There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven—a warm, buttery aroma that seems to wrap the whole house in a cozy hug. For me, that scent always takes me back to childhood Saturdays when my mom would wake up early to surprise us with a tray of soft, golden rolls, still warm and dripping with icing. But one summer afternoon, while picking strawberries at a local farm, we had an idea: what if we folded the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the tangy richness of cheesecake into our beloved cinnamon rolls? And so, Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls were born.

These rolls are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of memories, of summer’s bounty, and of indulgence shared around the kitchen table. They’re perfect for spring brunches, Mother’s Day breakfasts, or any moment when you want to make an ordinary morning feel extraordinary.

Each bite brings a swirl of creamy cheesecake filling, bursts of juicy strawberries, and a pillowy, cinnamon-scented dough topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A sweet twist on a classic: Combines the beloved flavor of cinnamon rolls with luscious cheesecake and strawberries.
• Perfect for brunch or dessert: These rolls are showstoppers, great for holidays or special mornings.
• Versatile & customizable: Use fresh or frozen strawberries—or swap in other berries you love.
• Make ahead friendly: You can prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pride. Let me guide you through it step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm milk and yeast. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until it looks frothy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and ready. Add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs, whisking everything together until smooth.

Slowly add the flour, a cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. Once the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes. You’ll feel it transform beneath your hands into something smooth and elastic. Place it into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

(Tip: If your kitchen is chilly, turn on your oven light and let the bowl rest inside the oven with the door closed.)

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until creamy and spreadable. In a separate bowl, stir together the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. As they sit, the strawberries will release their juices and become even more flavorful.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle the sugared strawberries evenly on top.

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

4. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The smell at this point is divine—like a bakery right in your home.

5. Frost and Serve

While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the cream cheese and butter for the frosting until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, beating until smooth and spreadable. Drizzle or slather the frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into the swirls.

Serve warm and enjoy every bite of strawberry cheesecake bliss.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh strawberries for best flavor: If using frozen, thaw and drain them well.
• Dental floss makes clean cuts: It’s my go-to trick for slicing rolls without squishing them.
• Prep ahead for morning baking: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight after shaping; let them come to room temp before baking.
• Don’t skip the second rise: It gives the rolls their fluffy, bakery-style texture.

Details

Prep Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

You can easily swap in other berries like raspberries or blueberries. For an extra decadent twist, drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid so they don’t make the filling soggy.

Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, then frost.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble them up to the second rise and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before enjoying.

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls, you might also enjoy:

• Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining the cozy familiarity of cinnamon rolls with the bright, creamy flavors of cheesecake and strawberries. Whether you bake them for a holiday, a brunch gathering, or just a weekend treat, these rolls are guaranteed to bring smiles—and maybe a few requests for the recipe.

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