There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining the distinct flavors of strawberry cheesecake with the beloved, comforting classic of cinnamon rolls. Imagine waking up to the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked rolls that are soft, fluffy, and generously swirled with a delightful cheesecake filling and topped with fresh strawberries. Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, making every occasion a little more special. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced chef, this recipe will guide you through creating these scrumptious rolls that are bound to impress.
Why We Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are more than just a treat; they are an experience for your taste buds. The contrast between the creamy cheesecake filling and the sweet, juicy strawberries complements the rich flavor of cinnamon rolls perfectly. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also look stunning with their vibrant topping, making them a centerpiece at any gathering. They can effortlessly turn any dull morning into a festive occasion, and the best part is that they are made from scratch, allowing you to control every ingredient. The nostalgia of Cinnabon rolls combined with a delicious twist of strawberry cheesecake makes these rolls irresistible.
Ingredients about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
To whip up a batch of these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Directions
Creating these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Let’s walk through the steps:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk with active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves completely, then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that your yeast is ready to work its magic.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in your yeast mixture along with softened butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour as needed, but try to maintain a soft texture.
- Let it Rise: Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm location for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it is creamy. Then add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Set this delicious filling aside for later.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure you have the softened butter ready as we will spread it on the dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle that measures approximately 16 by 12 inches.
- Assemble the Rolls: Evenly spread softened butter across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, take your creamy cheesecake filling and spread it over the buttered area. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Shaping the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the slices in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spacing them closely together.
- Second Rise: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they have puffed up and are touching each other.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. If they seem to be browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during baking. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before icing.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Top the Rolls: Once your rolls have cooled for a few minutes, spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing across the warm rolls. This will allow the icing to melt into the surface and enhance the flavors.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Thinly slice your fresh strawberries and toss them with sugar if you’d like a little extra sweetness. Gently arrange the sliced strawberries over the iced rolls, creating a vibrant and inviting topping.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Serving Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is all about presentation and making the experience enjoyable. These fluffy rolls can be served warm right out of the oven drizzled with the cream cheese icing. Arrange them on a pretty platter and consider garnishing with a few extra fresh strawberries for color and freshness.
You can serve these delightful rolls with a side of whipped cream for dipping or alongside a refreshing fruit salad. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect choice for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts on weekends. For an extra indulgent touch, feel free to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Expert Tips: Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate effectively.
- Knead Thoroughly: Properly kneading the dough is essential for creating a fluffy texture. Make sure you knead long enough until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. Patience is key! A good rise will lead to light, airy rolls.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients are fresh, especially the yeast, to achieve the best rise and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in the icing and the filling based on your personal preference. If you more prefer sweetness, don’t hesitate to add a little extra sugar.
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
If you have any Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls left over, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for about 1 to 2 days.
For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator where they can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an even longer period, you can freeze the unbaked rolls (after slicing them) or fully baked rolls. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven until warm.
Variation of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
While the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Roll recipe is phenomenal on its own, you can customize it in various ways to suit your taste preferences:
- Different Fruits: Swap out the strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can even mix different fruits for a delightful medley.
- Nutty Variation: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a rich and decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or pumpkin spice in the cinnamon sugar mixture for added warmth and complexity.
- Healthier Alternative: For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese in the cheesecake filling or use whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour in the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
What makes Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls special?
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls stand out because they fuse the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake and fresh strawberries, creating a delectable and unique treat.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the rolls. This will prevent sogginess.
How can I prevent my rolls from getting dry?
To keep your rolls moist, ensure you don’t overbake them. Baking until just golden and soft will maintain their moisture. Additionally, wrapping them properly for storage will help keep them fresh and soft.
Is there a way to make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, punch it down, and then cover it tightly. Refrigerate overnight and then let it come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.
Can I manage different fillings?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with fillings. You can use chocolate, peanut butter, or even flavored cream cheeses to give your rolls a unique taste profile.
Enjoy making and indulging in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls as you impress family and friends with this delightful recipe. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm Make sure it is lukewarm to activate the yeast.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed For achieving a smooth consistency.
- Pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk with active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves completely, then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in your yeast mixture along with softened butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm location for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Making the Filling and Swirl
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Assembling the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that measures approximately 16 by 12 inches.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread softened butter across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border. Spread the cheesecake filling over the buttered area and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Shaping the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the slices in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish and cover loosely. Let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Baking
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before icing.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add whole milk until smooth.
Serving
- Top the Rolls: Spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing across the warm rolls, allowing the icing to melt into the surface.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Arrange sliced strawberries over the iced rolls, creating a vibrant topping.
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