Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the creamy richness of cheesecake filling, these rolls stand out as an irresistible treat. The soft, fluffy dough is generously filled with a luscious strawberry cheesecake mixture and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. These rolls will surely be the highlight of any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a deliciously sweet and tangy filling.
• Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a special dessert.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these rolls are beginner-friendly.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of strawberries and the creamy glaze make these rolls eye-catching.
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 12 rolls, they are ideal for serving at family gatherings or parties.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Makes it easy to knead the dough thoroughly for a light texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly, ensuring consistent thickness for even baking.
• Baking dish: Provides a proper space to bake your rolls perfectly without overcrowding.

Ingredients

For these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
• Gradually add warm milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
• Add in the egg and knead until smooth. You can use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
• Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

• In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Stir in finely chopped strawberries and strawberry jam until well combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

• Once risen, punch down the dough gently on a floured surface.
• Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Assemble Your Rolls

• Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
• In another bowl mix together softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the filling.
• Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one end to another into a log shape.

Step 6: Cut Into Rolls

• Slice the log into approximately 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
• Arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

• Cover with a kitchen towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake Your Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze

• While baking, mix softened cream cheese with unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.

Step 10: Glaze Your Rolls

• Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle your cream cheese glaze over warm rolls. Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

These delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Bananas: Add some freshness with sliced bananas on the side.
• Mixed Berries: A medley of berries complements the cheesecake flavor perfectly.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle extra cream cheese glaze over the top for added sweetness.
• Chocolate Sauce: A swirl of chocolate sauce can add a rich contrast to the flavors.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Serve warm rolls topped with freshly whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider using vanilla or strawberry-flavored whipped cream for an extra kick.

Served Warm

• Fresh out of the Oven: Enjoy them warm right after baking for that irresistible gooey texture.
• Warmed Up: If they’ve cooled, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to bring back their softness.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries and ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Knead the Dough Well: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This will give you fluffy rolls.
• Let It Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise. A good rise ensures light and airy rolls.
• Don’t Skip the Glaze: The cream cheese glaze is essential; it adds flavor and moisture to your rolls.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Every oven is different; adjust timing as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls make a fantastic centerpiece, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of your rolls.
3. Bacon or Sausage Links: Savory breakfast meats provide a contrast to the sweet flavors of the rolls.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a healthy yet delicious option alongside your rolls.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns can add a satisfying crunch to your breakfast table.
6. Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm beverage complements these sweet treats beautifully, enhancing their flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can hinder the dough’s rise. Always use warm milk and allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing.
• Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the rolls tough. Mix the dough until just combined and avoid excessive handling for a soft texture.
• Skipping the proofing stage: Not allowing the dough to rise properly will result in dense rolls. Ensure you give the dough enough time to double in size.
• Ignoring measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise ingredient quantities.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking for too long or too short affects texture and flavor. Keep an eye on your rolls towards the end of baking time for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking often to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before incorporating them into the filling.

How do I know when my rolls are baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean when they are done.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or other fruits if you want to vary the flavors in your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is active by testing it with warm water and sugar before using it.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent treat any time of day, from breakfast to dessert. Feel free to customize them with different fruits or toppings according to your taste!