Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful fusion that combines the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls. Topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for brunch, special occasions, or as a luxurious treat for yourself. Follow this recipe to create a batch of these irresistible rolls.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup finely chopped strawberries
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm milk with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough is soft and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Making the Filling:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Prep the Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
2. Add Filling: Spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture over the dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
4. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Preparing the Frosting:

1. Mix Ingredients: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
2. Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls are slightly cooled, spread the frosting over them.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic flavors, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tanginess. Serve them warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s sure to impress. Enjoy baking and indulging in this luxurious treat!

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. The cold environment slows down the yeast, allowing for a slow rise. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature, proceed with the filling, and then bake as directed.

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?

Answer: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, strawberry preserves or jam can be used for a more concentrated flavor, but use them sparingly to avoid excessive sweetness.

How Can I Ensure My Cinnamon Rolls are Fluffy and Soft?

Answer: The key to fluffy cinnamon rolls is in the dough. Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. Kneading the dough enough to make it soft and elastic also contributes to a lighter texture. Finally, don’t overbake the rolls; remove them from the oven when they are just golden brown.

Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Rolls?

Answer: Absolutely! These cinnamon rolls can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, place the cut rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allow them to rise, and then bake. Baked rolls can be frozen in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Are There Any Variations to This Recipe I Can Try?

Answer: There are many variations you can try. For a different fruit flavor, consider using blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. Adding lemon zest to the dough or frosting can give a refreshing citrus twist. For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.