Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls – Best Homemade Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls: A Decadent Fusion of FlavorsFew things are as satisfying as biting into a warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll. The sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar, the pillowy dough, and that irresistible cream cheese icing make this pastry a timeless favorite. Now imagine taking all that indulgence a step further by pairing it with tangy strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling. Strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls embody the best of both worlds—a classic cinnamon roll meets the luscious goodness of cheesecake and the bright, fruity taste of strawberries. The result is a dessert (or even a breakfast treat) that’s almost too good to be true.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

1. Yeast Dough

• Flour: All-purpose flour or bread flour works well. Bread flour can yield a slightly chewier roll, while all-purpose flour creates a softer result.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast. Be sure to check the expiration date, as old yeast may not rise effectively.
• Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the dough, though you can also use 2% or nondairy options if desired.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
• Butter: Melted or softened butter brings flavor and richness.
• Eggs: Help bind the dough and provide structure.

2. Cheesecake Filling

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is ideal for maximum creaminess and flavor. Soften it at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without adding any grittiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor, giving the filling a classic cheesecake essence.

3. Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture and Strawberries

• Cinnamon & Brown Sugar: The hallmark duo for any cinnamon roll filling. Brown sugar’s molasses undertone complements the tang of the strawberries.
• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best for texture and flavor, but frozen strawberries can also be used if they’re drained well to avoid extra moisture in the rolls.

4. Glaze or Frosting

• Cream Cheese Icing: A blend of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk for consistency. This is a classic topping that ties all the flavors together.
• Strawberry Drizzle (Optional): If you want an even bolder strawberry flavor, reduce some strawberry puree with sugar to create a syrupy drizzle.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the Milk: Heat 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan or microwave until lukewarm (around 100–110°F or 38–43°C).
2. Proof the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) of yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it turns foamy on top.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon of salt, and about 3 cups of flour (added gradually). Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Cream Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until creamy.
2. Sweeten and Flavor: Add ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and set aside.

3. Prep the Cinnamon-Sugar and Strawberries

1. Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: Combine ½ cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
2. Strawberries: Wash and hull 1 cup of fresh strawberries, then chop into small pieces. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before chopping.

4. Roll Out and Fill

1. Roll the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, about 14 inches wide by 18 inches long, keeping the thickness even.
2. Layer the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix on top, followed by the strawberry pieces.
3. Roll It Up: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough into a tight log. Use both hands to roll it evenly. Pinch the seam to seal.

5. Slice and Second Rise

1. Slice the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss (for cleaner cuts) to slice the log into 12–14 equal pieces.
2. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolls, cut side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round pans, leaving a little space for them to expand.
3. Second Rise: Cover and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until they are puffy and touching each other.

6. Bake and Frost

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
3. Frosting: In a bowl, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Spread or drizzle over warm rolls.
4. Optional Strawberry Drizzle: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, reduce ½ cup of strawberry puree with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small saucepan until it thickens. Drizzle over the frosted rolls.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Rolls

1. Temperature Matters

• Ingredients: Use room-temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese, eggs, and butter. This ensures everything combines more smoothly.
• Yeast Activation: Be mindful not to heat the milk beyond 110°F (43°C). Overly hot milk can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising.

2. Don’t Skimp on Rising Time

Allow the dough to rise until it has visibly doubled. Yeast dough can be sensitive to room temperature. If your kitchen is cold, consider preheating your oven for a couple of minutes, turning it off, and letting the dough rise inside.

3. Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries

Fresh strawberries typically yield better texture. However, frozen strawberries are still delicious—just make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid watery fillings.

4. Dental Floss Trick

For a neat cut, slide a piece of unflavored dental floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull. This results in a cleaner slice than using a knife, which can sometimes squish the dough.

5. Adjust the Sweetness

Feel free to modify the amount of sugar according to taste. If you prefer a milder sweetness, cut back on the sugar in the filling or the icing.

Creative Variations

1. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Rolls

Add a layer of chocolate chips or Nutella on top of the cream cheese filling for a chocolate-strawberry cheesecake twist.

2. Lemon Strawberry Rolls

Swap out the cinnamon for a bit of lemon zest and juice. This results in a tangy citrus flavor that accentuates the sweetness of the strawberries.

3. Berry Medley Rolls

Replace some or all of the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The combination of flavors and vibrant colors takes these rolls to another level.

4. Gluten-Free or Vegan

For those with dietary restrictions, experiment with gluten-free flour blends or plant-based alternatives like almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese. The process remains largely the same—just note that rising and baking times may vary.

Serving Suggestions

1. Warm and Fresh: Nothing beats the taste of strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. The filling will still be warm, gooey, and utterly delicious.
2. Brunch Showstopper: Serve these rolls as the centerpiece of a brunch spread, accompanied by fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and coffee or tea.
3. Dessert Presentation: Plate the rolls with an extra drizzle of strawberry sauce and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm roll creates a delightful contrast.
4. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking the next day.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature (Short-Term): If you plan to enjoy them within 1–2 days, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration (Longer Storage): For up to a week, keep them in the refrigerator, especially since they contain cream cheese. Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are an irresistible twist on the classic cinnamon roll, blending sweet strawberries, tangy cheesecake, and that comforting swirl of cinnamon. They’re the perfect treat for any special occasion or whenever you’re craving a sweet indulgence. With soft, fluffy dough, a creamy filling, and a mouthwatering aroma, these rolls will disappear from your table in no time.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at yeast dough for the first time, following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this guide will set you on the path to success. Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional flavors or garnishes—these rolls are wonderfully versatile. Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a go-to dessert (or breakfast!) that will impress every time you bake it.

For more tips on working with enriched yeast doughs and mastering the art of homemade cinnamon rolls, check out King Arthur Baking’s Cinnamon Roll Guide.