Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-486499H47S
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk, warm; 1/4 cup sugar; 3/4 ounce active dry yeast; 3-1/2 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided; 1 large egg, room temperature; 4 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup seedless strawberry jam; 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1-1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 tablespoon whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready for a dreamy mashup of classic flavors, let me introduce you to Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls! Imagine waking up to the scent of fluffy cinnamon rolls, but with a luscious swirl of strawberry jam and a rich cream cheese glaze that channels everything you love about cheesecake. Every bite is soft, pillowy, and melts in your mouth, with fresh bursts of strawberry shining through. Whether you need something unforgettable for brunch, Easter, a special birthday, or simply want to spoil yourself, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are pure joy in a pan.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples and a few star ingredients are all it takes to whip up these heavenly rolls. Each one has its own essential role, bringing flavor, texture, or that signature color to your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. Here’s what you need and why you need it:

Whole milk: Warm milk gives the dough its soft, tender crumb while helping the yeast bloom for the fluffiest rolls.
Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast for the perfect rise.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough billowy and airy.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of your rolls; gives structure but stays soft after baking.
Egg: Adds richness, binds the dough, and creates that signature soft interior.
Butter (softened): Lends creaminess and richness to both the dough and the glaze.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, bringing warmth and depth to every layer.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and amplify the aromatic notes.
Seedless strawberry jam: The superstar swirl for tangy sweetness and that vibrant berry color.
Chopped fresh strawberries: Real fruit in every bite! Adds freshness, tartness, and juicy pops of flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Classic cinnamon roll taste that cozies up perfectly with strawberries and cream cheese.
Cream cheese: The base for your luscious glaze, adding the “cheesecake” in these rolls.
Confectioners’ sugar: Melts into the glaze for a silky-smooth, sweet finish.
Additional whole milk: Loosens the glaze, helping it cascade over warm rolls.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast and Make the Dough

Start by waking up your yeast—add warm whole milk and sugar to your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Wait until the mixture gets foamy (about 5-10 minutes); that’s when you know your yeast is ready to make magic happen! Slowly mix in the flour, egg, butter, vanilla, and salt. Let the mixer do its thing until a soft, elastic dough forms and pulls away from the sides, then transfer it to a greased bowl. Let your dough rise in a cozy spot until doubled in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where patience pays off for ultra-soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your cutting board with the reserved flour and turn out your dough. Roll it into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle—nice and even is the goal! Next, take a sharp knife and slice the rectangle into 8 long strips. These strips will be the foundation for those beautiful swirled rolls.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the strawberry jam, fresh chopped strawberries, and cinnamon. This colorful, fragrant mixture is what sets these rolls apart. Spread it generously over the surface of the dough strips, making sure every inch is covered for that perfect swirl in every roll.

Step 4: Roll Up and Let Rise (Again!)

Now comes the fun part! Starting from the long end of each dough strip, tightly roll up each one. Arrange your beautiful spirals in a greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Cover them up with a towel and let the rolls rest and rise for another 30 minutes—this makes them extra fluffy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Slide the pan in and bake for 35-38 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown and your whole kitchen smells like pure happiness. Don’t overbake; you want that soft cinnamon roll texture!

Step 6: Whip Up the Dreamy Cream Cheese Glaze

While your rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla, giving it another quick whip until silky. Once the rolls are out of the oven, slather the warm rolls with the glaze so it gets into every delicious nook and cranny.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Take your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls up a notch with a sprinkle of fresh diced strawberries or a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving. A handful of white chocolate shavings or a drizzle of strawberry syrup also looks incredible and makes every roll extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Because these rolls are rich and indulgent, they pair wonderfully with lighter sides like a fresh fruit salad, simple Greek yogurt, or a crisp glass of orange juice. If you’re hosting brunch, offer coffee or black tea for the perfect balance to their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Roll on individual plates with a swirl of glaze and a few whole strawberries on the side. Or, for a more festive look, slice each roll in half and stack with extra glaze and berries between layers—think of it as a cinnamon roll tower! You can even bake them in muffin tins for adorable single-serve portions that kids (and adults!) love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers—lucky you! Let the rolls cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid in the baking dish. They’ll keep soft and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for a little extra shelf life.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully too! For best results, freeze them unfrosted. Wrap each roll individually or the whole batch well in foil and place in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Add the cream cheese glaze after reheating for bakery-fresh flavor.

Reheating

To get them gooey and soft again, pop individual Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For bigger batches, cover with foil and warm in a 300 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a fresh swoosh of glaze and serve warm for that “just baked” feel.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough a day ahead and after the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

No worries! You can use frozen strawberries (thawed and patted dry), or simply use a bit more jam to keep that sweet berry flavor front and center.

Can I use a different flavor of jam?

Definitely! While the strawberry jam makes these taste just like a classic cheesecake, you can play around with raspberry or blueberry jam for fun flavor variations.

Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works well and you can skip the blooming step; just mix it right in with your flour and other ingredients, and the dough will still rise beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! This recipe doubles easily if you’re feeding a crowd. Just use two pans or one larger one, and keep an eye on your baking time as it may need a couple of extra minutes with more rolls in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls—every batch feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these rolls promise happiness in every bite. Go ahead, give them a try and let the flavors of cheesecake, strawberry, and cinnamon swirl their way into your heart!

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls. A perfect combination of sweet strawberry jam, fresh strawberries, and a creamy glaze, these rolls are a must-try for any brunch or dessert.

Instructions

Making the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add flour, egg, butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until dough forms. Let rise until doubled.
Rolling the Dough: Roll out the dough and cut into strips. Spread strawberry mixture over the dough.
Forming the Rolls: Roll each strip tightly and place in a baking dish. Let rise again.
Baking: Bake until golden brown.
Preparing the Glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter, then add sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over warm rolls.