Introduction to Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delicious. That’s why I absolutely adore these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring a little joy into your day. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as these rolls bake, filling your home with warmth and comfort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and make your busy days a bit brighter.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a game-changer for busy days! They’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with family or friends, making any gathering feel special. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and filling, balancing the flavors.
- Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse helps your rolls rise, making them fluffy and light.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the sweetness in the rolls.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot!
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the dough and filling.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, giving the dough a lovely texture.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing that creamy cheesecake flavor we all love.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- Fresh strawberries: These juicy gems bring a burst of freshness and sweetness to the rolls.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor to the filling, complementing the strawberries beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the sweetness and adds a cozy aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the glaze, giving it that sweet, smooth finish.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling over your rolls.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative with substitutions, like using almond milk for a dairy-free option or adding nuts for extra crunch!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Prepare the Dough
Let’s start with the dough, the heart of our Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. First, warm the milk until it’s cozy, not hot. Combine it with sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Next, add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir it all together. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. It should feel slightly sticky but manageable. Now, it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. Once done, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about an hour. This is where the dough gets fluffy and dreamy!
Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy, like a cloud of deliciousness. Next, take your fresh strawberries and dice them into small pieces. This will add a burst of flavor to each roll. Set both the cream cheese mixture and strawberries aside for later.
Roll and Fill
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! On a floured surface, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter over the dough, followed by the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to cover every inch!
Now, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the cream cheese. Finally, scatter the diced strawberries on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up, and get ready for the second rise!
Second Rise and Bake
After slicing, cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture we all love. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them golden brown and smelling heavenly!
Make the Glaze & Serve
While the rolls are baking, let’s prepare the sweet glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to get your desired consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!
Tips for Success
- Always check the yeast’s freshness; it should foam when activated.
- Use dental floss for clean cuts when slicing the rolls.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Adjust the glaze consistency with more milk if needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large one is best for the dough.
- Rolling pin: A standard rolling pin works, or even a wine bottle in a pinch!
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish is perfect for the rolls.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the glaze; a fork can work too.
- Sharp knife or dental floss: For slicing the rolls cleanly.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Strawberry Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Berry Medley: Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful and fruity filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a colorful and healthy contrast.
- For a special touch, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
- Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent treat.
FAQs about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your rolls.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The best way to reheat your rolls is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in your kitchen. The joy of pulling a warm, gooey roll from the oven, drizzled with creamy glaze, is simply unmatched. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that brings smiles to faces, young and old alike. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weekend morning, these rolls are sure to brighten your day. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the deliciousness together. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delicious. That’s why I absolutely adore these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring a little joy into your day. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as these rolls bake, filling your home with warmth and comfort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and make your busy days a bit brighter.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and combine it with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then let it rise in a greased bowl for about an hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon, and dice the strawberries.
- Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, then the cream cheese mixture, followed by brown sugar, cinnamon, and strawberries. Roll tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
- Second Rise and Bake: Place rolls in a greased baking dish, let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze & Serve: Whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Use dental floss for clean cuts when slicing the rolls.
- Adjust the glaze consistency with more milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
