely make the difference. Once my daughter and I made these together using strawberries we picked that morning and it is still one of our favorite kitchen memories.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm gently in the microwave for the best texture. If you want to freeze them wrap each roll tightly and store in a freezer safe bag for up to one month then thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If strawberries are not in season try raspberries or blueberries for a different twist. Full fat brick style cream cheese yields the richest filling but Greek yogurt cream cheese works in a pinch. For dairy free options substitute plant based butter and cream cheese without altering the dough or glaze process.

Save

Serving Suggestions

Pair warm rolls with a cup of strong coffee or black tea for breakfast. For dessert top each roll with extra fresh berries and a sprig of mint. These rolls make a beautiful addition to any brunch spread lined up with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.

Cultural Context

While classic cinnamon rolls began as a Scandinavian treat the cheesecake swirl adds an American brunch twist and the strawberry filling is a nod to spring and summer harvest traditions across the country. These rolls blend bakery nostalgia with seasonal celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

→ How can I make the dough in advance?

Prepare and chill the dough overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?

Mascarpone or thick Greek yogurt can substitute for cream cheese, though flavor and texture will vary.

→ How do I prevent rolls from getting too dry?

Avoid overbaking and check for a light golden color; tent with foil if browning too quickly.

→ Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

Yes, shape and freeze before the final rise; thaw and let rise before baking as usual.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm rolls gently in the microwave or oven until just heated through for soft texture.