Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to baking, I love making mashups of different treats, such as s’mores cookies or Oreo brownies. There are so many delicious crossover desserts, and for cheesecake lovers looking for a sweet breakfast, strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new favorite.

The rolls are made with yeasted dough, just as in a classic cinnamon roll recipe. However, instead of a traditional cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re dressed up with strawberry jam and chopped fresh strawberries for bright and fruity flavor. For the cheesecake component, we spread a dreamy cream cheese glaze over the top and serve the cinnamon rolls warm. They’re the perfect addition to a special occasion brunch spread or lovely for a cozy Sunday morning at home.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

• Milk: Milk provides a base of rich flavor and moisture for the dough in this recipe. It should be warmed to a range of 105° to 115°F to help activate the yeast. Milk that’s too hot can potentially kill the yeast.
• Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast during activation. It helps the yeast to release carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise. Sugar also adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is an important ingredient in yeast bread recipes. Once activated in a mixture of warm milk and sugar, the yeast is ready to get to work to help the dough rise.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure for these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls. There’s no need to use a different type of flour, like bread flour, for this recipe.
• Egg: One large egg helps bind the dough while providing rich flavor and texture. It’s best to use room-temperature eggs for baking because they’re easier to incorporate.
• Butter: Butter adds flavor and plays a role in the tender texture of these rolls. Take your egg and butter out of the refrigerator at the same time so both reach room temperature.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of both the dough and the cream cheese glaze spread on top of these strawberry cheesecake rolls.
• Salt: A small amount of salt goes a long way in balancing the flavor in the dough.
• Strawberry jam: Instead of a traditional butter and cinnamon-sugar filling, this strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls recipe makes use of strawberry jam in the center. Choose your favorite brand of strawberry jam. If the jar is in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature so it’s easier to spread.
• Fresh strawberries: For a pop of fresh fruit in every bite, use chopped strawberries in the filling as well. Be sure to wash your berries and let them dry ahead of time.
• Cinnamon: While these rolls don’t have as much cinnamon as traditional cinnamon roll recipes, a small amount enhances the flavor of the strawberry filling.
• Cream cheese: Cinnamon rolls are the perfect canvas for a delicious cream cheese glaze. For the smoothest glaze, be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature ahead of time.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar provides structure to thicken the glaze while adding a touch of sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: This step is key whenever you’re using yeast—that is, active dry yeast. Activating it ensures it’s ready to get to work. If the mixture does not get foamy after 10 minutes, discard it and start over with a new packet of yeast.

Step 2: Make the dough

Turn the mixer speed to medium and gradually mix in 3-1/2 cups flour, the egg, butter, vanilla extract and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll the dough

Sprinkle a cutting board with the remaining 1/4 cup flour. Transfer the dough to the floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle.

Step 4: Fill and roll up the dough

Use a knife to cut eight evenly sized strips of dough down the length of the rectangle. In a small bowl, stir together the strawberry jam, chopped strawberries and cinnamon. Using a spatula, spread the mixture evenly over the dough. Starting with the long end of each strip, tightly roll up the dough to form a roll. Repeat with all eight strips. Place the rolls in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°.

Editor’s Tip: Strawberry jam is a messy filling, so it’s easier to cut strips of dough and roll them individually. However, you can still choose to use the traditional method of spreading the filling over the dough, rolling it into a log and slicing the log with a sharp knife if you prefer.

Step 5: Bake the rolls

Bake the rolls for 35 to 38 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Top with the cream cheese glaze

While the rolls are baking, place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until smooth, two to three minutes. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla extract, and beat for another one to two minutes. Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

PETAR MARSHALL for Taste of Home

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Use a different fruit: Strawberries are the star of the show here, but you could switch it up. Use another type of jam such as raspberry jam, blueberry jam or a mixed berry option.
• Try another topping: Prefer a vanilla or almond glaze? While the cream cheese topping is what makes these rolls taste like strawberry cheesecake, you could skip it. A vanilla glaze can be prepped just as quickly with confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and milk. For a thicker frosting, choose to make homemade cream cheese frosting.
• Amp up the strawberry flavor: There’s strawberry flavor in the filling of these rolls, but you could certainly add more. When mixing the cream cheese glaze, add 1 to 2 tablespoons strawberry jam for a fruity creamy topping.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

These strawberry cheesecake rolls are certainly best served fresh and warm. If you do have extras, wrap them or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat the rolls, warm them in the microwave or oven.

Can you freeze strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls?

While these rolls are best when fresh, you could make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Bake and cool the rolls, but don’t top them with the cream cheese glaze until later. Store them wrapped or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. Let the rolls thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven. Top the warm cinnamon rolls with the freshly prepared cream cheese glaze.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Roll Tips

PETAR MARSHALL for Taste of Home

Should you chill the dough for strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls?

There’s no need to chill the dough before assembling these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls. You can choose to chill the dough to make it easier to roll out and assemble, but if you plan to slice the dough into strips before rolling up the dough, it’s really not necessary.

Why are my cinnamon rolls not light and fluffy?

One of the best tips for making cinnamon rolls is to give the dough plenty of rise time at the proper temperature. Be sure the dough is rising in a warm space. Plan ahead so you have plenty of time for the dough to rise and for the assembled rolls to have a second rise before baking.

What else can you serve with strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls?

Our strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls recipe can be served on its own or enjoyed with a full breakfast or brunch spread. Pair the cinnamon rolls with something savory, such as a baked omelette or vegetable frittata.