Description

These strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are the ultimate sweet treat! Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are filled with a luscious strawberry cheesecake mixture, blending the warm spice of cinnamon with the sweet tang of cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Topped with a smooth glaze, each bite is a perfect balance of rich creaminess and fruity sweetness. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
½ cup melted butter
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries (mashed for jam)
8 ounces softened cream cheese
½ cup sugar (for filling)
1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
1 teaspoon cardamom (optional)

Ingredients for the Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional)
2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, lemon zest, and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while stirring to form a dough.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

While the dough is rising, prepare the strawberry jam. In a small saucepan, cook the mashed strawberries and sugar over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, followed by a layer of the strawberry jam.
Starting from one long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

4. Bake the Rolls:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before glazing.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, strawberry jam (if using), and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

Yeast Activation:
- Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast. A temperature around 110°F (43°C) is perfect. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, resulting in flat dough.
Dough Consistency:
- If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and elastic. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the dough tough.
Filling Tips:
- You can adjust the sweetness of the strawberry filling by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest in the filling.
- Feel free to omit the cardamom if you’re not a fan of its unique flavor. The cinnamon on its own will still provide that warm spice.
Cutting the Rolls:
- For neat slices, use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough. Simply slide the floss under the dough log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice through without squishing the dough.
Overnight Prep:
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Glaze Adjustments:
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk in the glaze mixture. For a more liquid consistency, add a little extra milk.
- Add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the glaze for extra strawberry flavor and a pop of color.
Freezing Instructions:
- You can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a sealed container. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature before baking as directed.
- Baked rolls can also be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these rolls warm with a fresh fruit salad or a side of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A cup of coffee or tea pairs perfectly with their sweetness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for dough rising)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
Calories: 300
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 266mg
Fat: 16.67g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.83g (estimated from total fat minus saturated fat)
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 51.67g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5.83g
Cholesterol: 60mg