Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Description

Take your cinnamon rolls to the next level with these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls! Soft, fluffy cinnamon-sugar dough is swirled with a creamy cheesecake filling and sweet strawberry preserves, then baked to golden perfection. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting for a heavenly finish that tastes like a bakery treat at home.

Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up, these rolls combine the best of cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and strawberry desserts in one indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry preserves
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin if needed)

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Instructions

1. Make the dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the filling

5. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

3. Assemble the rolls

6. Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
7. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon evenly.
8. Spread cream cheese mixture over cinnamon layer.
9. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves over the cream cheese.
10. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, pinching seam to seal.
11. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

4. Bake

12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover rolls loosely with foil.
13. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to brown tops.

5. Frost & serve

14. Whisk cream cheese frosting ingredients until smooth.
15. Drizzle frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.

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Tips & Tricks

• Make ahead: Assemble rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for fresh rolls.
• Extra strawberry flavor: Use fresh chopped strawberries along with preserves.
• Prevent soggy rolls: Don’t overfill with preserves, which can make the rolls too wet.
• Even baking: Make sure rolls are evenly spaced in the pan to ensure uniform baking.

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Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips along with the cream cheese filling.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls: Swap strawberry preserves for blueberry.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Mini rolls: Use a smaller pan or muffin tin for individual bites.

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FAQs

Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls in a pan, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.

Q: Can I make them without cream cheese?
A: The rolls will still be delicious, but the cheesecake flavor is a key part of their charm. Substitute mascarpone or ricotta if needed.

Q: How long do they stay fresh?
A: Store at room temperature for 1–2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes! Pillsbury or other yeast dough works in a pinch—just adjust baking time as needed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for breakfast or brunch with coffee or tea.
• Top with extra fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
• Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Great for holidays, birthday brunches, or weekend indulgences.