Imagine biting into a warm, gooey roll that evokes the deliciousness of strawberry cheesecake wrapped in the softest cinnamon dough. Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the perfect blend of sweet and creamy flavors, creating a unique twist on a beloved classic. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of cinnamon and fresh strawberries. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend brunch, these rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dessert that combines two favorites: cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls stand out because they offer the lightness of the cream cheese filling paired beautifully with fresh strawberries. The addition of cinnamon sugar creates a delightful contrast in flavor, making every bite a new experience. Moreover, this recipe is perfect for sharing, whether with family or friends. The visual appeal of these rolls, with their creamy topping and fresh fruit, adds charm to any gathering.
Ingredients about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
To whip up these mouthwatering rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Directions
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is a fantastic culinary journey that showcases your baking skills. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with the active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring that your dough rises properly.
Next, prepare the dough. In a larger bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Once mixed, pour in the yeast mixture along with the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a dough.
Now it’s time to knead the dough. Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This gives the rolls their delightful texture. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes creamy. Add sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined, and set aside.
Now comes the fun part—creating the cinnamon sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This blend will provide an essential flavor boost to your cinnamon rolls.
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches in size. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, followed by the cheesecake filling, ensuring you reach the edges. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the cheesecake layer.
Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log shape. With a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the log into 12 even pieces. Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish.
Before baking, let the rolls rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes. They should puff up nicely during this time. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
Once they’ve risen enough, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want them perfectly cooked through with a lovely golden crust.
After baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add in whole milk until you reach your desired consistency for the icing; it should be smooth and drizzle-able.
Once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls before topping them with fresh strawberries. Enjoy the combination of warm cinnamon, cold icing, and fresh fruit.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Serving Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is part of the fun. Start by placing them on a large, inviting platter. The visual appeal of bright red strawberries against the creamy icing and cinnamon rolls makes for an eye-catching display.
You can enjoy these rolls warm from the oven or at room temperature. Drizzling with extra icing just before serving adds a delightful touch. Consider pairing them with a beverage like hot coffee or tea. Their sweet and creamy flavors will really shine when complemented by a warm drink.
For a family gathering or brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit and maybe some crispy bacon (if your diet allows). This combination creates a balanced meal that many will love. You can also prepare these rolls the night before and reheat them slightly before serving, making for an effortless morning feast.
Expert Tips: Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
To ensure your rolls come out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:
- Check the Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is active before starting the recipe. If the milk doesn’t get bubbly and frothy, it might be too hot or the yeast may be expired.
- Kneading is Key: Be thorough when kneading the dough. This helps develop the gluten and will give your rolls a wonderful texture.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them mix together smoothly, especially the cream cheese filling.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Be patient when letting the dough rise. Warmer environments are ideal for yeast to do its magic, so find a cozy spot in your kitchen.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add more fruits or switch up the flavors of the filling. Blueberries or raspberries can also be delicious additions.
- Use Dental Floss for Slicing: For clean cuts on the rolls, use unflavored dental floss. It works great to slice through the dough without squishing it.
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
If you find yourself with leftover rolls (which is rare!), you can store them easily. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. This will help retain their softness. If you have leftover icing, keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Add a little milk to refresh it before using if it thickens.
Variation of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
While the classic recipe is incredibly delightful, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations. Here are a few ideas to change up your rolls:
- Fruit Variants: Instead of using strawberries, experiment with other fruits like blueberries, chopped peaches, or even mixed berries.
- Nutty Addition: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the filling or as a topping.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a rich twist that complements the flavors of cheesecake and cinnamon.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: For a seasonal touch, incorporate pumpkin puree into the cheesecake filling and add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Different Icings: Instead of cream cheese icing, try a vanilla glaze or even a chocolate drizzle for a different flavor experience.
FAQ
What are Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls?
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are sweet rolls that combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and topped with fresh strawberries and icing.
How long does it take to prepare Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls?
The total time to prepare these rolls can vary but generally takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including rising and baking time.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Just let them rise again before baking.
Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?
If fresh strawberries are not available, you can substitute with other fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even use frozen fruits that have been thawed and drained.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed to reach desired icing consistency
- pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with the active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a larger bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Once mixed, pour in the yeast mixture along with the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a dough.
- Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes creamy. Add sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined, and set aside.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Assembly
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches in size. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, followed by the cheesecake filling, ensuring you reach the edges.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the cheesecake layer.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log shape. With a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Before baking, let the rolls rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
- After baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese icing and topping with fresh strawberries.
Cream Cheese Icing
- In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add in whole milk until you reach desired consistency.
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