Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but with an irresistible strawberry cheesecake twist. These soft and gooey rolls combine the comforting warmth of classic cinnamon rolls with a luscious cream cheese filling and bursts of sweet strawberries, making every bite a delightful experience.
Perfect for special breakfasts or indulgent brunches, these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are easy to prepare yet impressively delicious. Their beautiful swirls of creamy, fruity filling covered with a smooth vanilla glaze create a treat that’s both visually stunning and unbelievably tasty.
- A perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese adds a fresh twist to traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Quick and easy to assemble using store-bought dough, making it great for busy mornings or last-minute treats.
- Soft, gooey texture combined with a smooth vanilla glaze for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (1 package, approx. 340 g / 12 oz): Provides an easy-to-roll, soft dough base with classic cinnamon flavor, perfect for convenience.
- Extra flour (optional): Used for dusting surfaces to prevent dough from sticking while rolling out.
- Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling with a warm, aromatic note.
- Fresh strawberries (½ cup, diced): Fresh fruit provides juicy bursts of sweet strawberry flavor in the filling; strawberry jam can substitute.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Forms the base of the glaze, adding a sweet, smooth finish to the rolls.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Mixed with powdered sugar to create a pourable glaze consistency.
- Vanilla extract for glaze (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and aroma to the finishing glaze.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Surface
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Set your oven to 190 °C (approximately 375 °F) to ensure even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking during baking.
- Create the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
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In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step ensures a luscious, spreadable filling that melds well with the strawberries.
- Roll Out Dough and Add Filling
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Unroll the cinnamon roll dough onto a clean, floured surface if needed. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling up.
- Add Strawberry Layer
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Evenly distribute diced fresh strawberries or small dollops of strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer. This adds a fresh, fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Roll Up and Slice
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Carefully roll the dough up from one long edge into a tight log to keep the filling sealed inside. Slice the log into 8 to 10 equal portions to ensure consistent baking.
- Arrange and Bake Rolls
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Place the sliced rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the rolls turn golden and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
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Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting the milk quantity to achieve desired drizzling consistency to perfectly complement the rolls.
- Glaze and Serve Warm
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Drizzle the glaze over warm cinnamon rolls just out of the oven to let the glaze gently melt into the warm layers, creating an irresistible finish.
- Use fresh or thawed frozen strawberries to maintain texture; strawberry jam provides a smoother filling alternative.
- Adding lemon zest to the filling brightens flavors and adds a subtle citrusy note.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy sugary finish if you prefer extra texture.
- These rolls can be enjoyed fresh for breakfast or as an indulgent dessert paired with vanilla ice cream.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy the gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. For dessert, try serving them warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
- For even slicing, use a sharp serrated knife to prevent squishing the rolls.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before glazing to avoid a runny glaze.
- If you prefer homemade dough, choosing a soft, fluffy yeast dough works best for this recipe.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
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Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon roll dough works wonderfully and allows you to customize the dough’s flavor and texture.
- What can I substitute for fresh strawberries?
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Strawberry jam or preserves can be used as an alternative, providing a sweeter and less textured filling.
- How should I store leftover rolls?
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Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate for longer freshness, reheating before serving.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them unsliced, then slice and bake fresh the next morning.
- How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
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Ensure not to overcrowd the rolls on the baking sheet and bake them until golden brown for a crisp outer edge and soft inside.
- Is it possible to add other fruits?
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Indeed! Blueberries or raspberries work well paired with cream cheese but may change baking time slightly.
- Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
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Yes, freeze baked or unbaked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw before baking or reheating.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated cinnamon roll dough about 12 oz
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries or strawberry jam
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Unroll dough on a clean surface and spread cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle diced strawberries or dollops of strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll dough tightly from one long side into a log and slice into 8 to 10 equal rolls.
- Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, thawed frozen strawberries, or strawberry preserves interchangeably.
- Add lemon zest to filling for a citrus twist.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch.
- Serve with coffee or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
