Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls (Printable view)
Soft swirled rolls filled with cheesecake and fresh strawberries
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warm (110°F)
05 - 1/4 cup warm water
06 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
09 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Strawberry Filling
12 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
15 - 1 tsp lemon juice
→ Cinnamon Sugar
16 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
17 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Vanilla Glaze
18 - 1 cup powdered sugar
19 - 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
20 - 2 tbsp milk
21 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together warm milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy, indicating yeast activation.
02 - Add eggs and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour while mixing. Knead dough by hand or with a mixer for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Cover the dough and place in a warm, draft-free area. Let rise for 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.
04 - Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside for assembly.
05 - Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Allow to cool completely.
06 - Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly combined.
07 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread cheesecake filling evenly over dough, top with cooled strawberry mixture, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
08 - Tightly roll dough from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–28 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
10 - Whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
11 - Drizzle warm rolls generously with vanilla glaze. Serve immediately while still warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The three layers of flavor make every bite feel like discovering something new
- They strike that perfect balance between indulgent comfort and fresh fruit brightness
- The smell alone will make your entire home feel warm and welcoming
02 -
- Cool the strawberry filling completely before spreading or it will melt your cheesecake layer into a messy swirl
- Use dental floss or unflavored thread to slice clean rolls without squishing them
03 -
- Warm your mixing bowl with hot water before making dough to help yeast activate faster
- Brush the tops with a little melted butter right after baking for extra color and shine