These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the ultimate mashup of three favorites—cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and fresh strawberries. Soft, fluffy dough is layered with creamy cheesecake filling and classic cinnamon sugar, then topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re making them for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are pure indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
- Bakery-style taste at home: Rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a gooey cinnamon swirl.
- Versatile: Serve for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Impressive but easy: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, lukewarm
- 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp whole milk (as needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, stir the lukewarm milk and yeast together. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead
Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if too sticky.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and sour cream. Beat until creamy. Set aside.
6. Mix Cinnamon Sugar
Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
7. Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Layer the Fillings
- Spread softened butter over dough.
- Spread cheesecake mixture evenly, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Roll & Slice
Roll up dough from the long side into a log. Pinch to seal. Slice into 12 rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
10. Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy and touching.
11. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
12. Make the Icing
Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
13. Add Toppings
- Let rolls cool for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle or spread icing on warm rolls.
- Top with sliced strawberries (tossed in sugar, if desired).
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth dough and creamy filling.
- Don’t overfill the rolls to avoid leaking while baking.
- Slice with floss for clean, even rolls that don’t get squished.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or Valentine’s Day breakfast.
- Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or chilled with extra strawberries on the side.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave individual rolls.
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Servings: 12
Calories: ~320
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 40g
Protein: 6g
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the kind of show-stopping treat that everyone will rave about. They’re rich, tender, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just treating yourself, these rolls will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy every sweet, sticky bite!
Save this recipe for your next weekend bake—and don’t forget to share it with fellow dessert lovers!