Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling and topped with a sweet glaze—these rolls are the perfect mix of indulgence and comfort. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These cinnamon rolls take the classic version to a whole new level. The rich, tangy cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries, and the cinnamon-swirled dough makes every bite irresistible. Plus, they’re made from scratch, but the process is simple enough for anyone to follow.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

For the Dough:
warm milk
granulated sugar
active dry yeast
all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, melted
egg
salt
For the Filling:
cream cheese, softened
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
fresh strawberries, diced
crushed graham crackers
For the Glaze:
cream cheese, softened
unsalted butter, softened
powdered sugar
fresh strawberries, pureed
lemon juice
vanilla extract
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below!

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let it sit until foamy, then mix in eggs, melted butter, and flour. Knead until smooth and let the dough rise until doubled in size.

Make the filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Dice the strawberries and gently fold them into the mixture.

Roll and fill

Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before rolling it up tightly.

Slice and rise

Cut the log into even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again until puffy.

Bake until golden

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and the centers are cooked through.

Add the glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure soft, fluffy rolls.
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
If the dough is sticky, add a little extra flour while kneading.
For a stronger strawberry flavor, mix a bit of strawberry jam into the filling.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap fresh strawberries for raspberry or blueberry filling.
Use store-bought dough if you’re short on time.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Try a cream cheese frosting instead of a simple glaze for a richer topping.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. They also make a great brunch dish alongside eggs and fresh fruit.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days.
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften them up again.
Freeze unglazed rolls for up to three months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain them well before adding to the filling.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls cleanly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to prevent squishing the dough.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds—fluffy cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake filling. They’re a treat worth making and sharing, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a holiday brunch!

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising time)
Yield: 18servings 1x
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy dough envelops a sweet cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and a hint of cinnamon, all crowned with a luscious strawberry-infused cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the top and let it sit until foamy, about 10 minutes.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
1. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gently fold in diced fresh strawberries and crushed graham crackers.
Assemble the Rolls:
1. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 9×16-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the cream cheese and strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
4. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 25 minutes.
Bake the Rolls:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, until they are lightly golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze:
1. While the rolls are baking, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, pureed fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Glaze the Rolls:
1. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the strawberry cream cheese glaze over the top.

Notes

Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the filling.
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 291
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 259mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 31mg