Description
Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls combine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries, topped with a creamy cream cheese icing for a perfect indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
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
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
Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
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: Combine lukewarm whole milk with active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make and knead the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt with the activated yeast mixture. Form into a ball and knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar filling: In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep the softened butter ready for spreading.
- Roll out the dough and assemble: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, then layer with the cheesecake filling. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Shape and cut the rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and allow to rise for an additional 30–45 minutes.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the cream cheese icing: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the icing is smooth and spreadable. Drizzle or spread the icing over the warm rolls.
- Add strawberry topping: Slice fresh strawberries and, if desired, toss with a tablespoon sugar for extra sweetness. Arrange the strawberries on top of the iced rolls just before serving to add a fresh, fruity contrast.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk (around 100-110°F) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Kneading dough thoroughly is key to achieving soft, fluffy rolls.
- Allowing both dough rises improves texture and flavor development.
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen can be thawed and drained to use instead.
- Adjust sugar in strawberry topping based on your sweetness preference.
- For a richer icing, use cream cheese and cold butter combination.