If you love cinnamon rolls and strawberry cheesecake, prepare to fall in love with this heavenly combination. These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are ultra-soft, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with luscious cream cheese and sweet strawberry preserves, all topped with a rich cheesecake-style frosting.
Perfect for brunch, special mornings, or dessert, these rolls bring together the nostalgic comfort of Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls and the sweet-tart flavor of strawberry cheesecake. They look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make—especially if you start with a quick yeast dough or even pre-made dough!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, as needed)
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add in melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Add flour gradually and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 5–7 minutes by hand or mixer). The dough should be slightly tacky, not sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread the cream cheese mixture over the surface, then top with strawberry jam.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then spread this cinnamon mixture evenly over the jam layer.
Step 4: Roll Up and Slice
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–28 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Add milk to reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
- Spread or drizzle frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately while gooey and delicious!
Variation:
- Fresh Strawberries: Add chopped fresh strawberries to the filling for bursts of fruit.
- Shortcut Dough: Use pre-made crescent dough or frozen sweet roll dough.
- Lemon Glaze: Add lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips with the filling for a chocolate-strawberry version.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yeast dough or mix.
COOKING Note:
To avoid soggy bottoms, don’t overload with jam—use just enough to flavor without overwhelming the dough. Chilling the rolled dough log before slicing can help with clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions:
- Brunch centerpiece: Pair with fresh fruit and coffee for a beautiful morning spread.
- Holiday mornings: Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or birthdays.
- As dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Tips:
- Use dental floss to cut clean roll slices without squishing the dough.
- Don’t overheat the milk—it can kill the yeast.
- Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to avoid melting the topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per roll, approx. 12 servings):
- Calories: ~340
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~44g
- Fat: ~15g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~180mg
Exact values depend on ingredients used.
❓FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze them?
- Yes, bake and cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.
Can I use jelly instead of preserves?
- Yes, but use a thicker jam or preserve for best results. Jelly can be too runny.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, but full-fat cream cheese will give a richer, smoother texture.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls are soft, indulgent, and bursting with flavor in every swirl. From the tangy cream cheese to the sweet strawberry filling and the rich cinnamon sugar, every bite delivers bakery-style decadence right from your own oven.
Perfect for special mornings, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up—this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again