Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a decadent, bakery-style treat that combines creamy cheesecake, bursts of juicy strawberries, and that unforgettable cinnamon roll aroma, then look no further—this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Each bite delivers pillowy-soft dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, luscious cheesecake filling, and a bright strawberry topping, finished with a tangy cream cheese icing. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this is the kind of recipe that leaves everyone grinning and reaching for a second roll.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is that it takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. Each element plays an essential role: from the rich cream cheese to the summer-sweet strawberries, nothing here is extra—all are crucial for that perfect gooey, fluffy, flavor-packed roll.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups/240g): The sturdy backbone of your dough, giving the rolls structure and chew.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup/120ml), lukewarm: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp/7g): The leavening agent that gives your rolls that irresistible, bakery-style rise.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup/50g for dough, 1/4 cup/50g for filling): Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup/60g for dough, 1/4 cup/60g for filling): Adds moisture, flavor, and richness throughout the rolls.
• Egg (1 large): Contributes to the dough’s richness and color, keeping it moist and fluffy.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp for dough, 1 tsp for filling, 1/4 tsp for icing): Adds a touch of warmth and depth, enhancing all the flavors.
• Salt (1/2 tsp for dough, 1/4 tsp for filling, pinch for icing): Brings out every flavor and balances the sweetness throughout.
• Cream cheese (8 oz/225g for filling, 4 oz/115g for icing): This is the star of our cheesecake swirl, giving the filling and icing their deliciously tangy flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1 tbsp, for filling): Helps the cheesecake filling stabilize during baking so it doesn’t ooze out.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup/120ml, for filling): Adds moisture and a little tang to make the filling extra creamy.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup/100g, for cinnamon sugar): The classic Cinnabon twist—this caramelizes into gooey, cinnamon-rich swirls.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp): The unmistakable flavor of a cinnamon roll, intensified for extra coziness.
• Fresh strawberries (1 cup/150g): Adds a burst of color and juicy sweetness—slice them for the perfect topping.
• Sugar (1 tbsp, optional, for strawberries): If your berries are a little tart, a touch of sugar balances their flavor.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup/60g, for icing): Makes your icing smooth and perfectly sweet.
• Whole milk (1–2 tbsp, for icing): Just enough to thin the icing into that classic drizzle.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

First things first—let’s bring that yeast to life! In a small bowl, combine your lukewarm milk and active dry yeast. Stir until dissolved, then let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. When it turns foamy and bubbly, you’ll know it’s good to go. This step gives your dough that soft, airy texture we all crave in a perfect roll.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a little well in the center, then pour in the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Give everything a gentle mix with a wooden spoon (or even clean hands!) until a shaggy dough forms. This is where your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe really starts to take shape.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once all the ingredients come together, transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—add a sprinkle of extra flour only if it’s truly too sticky. The goal is a soft, slightly tacky dough that promises gooey rolls.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and nestle it into a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise creates that irresistible, fluffy bakery texture that defines a great Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe.

Step 5: Blend the Cream Cheese

While your dough is rising, let’s prep the cheesecake filling. Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. This ensures your filling will be creamy and spreadable—key for even layers in every roll.

Step 6: Add the Other Filling Ingredients

To the cream cheese, add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling fancy). Beat everything until completely smooth and blended, then set aside. This is where the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe gets that signature richness.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, blend together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This luscious cinnamon mixture is the soul of any great cinnamon roll and will amplify every bite with nostalgic warmth.

Step 8: Prepare the Butter

Soften your butter so it’s easily spreadable. Pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds or let it rest at room temp. The right consistency makes it easy to spread a thin, even layer across your dough later.

Step 9: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough’s risen and doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle—aim for about 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm). The thinner you roll, the more delectable swirls you’ll get!

Step 10: Spread the Butter

With a pastry brush or spoon, evenly spread the softened butter over your dough, leaving a tiny border untouched around the edges. This keeps the fillings inside while baking and ensures buttery layers in every bite.

Step 11: Add the Cheesecake Filling

Dollop the cream cheese filling onto your buttered dough, then use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it all over—again, avoid the outer border so you don’t lose any filling as the rolls bake. This creamy, tangy layer takes the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe over the top!

Step 12: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the cheesecake layer. This is your flavor powerhouse: every swirl will be sweet, spiced, and perfectly caramelized.

Step 13: Roll Up the Dough

Start at the long edge, and roll your dough into a snug log, trying to keep things as tight as possible for lots of layers. When you reach the end, pinch the seam to seal the log shut.

Step 14: Cut the Rolls

Use a very sharp knife or dental floss to slice your log into 12 even pieces. Place them, swirls up, into a greased 9×13-inch dish—close enough to cozy up as they rise and bake, but not quite touching…yet!

Step 15: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover your rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes. They should puff up and fill the pan, promising ultra-soft results. This second rise is essential for that pillowy, bakery finish you want in the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe.

Step 16: Preheat the Oven

While your rolls do their final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having your oven nice and hot ensures the perfect bake.

Step 17: Bake

Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until beautifully golden and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, tent them with foil to prevent burning while the centers cook.

Step 18: Cool Slightly

Pull the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps everything set up just right so you can add your toppings without the icing sliding off.

Step 19: Mix the Icing

Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and enough milk to make a soft, spreadable icing. This creamy topping brings all the sweet-tangy elements of the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe together.

Step 20: Drizzle or Spread

Once the rolls have cooled a bit, generously spread or drizzle the icing over the top. The residual warmth will help it slightly melt and seep into all the crevices for that irresistible, ooey-gooey finish.

Step 21: Slice the Strawberries

Thinly slice your strawberries for the final flourish. For extra sweetness, toss them with a tablespoon of sugar. This step brings color and fresh flavor to your finished rolls.

Step 22: Top the Rolls

Gently lay the strawberries over the iced rolls. The bright, juicy berries are the finishing touch, balancing every bite with a pop of freshness alongside that rich, creamy, cinnamon-laced interior.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To really make your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe pop, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a scattering of extra sliced berries and mint leaves. These little touches bring a professional bakery feel right to your kitchen table and make an already beautiful tray of rolls absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with something light and refreshing—think Greek yogurt, a fruit salad, or a crisp mimosa on special mornings. Since the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is rich and indulgent, a fresh citrus salad or sparkling cold brew coffee offers the perfect flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve each roll in individual cupcake liners for a cute bakery look at brunch parties or stack them into a tower for an eye-catching centerpiece at celebrations. Arrange sliced strawberries and edible flowers around the platter to really highlight that summery, joyful spirit only this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe can capture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rolls will stay soft and moist, and the cream cheese filling keeps everything tasting delicious. If you’d like, you can always add a little extra icing when serving leftovers to refresh the flavor.

Freezing

The rolls freeze beautifully! Just bake as directed, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the fresh strawberries on top—add those after reheating for that signature Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe finish.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover or frozen rolls, simply reheat single portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the whole batch in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until soft and gooey again. Add the strawberries and another drizzle of icing just before serving for bakery-fresh taste every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries very well to avoid excess moisture making the rolls soggy. Toss them gently with a little sugar if needed, and arrange right before serving.

How do I make this recipe in advance for a brunch?

You can fully assemble the Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe and then refrigerate, unbaked and covered, overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking as directed for fresh, just-made rolls.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk for the dough and icing, use vegan butter in place of regular, and choose dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt for the filling. The Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe will still be rich, creamy, and delicious.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries—this dough comes together easily with a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands, then a good old-fashioned knead on the counter. The filling and icing can be mixed using a hand mixer or, with a little elbow grease, by hand.

Can I halve the recipe?

Absolutely! Just halve all the ingredients for a smaller batch, and use an 8×8-inch dish instead. The rolls will bake a little quicker, so keep an eye on them and start checking a few minutes early.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of this Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls Recipe is as rewarding as it is fun—each fluffy swirl promises those classic cinnamon roll comforts, but with an extra burst of cheesecake creaminess and bright strawberries. If you’re ready to create a new breakfast tradition or to simply spoil your loved ones, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. You’ll never look at a brunch treat the same way again!

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