Description
Indulge in these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Soft, fluffy dough is layered with a creamy cheesecake filling, a fragrant cinnamon sugar mix, and topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls combine the rich flavors of cheesecake and cinnamon with a fresh burst of strawberry.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed for consistency
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and the yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky but keep it soft and tender.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place dough ball in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Blend the Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Other Ingredients: Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream or Greek yogurt to cream cheese. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
- Prepare the Butter: Soften butter until spreadable but not melted.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down risen dough, roll onto a floured surface into a 16x12 inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread softened butter over dough leaving a small border.
- Add the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon cheesecake mixture evenly over buttered dough, avoiding edges.
- Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over cheesecake layer.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting at the long edge, roll dough into a tight log and pinch seam to seal.
- Cut the Rolls: Cut dough into 12 equal rolls with a knife or dental floss and place them close but not touching in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Cover rolls and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed and touching.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls rise.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before icing and topping.
- Mix the Icing: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk gradually until smooth and spreadable.
- Drizzle or Spread: Spread or drizzle icing over warm rolls so it melts slightly, creating creamy topping.
- Slice the Strawberries: Thinly slice strawberries and toss with optional sugar for sweetness.
- Top the Rolls: Arrange sliced strawberries gently on top of the rolls for a fresh, sweet finish.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to activate yeast properly; too hot can kill yeast.
- Do not add too much flour when kneading to ensure soft dough.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Cover rolls loosely while rising to prevent drying out.
- If rolls brown too quickly, covering with foil helps avoid burning.
- Strawberries add a beautiful fresh contrast but can be substituted with other berries if desired.
- Icing consistency can be adjusted with milk depending on preference.