Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls: A Deliciously Decadent Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls: Prepare to have your breakfast (or dessert!) world completely revolutionized! Imagine the warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness of a Cinnabon, but amplified with the tangy sweetness of strawberry cheesecake. Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of combining cheesecake and cinnamon rolls are shrouded in delicious mystery, the concept draws upon the beloved traditions of both. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots, have become a global comfort food, offering warmth and sweetness in every swirl. Cheesecake, a dessert enjoyed since ancient Greece, brings a rich, creamy counterpoint. Marrying these two classics creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

What makes these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect balance. The soft, pillowy dough, infused with cinnamon, provides a comforting base. The creamy cheesecake filling adds a luxurious tang, while the burst of fresh strawberry flavor elevates the entire experience. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests or simply treat yourself to something special, these rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable treat!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup strawberry jam (high-quality, seedless preferred)
• ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnabon Glaze (Optional):
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper yeast activation and flavor.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is essential to ensure your yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating those airy pockets that make the rolls so soft and fluffy.

Making the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

1. Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your filling.
2. Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Incorporate Strawberry Elements: Gently fold in the strawberry jam and diced fresh strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling too runny. The goal is to have a beautiful swirl of strawberry throughout the cheesecake filling.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent gaps and ensure even baking.
4. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Dental floss is a great trick for getting clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
5. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise is crucial for achieving that ultimate soft and pillowy texture.

Baking the Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly, making them easier to handle.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Again, make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened.
2. Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Frosting and Glazing (Optional):

1. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
2. Prepare the Cinnabon Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Stir in the salt.
3. Drizzle with Glaze (Optional): Drizzle the Cinnabon glaze over the frosted rolls. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and that classic Cinnabon flavor.
4. Serve: Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are truly a symphony of flavors and textures, a delightful indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to create. I know, I know, it sounds a little ambitious, but trust me, the end result is so worth the effort. From the warm, comforting cinnamon-spiced dough to the tangy cream cheese filling and the burst of fresh strawberry goodness, every bite is an experience. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a statement. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family, or simply treat yourself to something truly special.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious deliciousness, it’s the perfect marriage of familiar comfort and exciting innovation. We’ve taken the classic cinnamon roll, a beloved staple, and elevated it to new heights with the addition of creamy cheesecake and juicy strawberries. It’s a dessert that appeals to everyone, from the cinnamon roll purist to the adventurous foodie. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these are baking is simply divine – a guaranteed mood booster!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these rolls are absolutely incredible on their own, warm from the oven, a few simple additions can take them to the next level. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome companion, adding a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, gooey rolls. Or, for a more sophisticated touch, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze – the tangy sweetness pairs beautifully with the strawberries and cream cheese.

Feeling adventurous? Consider these variations:

* Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy twist.
* White Chocolate Chips: Fold in some white chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra sweetness and decadence.
* Graham Cracker Crumble: Sprinkle a graham cracker crumble over the rolls before baking to add a delightful crunch and enhance the cheesecake flavor.
* Different Berries: Swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile. A mixed berry version would be stunning!
* Nutella Swirl: For the chocolate lovers, swirl a layer of Nutella into the dough along with the cinnamon sugar.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Most importantly, I urge you to give these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special occasion breakfast. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and they’re sure to become a new family favorite.

And finally, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking!