Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h
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

Sink your teeth into the irresistible delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls—a playful twist on classic cinnamon rolls infused with bursts of fresh strawberries, swirls of luscious jam, and a dreamy cream cheese glaze that tastes like dessert for breakfast. Each bite delivers the warm comfort of cinnamon-spiced dough wrapped around a sweet-tart filling, topped with a tangy cheesecake-inspired finish. These rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a showstopper for brunch, holidays, or whenever you want to share something truly special.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls is how every ingredient truly shines, delivering layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Most are kitchen staples, but don’t underestimate how each component—whether it’s luscious cream cheese or fresh berries—transforms these rolls into a morning masterpiece!

Whole milk, warm: The foundation of pillowy-soft dough; warmth helps activate the yeast for that irresistible rise.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in proper yeast activation, ensuring the perfect crumb.
Active dry yeast: Essential for giving the rolls their bakery-style fluffiness; let it get nice and foamy!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough—a blend of strength and tenderness with reliable results.
Egg, room temperature: Adds richness and a silky, tender texture to your rolls.
Butter, softened: Imparts flavor, softness, and that unmistakable bakery aroma.
Vanilla extract: Layers in sweet, aromatic warmth, both in the dough and the glaze.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the nuanced flavors within each bite.
Seedless strawberry jam: Provides juicy, vibrant strawberry flavor that soaks into the swirled layers.
Chopped fresh strawberries: Tiny bursts of fresh fruit make each roll pop with color and brightness.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll, adding deep warmth and spice to the filling.
Cream cheese, softened: A must for that classic cheesecake vibe in the velvety glaze.
Confectioners’ sugar: Delivers a smooth, sweet finish to the glaze that melts atop the warm rolls.
Additional whole milk: Helps achieve the ideal creamy consistency in the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough

Kick things off by combining warm milk and sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle that all-important active dry yeast over the top and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes—the mixture should become nice and foamy, signaling the yeast is awake and ready. Gradually add 3-1/2 cups of flour, the egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Once you’ve achieved a cohesive dough, transfer it to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise at room temperature for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly dust your work surface with the remaining 1/4 cup flour, then turn the risen dough out onto it. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Grab a sharp knife and cut the dough lengthwise into 8 even strips—these will become the base of your beautiful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 3: Prepare and Spread the Strawberry Filling

In a small bowl, combine the seedless strawberry jam, chopped fresh strawberries, and ground cinnamon. Mix well for a juicy, fragrant filling bursting with summer flavors. Use a spatula to spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the dough, reaching right to the edges for that coveted jammy swirl in every bite.

Step 4: Roll, Assemble, and Second Rise

Now comes the fun part! Starting with the long end of each dough strip, carefully roll it up into a snug spiral to lock in all the strawberry goodness. Repeat for each strip, then nestle the rolls, swirl side up, in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for another 30 minutes; you’ll see them puff up, promising light-as-air texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide in the rolls and bake for 35 to 38 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and your kitchen fills with the scent of strawberries and cinnamon. Resist the temptation to open the oven too often—keep the heat steady for perfect, even baking.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cheesecake Glaze

While the rolls are baking, make the most luscious cream cheese glaze. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, a splash of whole milk, and vanilla extract. Keep beating for another minute or two until silky and spreadable.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve Immediately

Spread the creamy cheesecake glaze generously over the still-warm rolls—watch as it melts into the swirls, creating a glossy, tangy blanket atop each Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Roll. Serve immediately for ultimate ooze and flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, top your Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls with a scattering of sliced fresh strawberries or a dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar. A few mint leaves add an inviting pop of green and an extra-fresh note that balances the richness of the glaze. You can even scatter a handful of freeze-dried strawberry pieces for a cheffy look and an extra punch of berry flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a big bowl of fresh fruit salad or a tangy citrus yogurt parfait to balance their sweetness. A strong cup of coffee, creamy latte, or herbal tea makes the perfect sippable match. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or even a savory egg bake—this combination will both satisfy and impress!

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls stacked on a pretty cake stand or staggered on a tray lined with parchment and fresh strawberries. Individually plating each roll with a dollop of extra glaze, a fresh berry on top, and a sprig of mint makes for a restaurant-worthy touch. For special occasions, tie parchment around each roll with baker’s twine to create take-home treats guests will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese glaze stays smooth and delicious, but be sure to bring the rolls to room temperature or warm them before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Let baked, unglazed rolls cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Store the glaze separately in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw the rolls and glaze overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, place rolls (unglazed, if possible) in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave individual rolls in 20-second bursts until just warmed through. Once warm, spread generously with cream cheese glaze and savor as if freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh. Just thaw and drain them well before chopping to prevent excess moisture from making the filling runny.

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up through the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking as directed.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No mixer? No problem—just mix the dough in a large bowl with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How can I make these rolls extra gooey?

For gooier rolls, you can double the amount of strawberry jam and chopped strawberries in the filling. Also, don’t overbake; pull them from the oven as soon as they’re golden and cooked through.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the glaze?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, though the glaze will be a bit less rich and creamy. For the best cheesecake flavor and texture, full-fat is usually preferred.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are pure joy baked into every swirl—each bite is a celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re surprising loved ones on a cozy weekend or making a big brunch extra memorable, these rolls are guaranteed to inspire smiles around your table. Go ahead, give them a try—your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, filled with a sweet strawberry jam and cream cheese glaze.

Instructions

CINNAMON ROLLS: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Mix in flour, egg, butter, vanilla, and salt. Let rise until doubled in size.
Sprinkle flour on a surface; roll dough into a rectangle. Cut into strips. Spread strawberry mixture on dough. Roll up each strip and place in a baking dish.
Let rise, then bake until golden brown.
GLAZE: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until creamy. Spread on warm cinnamon rolls.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American