Alright, picture this: warm, gooey rolls straight out of the oven, bursting with sweet strawberries and that rich, tangy cheesecake flavor you can’t resist. These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are like a delicious mash-up of your breakfast dreams and dessert fantasies all rolled into one. The dough is soft, pillowy, and perfectly swirled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. If you’re anything like me, your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery in no time—sweet, buttery, and totally addictive. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll want to make them every weekend (maybe even sneak them for dinner!). Let’s get rolling!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising and cooling)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by activating your yeast in the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy—this wakes up the yeast so your dough rises perfectly.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, but keep it on the softer side—that’s the secret to fluffy rolls!
Step 3:
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4:
While the dough rises, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth for the filling. Then gently fold in the chopped strawberries. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 5:
Once risen, roll your dough out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over it, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly. Dollop and spread the cheesecake-strawberry mixture over the top—don’t be shy, this is the best part!
Step 6:
Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting at the long edge. Slice into 8 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Step 7:
While they bake, beat together the frosting ingredients until creamy and smooth. Spread generously on warm rolls and try not to eat the entire pan by yourself!
Variations & Tips
Swap fresh strawberries for frozen (thawed and drained) when out of season.
Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for crunch.
If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before rolling out.
For extra strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the frosting.
Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls to avoid squishing them.
For a dairy-free twist, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based versions.
How I Like to Serve It
This is the ultimate brunch star with coffee or a big glass of cold milk. These rolls also make a delightful treat to share at baby showers, weekend breakfasts, or a cozy Valentine’s Day morning. Warm, gooey, and bursting with strawberry sweetness, they’re best enjoyed fresh but honestly… they rarely last more than a day in my house!
Notes
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days; warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
You can freeze baked rolls covered tightly for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat gently.
Closing: These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls bring a little bit of magic to any morning, turning an ordinary day into a sweet celebration you can slice and share.
