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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Blend the Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the Other Ingredients: Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream or Greek yogurt to cream cheese. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
  7. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
  8. Prepare the Butter: Soften butter until spreadable but not melted.
  9. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down risen dough, roll onto a floured surface into a 16x12 inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
  10. Spread the Butter: Evenly spread softened butter over dough leaving a small border.
  11. Add the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon cheesecake mixture evenly over buttered dough, avoiding edges.
  12. Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over cheesecake layer.
  13. Roll Up the Dough: Starting at the long edge, roll dough into a tight log and pinch seam to seal.
  14. 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.
  15. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover rolls and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed and touching.
  16. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls rise.
  17. Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
  18. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before icing and topping.
  19. Mix the Icing: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk gradually until smooth and spreadable.
  20. Drizzle or Spread: Spread or drizzle icing over warm rolls so it melts slightly, creating creamy topping.
  21. Slice the Strawberries: Thinly slice strawberries and toss with optional sugar for sweetness.
  22. 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.