Indulge in Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls: A Delight!

 

There’s something utterly magical about summer – the sun is shining, the days are longer, and fresh strawberries are bursting with flavor at every farmers’ market. One of my all-time favorite memories is helping my grandma whip up a decadent strawberry dessert every summer. The sweet smell of berries and cream cheese wafting through the kitchen was enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. That’s what inspired these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! They marry the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all wrapped up in cinnamon-sugared dough. You’re going to fall in love with these gooey, delicious treats, just like I did!

If you’re looking for a brunch idea that will impress or a delightful dessert to share, these rolls are where it’s at! Picture this: you pull them out of the oven, and the sweet, cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen, beckoning everyone to come join you. The moment you take a bite, the soft dough gives way to a creamy filling, and every flavor dances on your palate. It’s a warm hug in roll form!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
• Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat any time of day.
• Refreshing and delightful summer flavors with strawberries.
• Decadent cheesecake filling makes them extra special.
• Can be made ahead of time and baked fresh when you need them!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious rolls:

• For the Dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (feel free to mash them slightly for a burst of flavor!)
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Sugar:
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)

Note: Fresh strawberries work best in this recipe, but you could substitute with frozen if needed. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until hunks of dough form. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.
2. Knead the Dough: Dust a clean surface with a little flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy!
3. Let It Rise: Place your dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee and get a little taste of the flavor experience to come!
4. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the chopped strawberries. Mix until there are no lumps and it’s creamy. Your kitchen is going to smell divine at this point!
5. Roll It Out: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out onto a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
6. Add the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This is where you can really get creative! The strawberries should peek through just a bit.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Time! In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling!
8. Roll It Up: Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the log into 12 even rolls. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish (or a lined one for easy clean-up!).
9. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up. You just can’t rush the magic!
10. Bake Them: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffy.
11. Glaze It Up: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Twists to Try: Swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries, or explore adding chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
• Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a different flavor profile.
• Diet Swaps: For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the filling. You could also use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough!
• Extra Topping: Consider topping with crushed graham crackers for a fun cheesecake crust vibe!

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are divine just as they are, but if I were to serve them, I’d pair them with a nice cup of coffee or some freshly brewed tea. How about a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a special occasion? Picture it: a warm roll, gooey, creamy and sweet with just a hint of cinnamon, alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the folds of the roll. Heaven!

You could also sprinkle some fresh strawberries on top for a burst of color and a bit of tartness that plays beautifully against the sweetness. A drizzle of that glaze over the top ensures they’ll be the stars of the show, whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy family dinner!

Storage Tips

If you somehow have leftovers (which I doubt!), you can store these rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them back up!

For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm them up in the oven or microwave. Perfect for a last-minute treat!

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Just prepare the dough, let it rise, and then punch it down and place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and adding your filling!

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

No worries! You can use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture first. Canned strawberries can also work in a pinch, but I recommend fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?

Sure! Cream cheese gives that nice cheesecake flavor, but you could try mascarpone for a richer taste or even ricotta for a lighter touch. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed!

Can I skip the glaze?

You can definitely enjoy these rolls without the glaze! They’re delicious as-is. However, the glaze adds that final, sweet touch that brings everything together.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your very own batch of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls that are sure to win hearts and fill bellies. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out – it’s perfect for impressing guests, or just for treating yourself on a leisurely weekend morning. Please let me know how they turned out in the comments below! And share any fun toppings or variations you came up with! Happy baking, my friend!